Review: A Mentoring Course on Smalltalk
Verdict
This is the best programming book I’ve ever read – and I’ve read them all – in C, C++, Ruby, and Smalltalk.Summary
It’s definitely not a basic book – but it’s not complicated either (although it gets pretty deep). In fact, while the code is all Smalltalk, it’s not about the language at all. It could be called “Zen and the Art of Smalltalk”. It gets at the heart of what it takes to go from an intention to create something, in a world we don’t really understand, to a successful outcome, that is simple, beautiful, efficient, and easily evolved.
Final Thoughts
I’m still gnawing on much of it (I just finished it a few days ago), but my viewpoint on programming has irreversibly shifted and, as Alan Kay says, “Point of view is worth 80 IQ points”. I think the programming world would be a better place if everyone read this book… I can’t believe I just gave a Reading Rainbow book report. My life is complete.
Categories: Performance, Programming, Smalltalk
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I am glad you liked the book :). I thought I’d point out that, in some cases, you can get 10% off at Lulu with the code HARVEST (expires 10/31/2010). Thank you!
I also liked this book a lot. I’ve loaned out my copy to a couple of people also. The book has some really important ideas in it. The only constructively critical thing I have to say about the book is that I’m sure it can be shortened. These ideas should be expressed in fewer pages. Other than that, great job Andreas!