Aspect-oriented programming (AOP) has emerged as a complement to object-oriented programming (OOP) for handling crosscutting concerns and code scattering. This book provides fair coverage of the AOP paradigm, by exploring the different supporting frameworks and by providing a detailed comparison of these frameworks.

The book contains 12 chapters. The first two chapters introduce the salient points of AOP by first giving a brief history of AOP and by discussing the main benefits it brings to OOP. AOP concepts are then presented, including definitions of joint points, advices, and the weaving process.

Chapter 3 is dedicated to the AspectJ language, including its syntax, concepts, and a sample application using this language. Three other frameworks for programming aspects are explored, in chapters 4, 5, and 6, respectively. These include Java Aspect Component (JAC); JBoss AOP; and Spring AOP. A comparison of the aforementioned AOP frameworks and environments is provided, in chapter 7. The comparison is based on a set of criteria including weaver implementation, aspect, and pointcut definitions.

Two relevant software concepts, design patterns and software quality, are discussed in chapters 8 and 9. Chapter 8 tackles the problem of the use of design patterns and AOP. Design patterns are proven solutions to recurring problems, and support the enforcement of software reusability. Chapter 9 covers several techniques for managing software complexity, and introduces three complementary techniques, all of which can be improved by using AOP.

Three chapters (chapter 10, 11, and 12) are dedicated to presenting a sample AOP application that demonstrates the strengths of the AOP paradigm within the Java 2 Platform Enterprise Edition (J2EE) environment, by showing, first, the use of AOP within the sample application’s business tier, and, second, the application’s client tiers.

This book provides all of the necessary material to understand AOP concepts. The main strength of the book is its coverage of the different AOP frameworks available to date, helping developers choose between them. It also presents a sample application that helps readers understand the strengths and limitations of the AOP paradigm.

The writing style is clear and concise. It is quite clear that the book’s organization was carefully considered. I recommend this book as an introduction for beginners, and as a handbook for intermediate and more advanced users of AOP.