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Design Patterns: GOF or Head First?

So I’m looking to make a purchase to learn more about design patterns. In Code Complete, Steve McConnell makes mention of design patterns very briefly, and I think it would be beneficial for me to go into more depth of my understanding.

Currently I’m considering either Design Patterns: Elements of Reusable Object-Oriented Software by the GOF or Head First Design Patterns. Amazingly both books have 249 reviews and 4.5 stars on Amazon. Personally, I think that I might benefit more from the in depth look that the GOF provide, but there are many reviews that say the GOF book is dated, and that Head First brings an updated look at the subject.

So, again I ask for the help of those who come before me. What do you guys think about these two books?

Technorati Tags: GOF,Design Patterns,Head First

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posted on Thursday, October 09, 2008 6:02 PM

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# re: Design Patterns: GOF or Head First? 10/9/2008 8:48 PM Christopher

I own and have read both of these books. I first bought and read the GoF book, I then read the Head First book online and it really filled in some missing pieces for me. I ended up buying a physical copy of the Head First book too. The Head First book is more down-to-earth, there is "context" surrounding the examples and the examples are also Java based which resonated with me better than the SmallTalk? examples in the GoF book. That's my opinion anyways!

# re: Design Patterns: GOF or Head First? 10/10/2008 7:41 AM Volkov

Head First is for idiots (or people with Attention Deficit Disorder). Meaning, the style is crazy: all these pictures and stuff. The GoF on the other hand is somewhat too boring. You have to love the subject to keep reading it.

# re: Design Patterns: GOF or Head First? 10/10/2008 10:41 AM Mark Flory

If you read Knuth's The Art of Programming and really though it was a good read you will find the GOF breezy and easy to read.

Me, I found the book less than enjoyable. Actually everyone I have ever talked to about it felt the same way. It is kind of a status book, looks nice on the shelf, and says something about you...but I am not sure anyone has gotten anything out of it except to write more accessable books.