A different approach to software development...
I started reading
Code Complete, Second Edition
about a week ago and have not been able to put it down. Most
computer books I pick up are always trying to sell you an idea, they
are always skewed in a way to convince you that this language or tool
is the best there is. This book took a different approach which
kept me into it. For me,
Code Complete, Second Edition
has become a great resource for best practices, different approaches to
problem solving, and thinking logically. Anyone can learn the
syntax of a language or the libraries, but not everyone puts the time
into the logic as they should. Parts of the book reminded me of
an "Object-Oriented Programming Techniques" class I took in college or
a "Data Structures" class, but the majority of the book has introduced
me to new ideas that never would have crossed my mind.
Amazon.com's description of the book listed some of the main topics it
covers. Topics include design, applying good techniques to
construction,
eliminating errors, planning, managing construction activities, and
relating personal character to superior software. This new edition
features fully updated information on programming techniques, including
the emergence of Web-style programming, and integrated coverage of
object-oriented design.
With the coming release of Visual Studio 2005 and ASP.NET 2.0, everyone
is in a rush to download the betas and start learning the new tools. I
know because I am one of them. I have been learning the new tools
so that I can hit the ground running as soon as they are
released. However, learning the tool is not going to help you
become a better programmer. I recommend browsing through at least
the index of this book next time you are at Borders and I am sure you
will want to dig into it more.
I am not saying to not learn the new tools. The purpose of this
post is to remind us that going back to a standard set of guidelines
can always benefit us even though they are not as interesting as a blog
on new technologies.