design_patterns

Design Patterns For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech))
$29.99
Like many other programmers, after reading the seminal Design Patterns by the GoF, I was under the charm, while at the same time quite confused by some of the patterns. I had to get an other book to polish the rough edges.

I got this book, and quite frankly I only read one chapter, the one about Flyweights. Now if like me you work in the video game industry, you know full well how important Flyweights are in game dev, and one of the patterns you probably know, like me, in depth.

I couldn't believe what I was reading. This chapter is not merely misleading, it is dead wrong. The code example doesn't show at all what a Flyweight is. Now the damage was done: how can I learn from patterns I have difficulties with, if that one I know full well is so wrong?

I returned the book, did some research and got the one from Christopher Lasater instead. If you want to understand the most cryptic parts of the GoF book, avoid that dummy book and go straight to the Lasater one.

Head First Design Patterns
$44.95
I tried reading other books on the same topic before but I gave up finally after sometime. Their presentation is either boring, too brief, without much explanation, lack of proper example or simply too difficult to read. That book is totally different. I read it quickly and found it very interesting to read. The idea is clearly presented in a comprehensivable way with short text, many graphics and illustration. Example is easy to understand. Highly recommend. No need to think, buy it!!!

Head First Object-Oriented Analysis and Design
$49.99
I expected it is a nice book summing up and showing good examples, and list all valuable OOD principles. But it is not.

There is no clear and concise description of main points, all is around pictures on many pages.
Not all OOD principles listed.
OOP is not given as clear topic, just buy some pieces.
Examples and some terms definition is very quistionable.
I think authors should more crearly and in more details tell the basics.

Though it can be used as a book for total beginners in order to clarify hard questions and tie between OOP and Java.

C# 3.0 Design Patterns
$39.99
seems like all pattern books (authors admit) get caught up in the example.

One author (Cooper) got caught up in (his kids I guess) an app handling swimming competition.

Another caught up in fire works manufacture.

I started "fixing" the examples in the "gang of four" book.