I'd like to thank my wife, Amy, who has been behind me for over 15 years, supporting me during the development of this and other books. Behind every man is a great woman, and I wouldn't be where I am today if it were not for her.

I'd also like to thank my parents, Derek and Ann, for introducing me to technology at an early age with a ZX81 and setting me on a path and career that would take me across the globe, even though the name of my first company could have been better chosen.

Special thanks are due to Ann Ford, Carla Guillen, Jeff MAURY, and Peter Rice, who provided detailed feedback about every chapter and the exercises therein. Without their diligence and attention, this book would contain many more errors than I would like. Thanks are also due to the Packt Publishing editing team, especially Dennis John, who was very patient with my rewrites. I'd also like to thank Sam Wood for keeping the book on the straight and narrow as well as Susmita Panda and Binny Babu, who were involved through the production process.

During the later stages of the book, I was also fortunate enough to receive some good feedback and advice from Lars Vogel and Ian Bull, both of whom are heavily involved in the Eclipse platform. I am especially grateful for Lars Vogel's website, www.vogella.com, which has been an invaluable resource over the years.

To Sam, Holly, and all the Akeley Wood Code Clubbers, this is just the start of your journey through life. Aim high, work hard, and do what you love.

Finally, I'd like to thank OD, DJ, and JC for their support in making this book possible.