Head First Design Patterns

by Eric Freeman, Eric Freeman & Elisabeth Robson with Kathy Sierra & Bert Bates, Not specified
Head First Design Patterns cover
Good Books rating 4.38
Technology and Innovation
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £63.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 7778
  • Added: 2025-12-16
  • Updated: 2025-12-31
  • ISBN: 9780596800741
  • Publisher: "O'Reilly Media, Inc."
  • Published: 2014-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

Head First Design Patterns is a unique and innovative approach to learning design patterns. This book uses a visually rich format and engaging style to make learning about design patterns an enjoyable experience. It's not just about memorizing patterns; it's about understanding them and knowing when and where to apply them. The book is designed to help you learn through examples, puzzles, and real-world scenarios, making it a practical guide for both beginners and experienced programmers. /n/n The book covers a wide range of design patterns, from creational patterns like Singleton and Factory Method to structural patterns like Adapter and Decorator, and behavioral patterns like Observer and Strategy. Each pattern is explained in detail with clear examples and illustrations. The book also includes exercises and quizzes to help reinforce your understanding. Whether you're a programmer, architect, or designer, Head First Design Patterns will help you improve your software design skills and create more robust and maintainable applications.

Reviews
ACCU · 2025-12-16
excellent 4.00

The book is recommended for learning design patterns, though its style may not appeal to everyone. It balances whimsy and technical depth effectively.

This review highlights the book's effectiveness in teaching design patterns, noting that it won't suit every reader due to its unique style. The reviewer appreciates the balance between playful and technical content, making it accessible and engaging. They recommend it to those interested in design patterns, provided they are open to the book's unconventional approach.

Quick quotes

    I'm definitely recommending it if you want to learn design patterns and you are not put off by its style, which won't be for everybody.

    The whimsical and technical are perfectly balanced.

    It is probably one of the best introductory technical books I've read in my 20 years of programming.

Printrado · 2024-04-26
fantastic 4.50

The book is praised for its practical approach, making it ideal for interactive and visual learners. It stands out for its engaging and effective teaching methods.

This review emphasizes the book's practicality, particularly for those who prefer interactive and visual learning. The reviewer finds the book's approach refreshing and effective, making complex concepts more accessible. They appreciate the engaging examples and the book's ability to hold the reader's interest. Overall, it's seen as a valuable resource for learners in this field.

Quick quotes

    Head First Design Patterns is extremely practical for learners who prefer interactive and visual learning over dry, academic text.

    The Freemans really do create a useful intro to design patterns, with a number of entertaining examples that will make you enjoy reading each chapter.

    This is a really good starting point - the examples are good, the pages aren't too wordy, and there's a few learning styles at play to make sure it sticks.

Printrado · 2024-04-26
excellent 4.50

The book is praised as a helpful and enjoyable resource that can change the way you think about software design. It is noted for its engaging and effective approach to teaching design patterns.

This review highlights the book as a transformative resource for understanding software design. The reviewer appreciates its engaging style and the way it simplifies complex concepts. They mention that the book's approach is both enjoyable and effective, making it a valuable tool for anyone looking to improve their design skills. The reviewer also notes that the book's examples and explanations are particularly helpful, making it a standout in the field.

Quick quotes

    It stands out as a helpful and enjoyable resource that can change the way you think about software design.

    The book's approach is both enjoyable and effective, making it a valuable tool for anyone looking to improve their design skills.

    The examples and explanations are particularly helpful, making it a standout in the field.

Printrado · 2024-04-26
standout 4.50

The book's unique pedagogical approach makes it both informative and enjoyable. It is a standout resource for learning design patterns.

The reviewer from Printrado highlights the unique pedagogical approach of the Head First series, which makes this book both informative and enjoyable to read. They appreciate how the book effectively teaches design patterns in a way that is engaging and accessible. The reviewer found the book to be a standout resource for learning design patterns, and they recommend it for anyone looking to understand the subject. They also mention that the book's unique approach makes it a valuable resource for both beginners and more experienced developers.

Quick quotes

    The unique pedagogical approach of the Head First series makes this book not just informative but also enjoyable to read.

    It is a standout resource for learning design patterns.

    The book's unique approach makes it a valuable resource for both beginners and more experienced developers.

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