Interface Design Best Practices in Object-Oriented API Design in Java

by Bill Venners

The books target intermediate Java programmers who want to become "better" Java programmers. They will help readers who are already familiar with the syntax and semantics of the Java language become more competent in actually using the Java language to solve real programming problems.

Before getting started, I'd like to clarify a few terms.

Designer vs. client programmers
Most Java programmers have two hats on their shelf, which they wear at different times. Sometimes they wear their "designer" hats and build libraries of classes for others to use; other times they wear their "client" hats and make use of a library of classes created by someone else. Some Java programmers even where both hats at the same time, completely oblivious to the rules of fashion.

One aspect of the flexibility of a body of code is the ease with which a client programmer can understand the code. Whether a client programmer is planning to change code or just use it as is, that programmer often has to figure out how to change or use the code by reading it.

The guidelines discussed in this book will talk about flexibility in terms of client programmers. Designs and implementations that are flexible are those that are easy for client programmers to understand, use, and change.

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