Semergence

This is a blast from the past. Way back in January 2006 I wrote a chapter for what was then called Beginning Spring 2. I sent the chapter along in draft form for initial feedback. I never heard back, so I figured the author or publisher dropped the book.

Well, the other day I received a box of three copies of Building Spring 2 Enterprise Applications. And my name was squarely on the cover. Who knew?

First off, I want to thank whoever did the review and editing of the chapter. Those are tough jobs. Also thanks to the rest of the authors for pulling together to push the book out.

I’m still not sure what the story is behind the book or my chapter. I never had a chance to edit the chapter or review it before publication. The title has changed. The original author left the project. So I want to apologize if it doesn’t make any sense or has errors.

I thumbed through the book, and all that Spring came crashing back to me. See, the secret is, ever since I wrote Expert Spring MVC and Web Flow, I have been using Ruby on Rails. So checking out this new Spring book has made me realize how much easier it is to write web applications in Rails than Spring. Don’t get me wrong, the Spring Framework has the best engineered code I’ve ever seen (certainly much better than Rails core code), and I learned a lot about the right way to construct a framework. I still maintain that Spring is a better choice if you have to integrate with many different technologies (whether you like it or not). But as always, choose the right tool for the job.

That said, I’m happy Building Spring 2 Enterprise Applications finally made it out.

The J2EE Best Practice seminar put on by Symantec is giving attendees a free copy of Expert Spring MVC and Web Flow. That’s pretty exciting, but what about a free trip to London for the authors?

Expert Spring MVC and Web Flow is off for a second printing. I have no idea how many were printed in the first place, but this is good news none the less. A big mahalo to everyone who purchased a copy. All of the typos and errors identified will be fixed.

Rakesh from the Spring Forums gave Expert Spring MVC a thumbs up. Thanks Rakesh!

> i just purchased the Expert Spring MVC and Web Flow book and I found it to be excellent

He did point out that there are quite a few typos in there. You can read my response on the forum, but basically “I know” was all I could muster and a promise to fix whatever I’m made aware of in the errata.

Still, kind words from a stranger.

Matt Raible is enjoying Expert Spring MVC.

>I just picked up the Expert Spring MVC one and I’ve been really enjoying it so far - great job Seth and co.

Very cool, thanks Matt! Coming from a fellow author, that means a lot.

Thomas Risberg recommends Expert Spring MVC, which is really cool because it was his Spring MVC tutorial that I used to first get into Spring.

An Italian review for Expert Spring MVC and Web Flow is already out. The reviewer gives the book five stars, which is a good sign. There is an english translation thanks to Google.

First spotted via the Spring Framework Forums.

If anyone knows of a proper English translation, please let me know! Thanks!

Aloha Spring Framework fans! To celebrate the release of my (*) new book, Expert Spring MVC and Web Flow, I’m holding a little contest right here. Someone, maybe even you, will win a free copy of the book!

I will send a copy to the person that can best express what it will take for the Spring Framework to continue to remain a strong force in web application development through the next 5 years. What’s your vision for continued relevance for the Spring Framework, especially in web application development? What might be missing that would be required to continue to compete in a crowded and active market?

The winner will be judged on most creative and practical vision for the future of web development with the Spring Framework. It’s completely subjective, and I’m the only judge. Write your entries with this post’s comments fields, and I’ll close the contest one week from this posting.

This is not a Spring love-in, as we all know it’s a no-brainer for Java web application development today. I want to know what does it have to do to compete in the future?

Think outside the box! Think inside the box! There’s no box at all!

(*) With Darren Davison, Steven Devijver, and Colin Yates

SpringOne 2006 is the European Spring Framework conference. Just in time for Spring 2.0!

> SpringOne is a brand new premium quality conference focusing on enterprise Java, which is brought to you by Interface21 and the Belgian JUG. The organization has only one objective; provide you with a first class environment in which over 40 of the industry’s thought leaders, share their vision on current and future developments with you.

My book Expert Spring MVC and Web Flow is mentioned on springframework.org. Thanks, Thomas! And thanks to my co-authors, Darren, Steven, and Colin for their excellent work.