Holub on Patterns: Learning Design
Patterns by Looking at Code by Allen
Holub
Highly Recommended
Allen Holub is a long time expert on Design and Design Patterns…Even if
you do know your design patterns well, Ill wager Holub still has a trick or
two to impress you with. Design patterns are really about making the best
use of object orientation, and this book provides plenty of good advice
independent of particular patterns. ...you are able to see a real-world
implementation, complete with warts and trade-offs… From a readability
standpoint, the book also shines. The conversational nature of his writing
means that you arent feeling as if youre poking yourself in the eye
repeatedly. Its actually enjoyable... Holub explains programming in an
object-oriented way, and how to use design patterns to solve
commonplace problems in object-oriented systems. ...very detailed with its
examples and extended explanations of proper object-oriented
methodologies, (which) scores bonus points with me.

— John Flinchbaughs Weblog
The existing books on design patterns take a catalog approach, where
they show the individual design patterns in isolation. This approach is
fundamentally flawed because you cant see how the design patterns
actually function in the real world. Most programmers learn by looking at
computer programs.
Holub on Patterns: Learning Design Patterns by Looking at Code
teaches you design patterns in exactly this way: by looking at computer
programs and analyzing them in terms of the patterns that they use.
Consequently, you learn how the patterns actually occur in the real world
and how to apply the patterns to solve real problems.
This book also looks at the broader context of object-oriented (OO)
design and how patterns solve commonplace OO design problems. It
covers many of the principles of OO design&emdash;principles not
covered by most books on Java&emdash;and shows you how to apply
these principles to make your code easier to maintain and debug.
Personal Review: Holub on Patterns: Learning Design Patterns
by Looking at Code by Allen Holub
„Holub on Patterns" by Allen Holub is a complement book to the well-
known GoF's Design Patterns book.
Allen starts with on overview of object orientation and design patterns and
basic design principals like programming with interfaces and define
patterns versus idioms.
In the main part of the book all 23 design patterns grouped in creational,
structural and behavioral patterns are introduced while setting up two
applications: „The Game of Life" and „Implementing Embedded SQL".
During designing these applications the author discusses the design
patterns in a practical way giving many detailed code snippets and UML
diagrams.
The appendix lists all patterns in a brief overview with the most important
facts: the context, what problem does it solve, pros and cons, often
confused with, reference to similar patterns and implementation notes and
examples.
The 432 pages are full of helpful information understanding the well-known
design patterns and seeing them in practical usage accompanying with
each other. Allen gives very valuable hints to understand the backgrounds
and the details of all patterns.

Allen assumes the reader to have basic java and UML knowledge. This
book serves a wide audience: beginners and also experts will find very
valuable information.
The author also gives very specific information and hints on design flaws
like the design of the JEditor Pane in Java Swing. He also gives an
excellent own solution how he would design the component. Also he does
not hide his opinion e.g. about Microsoft technology.
This wonderful book did a great job for me. I read Allen's point of view with
his clear words. The book is a real discussion not only a boring list of
patterns. I love the practical usage in the given scenarios. Although in my
opininion the two example applications are growing to big.
I really hope the author writes other books. I love his style and would like to
further profit from his knowledge.
The book published by the excellent publisher Apress is an absolutely
must-have!
For More 5 Star Customer Reviews and Lowest Price:
Holub on Patterns: Learning Design Patterns by Looking at Code by Allen Holub 5 Star
Customer Reviews and Lowest Price!