Java is large and powerful, but that size and power carries with it complexity and accumulated inconsistencies. Groovy is an elegant JVM-based dynamic language that gracefully co-exists with Java. It both extends and simplifies Java and for most Java developers, Groovy is super easy to learn. If you know where to apply it, adding in a little Groovy will make you a better Java developer. Making Java Groovy is a practical handbook for developers who want to blend Groovy into their day-to-day work with Java. It starts by introducing the key differences between Java and Groovy and how you can use them to your advantage. Then, it guides you step-by-step through realistic development challenges, from web applications to web services to desktop applications, and shows how Groovy makes them easier to put into production. This book stays away from theory and drills down on the typical situations you face every day, like consuming and creating SOAP and RESTful web services, working with databases, and using the Spring framework. You'll also explore the great Groovy tools for build processes, testing, and deployment. Finally, you'll learn how Groovy-based domain specific languages simplify Java development.