SmallTalk by Example: The Developer's Guide to VisualWorks, with Disk : Book Review

"SmallTalk by Example" is an excellent resource for individuals interested in learning and enhancing their skills in the Smalltalk programming language. Written by Alec Sharp, this informative and practical book offers a comprehensive introduction to Smalltalk with clear explanations and real-world examples.

The author starts by introducing the basics of Smalltalk, including its syntax, object-oriented features, and fundamental concepts such as classes, instances, and messages. Each chapter is well-structured, covering a wide range of topics such as collections, control structures, inheritance, polymorphism, and error handling. The inclusion of concise code examples throughout the book helps readers understand and apply these concepts effectively.

One of the book's notable strengths is its emphasis on practicality. The author teaches Smalltalk through real-world examples, which enables readers to understand how to apply the language in different scenarios. Alec Sharp's writing style is clear and concise, making the book accessible to both beginners and experienced programmers.

Moreover, each chapter concludes with exercises that allow readers to reinforce their understanding of the concepts covered and practice their Smalltalk programming skills. The book also provides answers to these exercises, enabling readers to compare their solutions and learn from different approaches.

In summary, "SmallTalk by Example" is a highly recommended book for anyone interested in mastering the Smalltalk programming language. Alec Sharp's expertise and effective teaching style make this book an invaluable resource for beginners and experienced programmers alike. With its focus on practical applications and comprehensive coverage of key concepts, "SmallTalk by Example" is an essential asset for those looking to develop their skills in Smalltalk.

What are readers saying?

The reception of Alec Sharp's book, "SmallTalk by Example," has been decidedly mixed among readers. Various opinions have been expressed regarding the book's strengths and weaknesses.

Numerous reviewers lauded the book for its ability to elucidate SmallTalk programming concepts in a clear and concise manner. They found the inclusion of examples and code snippets to be particularly beneficial, as they facilitated comprehension of the language and its syntax. The author's extensive knowledge and expertise in the subject were admired by many, who believed these qualities made the book an invaluable resource for both novice and seasoned programmers.

However, some reviewers expressed frustration with the organization and structure of the book. They felt that the content could have been presented in a more coherent manner, improving its overall readability. Additionally, some readers were disappointed with the lack of in-depth explanations, feeling that the book only touched the surface of SmallTalk programming.

Another criticism raised by reviewers relates to the book's outdated nature. Some commented that the examples and code provided were based on older versions of SmallTalk, which diminished its relevance for current learners of the language. These readers hoped for more up-to-date content, including references to modern practices and frameworks.

Furthermore, a few reviewers mentioned that the book assumes a certain level of prior programming knowledge and familiarity with programming concepts and languages. This could pose a challenge for complete beginners seeking to comprehend SmallTalk from scratch. Consequently, these readers desired more guidance and foundational explanations to scaffold their understanding.

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