Reference: Excellent books for the software business...

[Snaggs]

I would like to share with all of you some of the books I have read in the past that have really helped me in my programming skills and helped our company improve the quality of our software. There are three books that I recommend:<br>
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1. If you're programmer whose been writting code for more than 2-3 years, you would enjoy reading &quot;Code Complete&quot; by Steve McConnell. The book is released under Microsoft Press. This book will help you set higher standards in your coding practices and give you the ability to write higher quality code! A 'Must have' for the serious programmer! Here's a link to preview the book.<br>
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<A HREF="

http://www.technetcast.com/hz-show-980417.html"

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http://www.technetcast.com/hz-show-980417.html</A><br>

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2. The next book is something called &quot;Rapid Development&quot; by Steve McConnell. Again, released under Microsoft Press. This book is more for the managers of software projects, but it's also good for developers to read. It talks about how to implement change control, how to set deadlines, dealing with morale issues and such. Excellent book! Here's a link to preview the book.<br>
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<A HREF="

http://192.215.145.67/feature/feature.0004.html"

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http://192.215.145.67/feature/feature.0004.html</A><br>

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3. The final book I recommend is &quot;The Software Project Survival Guide&quot;. Again, another Steve McConnell book under Microsoft Press. This is more of a slimmed down version of Rapid Development, but it does have some new topics. This book takes you from interviewing the client for the project to be built, through prototyping, change control, requirements, architecture, design, coding, unit testing and relasing the product. Excellent book for both programmers and managers. Here's a link to preview the book.<br>
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<A HREF="

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1572316217/qid=950678510/sr=1-5/102-2804217-1773649"

TARGET="_new">

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1572316217/qid=950678510/sr=1-5/102-2804217-1773649</A><br>

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Steve has other books out there, a new one he just released was called &quot;Software Requirements&quot;. I haven't read this one, but we do have a copy of it at work. From what I've heard it's pretty good too. If it's anything like the first three, then I would recommend this book too.<br>
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Cheers,<br>
<p>Steve Meier<br><a href=mailto:sdmeier@jcn1.com>sdmeier@jcn1.com</a><br><a href= > </a><br>

 

[chiph]

Hi Steve!<br>
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I can also recommend:<br>
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(1) &quot;Janet Ruhl's Answers for Computer Contractors : How to Get the Highest Rates and the Fairest Deals from Consulting Firms, Agencies, and Clients &quot;<br>
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This book covers how you should function as a computer consultant. Important topics include the differences between a 1099 worker and a W-2 employee, and how to avoid having the IRS decide for you which you are. Other important subjects include what language to use in contracts you write with customers, and how contracting firms make their money (answer: They exploit their workers)<br>
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<A HREF="

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0964711621/ref=sim_books/103-8491499-1300647"

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http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0964711621/ref=sim_books/103-8491499-1300647</A><br>

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(2) &quot;Accidental Empires : How the Boys of Silicon Valley Make Their Millions, Battle Foreign Competition, and Still Can't Get a Date&quot; by Robert X. Cringely<br>
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Not really a &quot;how-to&quot; book, this covers the history of the personal computer industry. I feel you can't make good decisions without knowing the mistakes that others made before you. (Like going out and flying your airplane when IBM wants to license your operating system, and is sitting in your office waiting for you to appear).<br>
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<A HREF="

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0887308554/qid=950731168/sr=1-33/103-8491499-1300647"

TARGET="_new">

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0887308554/qid=950731168/sr=1-33/103-8491499-1300647</A><br>

<br>
Chip H.<br>
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[Pete]

Great tips... thanks!