This book uses a case-study-based approach for providing a comprehensive introduction to the principles of object-oriented design. The salient points of its coverage are:

• A sound footing on object-oriented concepts such as classes, objects, interfaces, inheritance, polymorphism, dynamic linking, etc.
• A good introduction to the stage of requirements analysis
• Use of UML to document user requirements and design
• An extensive treatment of the design process
• Coverage of implementation issues
• Appropriate use of design and architectural patterns
• Introduction to the art and craft of refactoring
• Pointers to resources that further the reader's knowledge

The stress of the book is on implementation aspects, without which the learning is incomplete. This is achieved through the use of case studies for introducing the various concepts of analysis and design, ensuring that the theory is never separate from the implementation aspects. In the first edition, UML was introduced on an “as-needed” basis; certain UML diagrams that were not needed were not covered. This edition includes a new chapter for providing a concise introduction to the remaining UML diagrams using the same holistic approach used in the first edition.