Advances in microelectronics bring a variety of gadgets. Applications running on these require constant innovation, and never-ending learning from programmers. We are always lagging behind the new technologies, programming languages, and networking concepts. Zhuk’s book tries to complete an impossible mission, by bringing together all of the current programming concepts used in wired and wireless networks. Since this mission is impossible, not all programming practices are covered. This book is basically based on Java and Extensible Markup Language (XML) technologies. Other tools, such as Perl, sockets, and common gateway interface (CGI) are not touched on. Nevertheless, for those familiar with Java and XML, this is a good guide for surviving in the modern world of programming.

This book focuses on the concepts of integration-ready components and collaborative engineering. The first two chapters introduce the basic ideas. Some comments, however, may look controversial. For example, regarding true leaders versus pure managers, the author concludes that pure managers avoid specifics, and true leaders should invest time and effort in learning the field. This may be true for a project leader. In a broader sense, it all depends on the kind of thing and level at which you manage.

Chapters 3 through 7 lay the foundation of this book. Examples of integration-ready components are given and explained. Knowledge technologies are also introduced. Chapters 8 through 12 discuss the wireless network applications. Wireless application protocol (WAP), JavaCard, Java 2 Micro Edition (J2ME), and speech technologies are touched on. Finally, the last two chapters cover integration with knowledge and distributed lives. In each chapter, code segments are presented to illustrate the programming techniques. Additionally, there are three long appendices, with a total of about 150 pages, for Java, XML, and their source examples.

This book is ambitious, in covering most topics in modern network programming and embedded programming using Java and XML; you cannot have too much of a good thing in one book. As a result, however, there is no room for introductory material. If you have no prior programming experience in those fields, you will find this book very hard to digest.

Finally, I would suggest that, for this book, as for every computer-related book, there should be a glossary of terms. The computer industry is notorious for its abuse of acronyms. In this book, for example, on page 367, there is a reference to “DTMF,” and I cannot find its full name in the index. Also, more comprehensive references would be desirable.