Acknowledgments

We'd first like to thank Paul DuBois, who initially gave us the confidence to believe we could actually write this book and then convinced New Riders of the same. We'd also like to acknowledge and thank the people at New Riders for making this project a reality, especially Jennifer Eberhardt, Elise Walter, Michael Thurston, and Stephanie Wall. Stephanie for our initial foundation, guidance, and introduction to the publishing business; Jennifer for being an extraordinary editor and answering our day-to-day questions; Elise, for overseeing the project, keeping a big picture view, and providing a gentle nudge when we were approaching a chapter deadline. It has been our pleasure working with all of you. The entire New Riders team made the daunting project of writing this book as painless as possible. Their comments and suggestions always seemed to guide us in the right direction, almost as if they had a finished manuscript all along. Their professionalism and thoroughness during the project has demonstrated to us first hand why the New Riders team produces the best technical books available.

We'd also like to thank the technical editors Steven Heckler and Greg Feirer. Their valuable comments always seemed to fill in the missing text that tied everything together. We want them to know that their work was greatly appreciated and made this book a much better product.

Mark Riehl

I would like to thank my employer Agile Communications, Inc., especially the president Dave Hall and vice-president Edward J. McCarthy for providing the type of environment and flexible schedule that makes a project like this possible. When you're surrounded by basically the sharpest people you've come across throughout your career, you look forward to work every day. I'd like to also thank Ed for his comments throughout the book, especially those in the first few chapters.

I would also like to thank members of my family who have supported me during this busy project. First, I'd like to thank my grandfather, James Fitzgerald Kennedy, who always taught me while growing up to "Work with your head, not with your back" ”that was his way of saying work smarter , not harder (no, my grandfather doesn't use Perl, but he probably could).

Second, my parents Richard and Patricia, who always demonstrated an exemplary work ethic and attention to detail that to this day pushes me to strive for perfection in everything that I do. Hopefully a little piece of them is reflected throughout the book. Finally, I need to thank my wife and best friend Alyse. She was the first person that thought writing a book was a great idea and never doubted me (or my dream of someday writing a book). Alyse has been very understanding during the past six months while I worked in my office on so many nights and weekends. Her unwavering support (which included chocolate chip cookies) has contributed to this book (and me) more than she'll ever know.

Ilya Sterin

I'd like to first of all thank God, without whom nothing would be possible. Second I'd like to thank my family, without them everything would be meaningless. My son Elijah, your life brought new life and meaning to mine. You are the reason I strive to succeed. I'd write a book just on what you mean to me, but first I need a vacation after this one's done. David, my brother, I love you more than life itself. My mother Sofya, who's dedication and hard work in raising me, and believe me I mean hard work, gave me the toolset I needed to take this life on. There are three people, my late Grandfather Lazar, Grandmother Malia, and late Great-grandmother Tuba, whom I love enormously and who's hard work and sweat in raising and educating me in the early stages on my life laid the foundation for the rest of my life. My best friend Dr. Eugene Zolotarevsky and his wife Michelle with whom I can share anything with and receive any advice or help needed. You guys have been great. All of the people I just listed hold a special part in my heart and the heart can't beat if any piece is missing. I'd also like to thank the rest of my huge family; I can't think of anyone who hasn't contributed to my life in some way.