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Rating: 
Summary: A readable introduction
Review: A readable introduction to the principles of Intelligent Agents and Artificial Intelligence.The topics described are illustrated with example applications, however, as the authors point out, the book does not aim to teach Java (or object oriented) programming. As such the examples do not take full advantage of the features offered by an object-oriented language, for example there is little use of Interfaces, which would promote reuse. The designs are not expressed in UML, which would be useful. Also some of the examples are rather lacking in substance. At this time, we have not pursued the topics covered in this book to see how well they scale to real world applications...
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Summary: Problems with software
Review: Following several unsuccessful attempts to get the NewsFilter application to work using JDK 1.1.8, I am convinced that the non-functioning software is a serious impediment to learning the material presented in the book, regardless of how well written the prose. I did like the introduction to Java and AI in the beginning of the book to set the stage for the actual demonstration projects later in the book, however, I agree with several other reviewers that these topics can not be adequately covered in the number of pages allocated. Overall, I was very disappointed with the book and would not recommend the book, particularly given its relatively high price.
Rating: 
Summary: Who is this book intended for?
Review: just i read the last page, i would like you help for buying this book. How can i do it? I am from Quito-Ecuador, and my name is Fernando Lopez
Rating: 
Summary: good introduction to implementing elements of agents in Java
Review: The book is extremely well written and it's audience is for the business application developer. Unfortunately, some of the software doesn't work. The RulesApplet was written in Java JDK 1.0.2 but the JDK 1.1.x version is required. Consequently, the applet won't run at all. I am only halfway through and haven't tested all of the other software, but there are no patches on the publisher's web site and the documentation states that the publisher offers no support for the software.
Rating:
Summary: Who is this book intended for?
Review: When I first saw this book it looked very promising. Unfortunately it isn't. Although this book appears to be written for people who are experienced programmers, it spends time teaching basic concepts. The first chapter is an "Intro to Java" including a discussion about what data types are available in Java. The remainder of the first half of the book teaches simple AI techniques. Why was paper wasted on such trivial topics? If somebody wants to learn about Java they would be better off buying an introductory Java book. If they want to learn about basic AI they would learn more with an introductory AI book. I could understand it if the authors spent a little time touching on the basic concepts, but devoting half the book to them is a waste. The second half of the book is slightly more useful but it doesn't make up for the first half (or the fact that much of the example code doesn't work). If the book were cut in half with the second half being sold for 1/2 price, then the book might be worth it. But as it is now, it is a waste of money.
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