Enhancing Productivity with Java, DB2 and the AS/400

Book Reviews

Below you will find an anotated bibliography of some of our favorite books that we think you should consider as an addition to your library. We have included links to Amazon.com where you can find more information, read other reader comments and (if interested) order a copy for yourself.

Java in Practice: Design Styles and Idioms for Effective Java by Nigel Warren and Philip Bishop (Addison-Wesley, 1999).

The best programming books come in small packages. The tiny spine of this gem caught my eye as I was browsing through the shelves of Java books. Always a fan of concise, but extremely useful, programming books such as the classic The C Programming Language by Kernighan and Ritchie (affectionately known as K&R), I immediately plucked it from the shelf. Just from scanning the first few pages, I knew I had found the perfect addition for my growing Java library.

I have never before described a programming book as a page-turner, but Java in Practice fits the bill. I literally read through the night as I was finally able to put names to techniques I had "developed" and learned new ways to systemize and fine-tune my Java programming.

Java in Practice is not a "first" book for Java programmers. It will not teach you Java, but rather will improve your grasp of the language. Although the target audience is experienced Java programmers (for who it is truly valuable), we think even beginners would be well-advised to slowly work through the book as they learn in order to deter bad Java programming habits and gain insight into object-oriented design and strategies.

Java in Practice deserves a place in every serious Java Programmer's library.

-Bradley Kliewer