Smalltalk

The Smalltalk-80 system consists of an object-oriented programming language and an integrated collection of tools for interacting with components of that language. In the Smalltalk-80 language, the fundamental way to indicate that something should happen is by sending a message to an object. An object is a representation of information consisting of private memory, and a set of operations to manipulate information stored in the private memory or to carry out some actions relative to that information. Sending a message is the Smalltalk-80 way of asking the object to carry out one of its operations.

This practical text provides an introduction to programming in Smalltalk, and explains the most efficient ways to think about and work with the system. Split into two parts, the first part covers the important technical background for programmers and managers, while the second part introduces some of the basic philosophy of Smalltalk.

Bridging the gap between well established software engineering principles and the real-world practice of programming, this book presents guidelines for programming in the Smalltalk language that will result in source code that is clear, easy to read, and easy to understand. Covers layout and structure; comments; code formatting; software reuse and overall program structure; reliability and portability; tips, tricks, and traps. For product managers and programmers using all object-oriented languages.