Collections Master Class

To write great code, you must read great code. Fortunately, finding great Java code is pretty easy - it's right there in your JDK distribution hiding in plain sight. In particular, the JDK collections library contains some of the best examples of how to write an API that can stand the test of time, implement data structures, and manage concurrency.

This session will examine source code for key collection classes like ConcurrentHashMap, ConcurrentSkipListMap, and CopyOnWriteArrayList with an eye for understanding and appreciating well-written Java code and what it can teach us.

This is a brains-on walk through the source code and will not include slides (although some pictures may be used for clarity). Familiarity with the Java Collections framework is recommended but not required.

About Alex Miller

Alex Miller is a Sr. Engineer with Terracotta Inc, the makers of the open-source Java clustering product Terracotta. Prior to Terracotta, Alex worked at BEA Systems on the AquaLogic product line and was Chief Architect at MetaMatrix. His interests include Java, concurrency, distributed systems, query languages, and software design. Alex enjoys writing his blog at http://tech.puredanger.com and has spoken at a number of Java user group meetings and conferences.

In St. Louis, Alex is responsible for founding the Lambda Lounge, a user group for the study of functional and dynamic languages.

More About Alex »