So how fun is it to work on a new program by finding recognized industry professionals, have the pleasure of working with them to create technical, community-driven reference cards, and then finally see them in the hands of the developers they were created for? One word – fun!

At JavaOne, DZone [1] launched its newest program, Refcardz. [2] SpringSource delivered the Spring Configuration [3] Refcard to anyone who stopped by their booth. The enthusiasm was contagious. Says one recipient of the Spring Configuration [4] Refcard:

“XML configuration can be confusing due to the fact that configuration options are often not well documented. The developer has to rely on partial configurations found in example projects. Spring Configuration [5] provides a wonderful detailed description making it easier for a developer to understand configuration options by domain and quickly find a specific configuration detail” (Eddie Warner, Software Engineer, Health Hero Network).

We printed three additional Refcardz for JavaOne:

• Getting Started with Ajax [6]
• Getting Started with Eclipse [7]
• GWT Style, Configuration and JSNI Reference [8]

All received with equal enthusiasm.

John Rizzo (JavaBlackBelt) says, “With years leading a Java training company, I've become quite expert at designing course material. I often see students facing too much information. A clear summary with examples that make them quickly remember what they once understood, would be a learning tool of great value. When DZone folks showed me their Refcardz, I immediately saw a double value for learners. First they get a dry introduction that goes to the point. Second, they get a clear summary to help remember. The next time I design a Java related course, I'll definitely point students to some of these Refcardz [9]. Good job guys!”

Refcardz [10] give you quick and easy access to documentation, APIs and technical tips on important enterprise development technologies.

Starting May 26, 2008, DZone will publish Refcardz [11] every 1 to 2 weeks. First up, Windows PowerShell. After that, Dependency Injection with EJB 3, jQuery Selectors, Silverlight 2, and Design Patterns. In the works, but too early to announce any dates for their release, Groovy, RSS and Atom, IntelliJ IDEA, Apache Struts 2, Flexible Rails, NetBeans, and Ruby.

If you haven’t done so already, be sure to subscribe to get access to all the Refcardz – they’re FREE.

And for those who have downloaded one or more Refcardz, tell us what you think. We’d love to hear your feedback.