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COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO -- Jeff Langr's second book, Agile Java: Crafting Code with Test-Driven Development, provides a modern introduction to professional software development. Agile Java is slated to be released by Prentice Hall PTR in February 2005, shortly after Sun's release of Java version 5.0. This code-intensive book teaches Java as a high-disciplined craft, using an object-oriented (OO) and test-driven approach from the ground up.

Test-driven development (TDD) defines a rote technique for developers to incrementally craft high-quality code at a sustained pace. With TDD, developers learn to build systems using a fine-grained cycle of writing bits of test and code. TDD results in higher quality systems and provides comprehensive detailed system documentation.

TDD is a recent discovery that comes out of the extreme programming (XP) world. However, you don't need to do XP or even understand it in order to learn and practice TDD. Most developers with TDD experience are thrilled by the value it brings them.

Agile Java stresses the importance of TDD by showing coded tests for every Java feature taught. A programmer learning with Agile Java understands how to translate oral requirements into tests, and tests into code. They also learn how TDD impacts the design of the system, and vice versa.

In short, readers of Agile Java will understand what it takes to build a professional, robust software system using Java.

Features

• Presents a way of learning Java in conjunction with object-oriented design and test-driven development.
• Will seamlessly integrate the new, highly-anticipated language features of Java 5.0 into the learning experience.
• Approaches Java development as a craft, and demonstrates a proven means of learning and mastering the language as a craftsman.
• Is written by a recognized veteran software developer. Jeff Langr is the author of the praised book Essential Java Style, as well as several articles on software development. Langr has extensive experience in Java and TDD.
• Avoids approaching Java in the less effective C/C++-based fashion as the bulk of other available Java books.
• Provides additional value as a cookbook for doing TDD & Java.
• Uses TDD as a unique way of teaching a language. I and Object Mentor have successfully taught language courses using TDD as a driver. The TDD approach provides a very high amount of immediate feedback to students, something I believe is very valuable in the learning process.
• Is "XP-friendly"
• Shows the best way to take advantage of the new Java 5.0 language concepts using TDD
• Simplifies the learning of Java, TDD, and OO by teaching them simultaneously, not in a single-threaded fashion
• Presents many best practices for Java, TDD, and OO design
• Demonstrates that learning how to program well doesn't need to be difficult