DDD Hands-on Immersion

Learn to put the domain model to work.

Finding and exploiting domain models is key to success with large software systems. By cultivating a strong connection between the language used by experts, users, and developers, the right kind of models can dramatically accelerate the process of translating the customers' needs into working software. Strong domain modeling coupled with programming best practices such as exploiting design patterns, refactoring, and test-driven development yield a principled yet practical approach to the development of large software systems.

This intensive course will aid participants in striking a healthy balance between digging into their subject matter and addressing technological issues, which, while unavoidable, cannot be allowed to dominate the development process for commercially viable systems.

We weave together lecture, discussion and classroom exercises, including hands-on coding projects. In discussions, attendees have the oportunity to discuss their own experiences and relate their own work to the principles and techniques presented in the class.

Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of object modeling and design.
We encourage non-technical managers and analysts to attend. A mixed class is ideal. To make the code exercises work, we only need half of the attendees to have programming skills on the target platform (Java or C#).

Recommended

Some exposure to medium to large-scale software development in a multi-team environment. Familiarity with J2EE, .Net or other framework for large scale application development.

Course Outline

Day 1: Model Exploration and Ubiquitous Language

• Domain-driven design overview
• Making implicit concepts explicit
• Ubiquitous Language

Afternoon: Jumping in with code

• Brainstorming models
• Expressing a model in software
• Building-block patterns (entities, value objects, repositories, etc.)
• Test-first development as a modeling process

 

Day 2 Morning: Modeling with Domain Experts

• Techniques and pitfalls of bringing about a creative collaboration.
• Modeling out loud

 

Day 2 Afternoon: Supple Design

• Patterns and techniques to tighten models and their connection to code.
• Making code obvious, easier to use and change
• Modeling for transactional integrity and distributed systems

 

Day 3: Strategic Design

Morning: Context Mapping

• Pragmatic approach to dealing with diverse models and designs on real projects
• Relationships between subsystems/ relationships between teams

 

Afternoon: Distilling the Core Domain

• Distinguishing the core from the mass
• Ways of focusing effort
• Clarifying a shared vision
• Setting up a project for success

 

Day 4: Bringing it Together

• Design/code challenge - model supple design with context map
• Round-table discussion of SOA and enterprise frameworks with DDD
• In-depth discussion and Q&A, relating all topics to each other and to your own work

 

 

Preparation for an In-house Class

In order to tune the class to the level and circumstances of the participants, we will ask some of your developers to fill out a brief (10-15 minutes) on-line questionnaire to give us an idea of their proficiency level in the class prerequisites. We will also have the team leader answer a few questions about the project's goals, history and processes.

Since it is essential that participants be free to discuss their real project challenges in the classroom, we make any needed nondisclosure agreements prior to the class.

Finally, we recommend buying each attendee a copy of the book, Domain-Driven Design, as part of the package. This is the text book for the course and makes a very valuable reference in the following months.

Note: This course is offered in two forms: one for Java/J2EE; one for C#/.Net