Impressed

All,
I was quite impressed by the discussion on UML and OOAD. However the discussion currently focusses on the IBM exam. I would have very much liked a much broader discussion where people would share real life design issues and solutions.
Having stated that I am turning to this group for a bit of counselling. I am a software engineer with 7 years experience in non Java related fields. Have developed a recent interest in Java and have passed my SCJP2. I wish to gain experience in the field of OOAD and hence my interest in this forum. So friends what do U reckon is the way forward?
My goal is to be relatively comfortable in the field of OOAD in 8 - 12 months time. This would include analysis, design and effort estimation
Any help is greatly appreciated
Most important keep up the good work

Lancy,
These are the authors I am partial to:
Martin Fowler
Robert Martin
Allen Holub
Scott Ambler
Peter Coad
The Pragmatic Programmers, Dave Thomas and Andrew Hunt
Alistair Cockburn
Most of these folks also practice Extreme Programming (XP) or some related agile methodology.
Hope this helps to get you started.
Junilu

Lancy,
That is a good goal. 9 months is about the average.
JUNILU,
I like just about the same authors. I've never read a few of them. I had the opportunity of meeting Martin Fowler, Robert Martin, and Aistair Cockburn at SD 2001. I was very impressed with all of them, especially Alistair. He is very down to earth.

------------------
David Roberts - SCJP2,MCP

Thanks guys for your quick reply. I guess in addition to all these resources I will keep coming back to Java ranch for all my confusions and queries.
PS Crossing my fingers in the hope that I manage to win the giveaway book

Lancy,
To add to the list, there is a very good book available on-line... make the best use of it.
http://g.oswego.edu/dl/oosdw3/
Kannan.

Originally posted by Lancy Mendonca:
Thanks guys for your quick reply. I guess in addition to all these resources I will keep coming back to Java ranch for all my confusions and queries.
PS Crossing my fingers in the hope that I manage to win the giveaway book

I would also recommend Meilir Page-Jones book - Fundamentals of Object-Oriented Design in UML.There are some OO principles like encumbrance and Connascence, which I have never seen in any other book.
Hope this helps,
Sandeep

we are forgeting Ed yourdon , Rebecaa WirfsBrook , Grady Booch & none other than Timothy Budd . How I can forget him ? Plus he has written his new book " OO programming with java " . That will be great help.
These are for oops . For UML , you have got Martin Fowler , Larman & many more. You please start with any oops book & then go for UML.
I hope this can be useful.
Your Friendly Bartender
Shailesh.

Just to confuse things, I'd also suggest non-computing non-fiction to round out your library. Books on chaos theory, particularly as it applies to organizations, are very relevant to team practices. There's a wonderful little book on Wabi Sabi which might help convince you that software doesn't always have to be perfect. Books on philosophy are also interesting: if Plato invented classes and objects, then think what the philosophers that followed might add to computing! (A good gentle introduction to philosophy is the book Sophie's World).

Add this one also to your list.
Developing Software with UML , Brend Oestereich
-- Sandeep

All,
Thanks to everyone who have shared thier thoughts and views in this thread. However the last few threads have got me more confused rather than clear.
From the discussion I gather that Larman and Martin Fowler have written good books on UML. However the number of resources available for OOPS is simply mind boggling.
I guess I was looking at Steps to move from developer to designer in 12 months. I am sure most of you have walked this path and I would be glad if you share your experiences. Using this thread of discussion I plan to make a plan for myself to meet the goal of being a designer.
Once again a big Thank You to all who have participated

Originally posted by Lancy Mendonca:
All,
Thanks to everyone who have shared thier thoughts and views in this thread. However the last few threads have got me more confused rather than clear.
From the discussion I gather that Larman and Martin Fowler have written good books on UML. However the number of resources available for OOPS is simply mind boggling.
I guess I was looking at Steps to move from developer to designer in 12 months. I am sure most of you have walked this path and I would be glad if you share your experiences. Using this thread of discussion I plan to make a plan for myself to meet the goal of being a designer.
Once again a big Thank You to all who have participated

Lancy,
I am exactly in the same boat as you are. I want to learn UML but am bowled by the amount of information available. Where to start, what books to read et.al. Please let me know how you are coping. If you have worked out a game plan, share it.

Vasuma,
I have replied to your post here
Hope this helps,
Sandeep