Pattern Almanac 2000, The [Paperback]

For anyone who has followed the emergence of software patterns, this text compiles traditional sources of expertise. Its pages contain the "original" 23 patterns defined by Erich Gamma and the so-called "Gang of Four" team that in 1995 published the bestselling Design Patterns: Elements of Reusable Object-Oriented Software. The almanac also gathers the patterns published in the four-volume series Pattern Languages of Design 1 through 4. That's just the tip of the proverbial iceberg here, as this almanac compiles over 700 patterns from other books, magazines (including C++ Report), conferences, papers, and Web sites.

This almanac is organized into about 70 categories of patterns, ranging from "Accounting" to "Writers' Workshops" and including almost everything in between. Each entry gets a short sentence or two of description, additional sources, and cross-references to related patterns. For programmers, there are patterns for C++, Java, and Smalltalk (which gets well over a hundred in number). Because successful project and team management can be difficult, many patterns deal with more effective software design throughout the project's life cycle. Specialized topics include patterns for finite state machines, parallel processing, fire alarms, and even patterns about patterns. (These sections look at some rules for defining new patterns, as well as running conferences and workshops.) Patterns often have short and sometimes evocative names. You'll find it all here, including early patterns like "Facade" and "Observer," as well as more entertaining ones like "Big Ball of Mud" or (our favorite) "George Washington Is Still Dead."

Although browsing through The Pattern Almanac 2000 will not make you an expert on patterns, it will introduce you to a world of expertise on reusable designs. It's a truly valuable reference for any software developer or manager. --Richard Dragan

Topics covered: Reference listing of software patterns, analysis patterns, organizational structures, patterns for effective software design (including user interface design), patterns (and anti-patterns) for team and project management; C++ idioms, history patterns, patterns for multimedia and Web design, Java and Smalltalk patterns, databases, patterns for defining new patterns (and running pattern conferences and workshops), finite state machines, telecommunications, Smalltalk patterns, client-server frameworks, patterns for education, system testing, parallel processing, patterns for cryptography and security.