Java Reference
In-Depth Information
Now, suppose that you have given yourself plenty of time and simply need to set your
direction. Before learning more about patterns, you may want to make sure that you
understand the basics. If you haven't read
The Java™ Programming Language
(Arnold and
Gosling 1998) or
The Unified Modeling Language User Guide
(Booch, Rumbaugh, and
Jacobson 1999), let me highly recommend them. If you want to learn more about patterns,
you have a lot of choices. For a walkthrough of realistic examples of applying design patterns,
I recommend
Pattern Hatching
(Vlissides 1998). If you want to add to your patterns
vocabulary, my experience is that most shops would benefit from having a local expert on
concurrency patterns. To learn about this important and often neglected aspect of
development, I recommend reading
Concurrent Programming in Java™
(Lea 2000).
Of the many directions that you can go, the most important practice is to keep going. Make
learning a part of your career, and pursue the topics that interest you most. Think of how
strong you can become as a developer, and become that strong. Keep up the good work!
