Debugging and performance measurement are difficult problems in programming with Motif on X Window systems. This field is new and important, because users like the power of workstations and the friendly user interfaces in X Windows. The cost of high performance is complex programs. At the same time, the commercial qualities of the programs are becoming more and more important.

The first part of the book deals with debugging Motif programs. It includes techniques and coding styles needed to avoid bugs; tools for debugging Motif and X applications; a classification of frequent Xlib, Xt, and Motif bugs; a study of memory management bugs; and the bugs in the visual interface.

The second part of the book is about the performance of the programs. Two fields are presented: runtime performance and user interface quality. Some tools for performance tuning are also analyzed. The last two chapters describe two case studies in order to help the reader write correct and fast programs.

About half of the book consists of programs written in Motif and listings of performance measurement. A useful index and a bibliography are included.

The main virtue of this book is the good presentation of a difficult area. The author presents a lot of interesting things in an attractive way. The book may be considered both a textbook and an account of research in the field. The presentation is clear.

The high level of complexity restricts the book’s audience to experienced Motif programmers. The book starts abruptly. A glossary would be useful.

This is a good book, full of information. I shall use it and recommend it for Motif and X programmers.