General software books to get better with
There are ton of resources I recommend to learn from.
This one will focus on general programming principals and not just a specific technique or language.
Why I recommend books
I love books - they are full of information, they are fun to read , you can take one and read it your own pace.
The most crucial part is they spark your imagination and self thinking.
There’s a huge difference between a book guiding you into a solution and a video that shows you how to write code.
It requires your focus and awareness.
TO THE BOOKS!
It’s not a grocery list that you will have to endure.
These books are the ones I liked after reading them - the ones that influenced my style of coding.
Of course there are tons of resources that are available and I recommend but they aren’t part of this list, if you have a question regarding anything more specific - be my guest, send it to me and I’ll be happy to answer.
Code Complete 2
It’s the first book to ever changed my view on software engineering process.
I always knew the point of design and requierments even before I read it, but it influenced and made my ideas to be better and much more efficient.
Some of these concepts are really simple -
- Metaphores and analogies intead of guidelines and algorithms.
- Requierments.
- Design and construction.
Moreover, this book covers all aspects of software engineering, design and decision that we make in code construction.
Also, It is written in a way that you can keep it by your side and use it as a reference once you deal with a dilema or just want another point of view.
It’s a must to read.
97 Things Every Programmer Should Know
A series of essays on different aspects in software engineering.
Some of my favorites:
- Beauti in Simplicity
- The boy scout rule
- Choose your tools with care
- Don’t repeat yourself
- The guru myth
The essays are written by professional developers, some of them have really good points, others I tried to close my right eye on them (Because I actually see better with my right eye).
Easy to read, easy to understand, enjoyable -> must to read.
Head first design patterns
I’ve read it when I was only a beginner - with no knowledge and experience on design.
It introduces in a fun way design patterns, and by fun I mean funny examples, awesome illustration and insightful quizes.
It’s colorful, bright with easy to read text.
If design patterns is a topic you didn’t cover - jump into this book and enjoy the learning.
After that just grab gang of four and aquire yourself with all the patterns.
The clean coder
A briliant and simple book on how to write better code.
Just like Code Complete 2 , it’s full of practical guidelines and lessons on how to deal with code.
From naming, comments and simple formatting to functions, classes and whole systems.
Starting to practice these ideas and guidelines will definitelly make you a better programmer because you are not just writing code for solution’s sake but you begin to understand what’s actually like writing good code!
Professional craftsmanship at its best!
Code Simplicity: The Science of Software Design
A short book that remindes us the most basic concept in programming.
KISS!
No, no the metal band (Although they are awesome), but the rule:
Keep It Simple Stupid!
Programmers are arrogant, they think because they handle complex systems they need to write complex code.
#1 rule in programming - git commit push!
#2 rule is - Keep complexity at bay and make the code as simple as you can.
It’s a short effective reading which make you think twice before you write nonsense again.
Must to read!
