Developing Application Frameworks in .Net

This is not only helpfull for architects, but for programmers responsible for planning and scoping projects in general. The writing is to the point, and provides very solid foundations for writing high level framework strategies. The only thing lacking would be that I think it is geared toward 1.1 framework, would be great to see how 2.0 could enhance this. The frameworks in the book are great starting points which can be enhanced based on your own business requirements.

Developing Application Frameworks in .NET is a valuable resource for mid to senior level developers or architects. It presents fundamental concepts when designing and building frameworks for the middle tier for an IT based enterprise solution. Not only does it solidify the reader with strong concepts, it also introduces and explains fundamental Microsoft C#.NET technologies needed for implementation.

Xin Chen's experience with realworld scenarios is evident in the way he has structured the SAF blocks. I have used the Windows Services block (including the Configuration block) and the Workflow block at a client project, and was amazed at how easy it was to customize the block to my particular requirements. I guess what most people have to realise, is to treat these blocks as a starting point for your application rather than an enterprise ready block of code. This helps keep your mind open to analyzing the blocks and modifying them as appropriate. I will be definitely basing more of my projects on his blocks because it appeals to me on 2 levels: 1. It is built on simplicity and therefore easily digestable (very helpful if you are working on a project with tight deadlines). 2. It is easily extendible and manageable because of point 1. The only suggestion I have is, that Mr Chen should start an Open Source project to keep the SAF updated.

This book really sheds light on many of the Classic Gang of Four Design Patterns and provides real world, meaningful examples to demonstrate them. If you have ever wanted to know how to use proper object oriented techniques in .NET, this book is for you. The book provides some very interesting approaches on extensible, practicle, and reusable code, and the samples are right on par with the typical functionality that an application framework should provide. It is also a very clean and easy to read book, and is organized very well.

Finally a book that not only explains the theory and design decisions behind putting together a framework, but also supplies a fully functioning framework for you to start with. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!On a side note... the editor should be flogged because of the numerous grammatical errors.