The Object Primer is a straightforward, easy-to-understand introduction to agile software development (ASD) using object-oriented (OO) and relational database technologies. It covers the fundamental concepts of ASD and OO and describes how to take an agile approach to requirements, analysis, and design techniques applying the techniques of the unified modeling language (UML) 2 as well as other leading-edge techniques, including agile model–driven development (AMDD) and test-driven development (TDD) approaches. During the 1990s OO superceded the structured paradigm as the primary technology paradigm for software development. Now during the 2000s ASD is superceding traditional, prescriptive approaches to software development. While OO and ASD are often used to develop complex systems, learning them does not need to be complicated. This book is different from many other introductory books about these topics—it is written from the point of view of a real-world developer, someone who has lived through the difficulty of learning these concepts.

WHO SHOULD READ The Object Primer?

This book is aimed at two primary audiences—existing developers and university/college students who want to gain the fundamental skills required to succeed on modern software development projects. Throughout this book I use the term “developer” broadly: a developer is anyone involved in the development of a software application. This includes programmers, analysts, designers, business stakeholders, database administrators, support engineers, and so on.