If you have started to learn Java, or any programming language for that matter, pretty soon you will want to understand a bit more about design. Design is not language specific but the choice of programming language can affect the design of a problem's solution.

Peter Coad is a well-known and respected industry figure and his co- authorship undoubtedly adds some 'weight' to the book. What is put forward is described as 'Java inspired' and 'brand-new design paradigm', however, that may have just a tad of marketing hyperbole in it! The book is organised into sections, which deal with the concepts, as expressed in Java, of interfaces, composition, threads and notification. These are also the areas that the aspiring Java programmer will want to tackle following a basic introduction. The emphasis is on both the theory and practice of design so design maxims are worked into Java code examples; the code is also on the CD. In addition to the code the CD contains Playground (a design whiteboard) and Strategies and Patterns Handbook: Hypertext Edition.

The book is clear, well laid out and contains plenty of diagrams, explanations and code snippets. The co-author is a well-respected and knowledgeable industry figure who presents an easily digested walk through of design issues and some rules of thumbs to assist the aspiring Java programmer to guru-hood. However, at just over 200 pages and with plenty of whitespace, the more knowledgeable (OOers) may prefer a more general treatment of design as it lacks the depth and breadth of, for example Booch's book. On balance, for Java, recommended.