# IBM Smalltalk: The Language

#### by David N. Smith, Senior Programmer, IBM T. J. Watson Research Center

This detailed reference book, produced in cooperation with IBM, provides encyclopedic coverage of the Smalltalk language as found in IBM's Smalltalk and VisualAge products, while also giving an introduction to Object-Oriented Programming. Although a programming background is assumed, no prior knowledge of Smalltalk or Object-Oriented concepts is needed.

Numerous examples guide readers through the concepts and methods of IBM Smalltalk, moving from short expressions, to code fragments, to full programs. Over 350 numbered examples from the text are also available in machine readable form. Nearly 1,000 smaller examples and over 100 figures and illustrations help to illuminate every concept. Extensive indexing and cross-referencing enable programmers to find information quickly, making this book a practical reference that answers important questions about the language.

- Introduces OO concepts and core classes, and explains how to design and write new classes.
- Describes selected topics in detail, including variables and scoping, blocks, streams, files, memory and memory management, exception handling, and processes.
- Covers debugging, windowing, and graphics programming.
- Contains usable Smalltalk programs on topics as diverse as user interface building, stereograms, graphics, block streams, and filters.
- Presents an encyclopedia of classes, documenting every public interface. Classes and their methods are described in four ways:
  - Hierarchically, in a unique table format that shows instantly what each class can do.
  - By category of message.
  - In a summary table showing the entire protocol of the class.
  - Descriptively, with text and examples for virtually every class and method.

This book is available from the publisher at 1-800-822-6339; from IBM at 1-800-IBM-TEACh (426-8322); or wherever fine technical books are sold.

THE BENJAMIN/CUMMINGS PUBLISHING COMPANY, INC.

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