Unique and highly recommended look at design patterns

Holub on Patterns focuses on applying design patterns, as they exist in the real world. That is, many overlapping patterns, tangled up, and deliberately so. Holub teaches patterns by example, rather than the encyclopedia-style format we're used to. There's a strong "real world" focus, and it's both a unique and compelling format. It's also a great deal of fun. Holub's a strong writer, and very opinionated. He also advocates a purist's form of OO design, which I happen to agree with: don't use getters/setters, don't use extends, etc. If you aren't used to real OO programming, that'll also take some adjustment, but it's time VERY well spent.

You'll need to be a java developer, or at least comfortable with the language, and have some familiarity with design patterns.

Other Reviews

• Caveat Utillior
• Unique and highly recommended look at design patterns
• Design Patterns explained in a very unique and simplified manner
• Good work, stained by Microsoft hatred.
• Great complement book to the GoF's Design Patterns book.