Head First Design Patterns – Eric Freeman, Elisabeth Freeman – 1st Edition

What’s so special about design patterns? At any given moment, someone struggles with the same software design problems you have. And, chances are, someone else has already solved your problem. This edition of Head First Design Patterns—now updated for Java 8—shows you the tried-and-true, road-tested patterns used by developers to create functional, elegant, reusable, and flexible software. By the time you finish this book, you’ll be able to take advantage of the best design practices and experiences of those who have fought the beast of software design and triumphed.

What’s so special about this book? We think your time is too valuable to spend struggling with new concepts. Using the latest research in cognitive science and learning theory to craft a multisensory learning experience, Head First Design Patterns uses a visually rich format designed for the way your brain works, not a text-heavy approach that puts you to sleep.

This is a gimmicky book that actually works for once. It is an intelligent and well-thought-out discussion of Java design patterns, and if you don’t know what a design pattern is, then this is an excellent way to find out. It is also an interested discussion of object-oriented design. I found that the authors often anticipated my reaction to their initial explanations and asked the questions that I would have asked had it been a lecture.