Code Craft: The Practice of Writing Excellent Code (Paperback)

Description

"Some books you read because you have to, some you simply have to read. Pete's book is in the second category ?it's useful and fun and it'll make you a better programmer."
—Jez Higgins, ACCU Chairman

 

 

"Code Craft is a goldmine of information that every professional software developer should be aware of."
—Tim Penhey, editor of C Vu Journal

 

 

You know how to write code that works, but what about code that's well written and easy to understand? And robust and bug-free? If other programmers looked at your handiwork, would they be able to figure out the code's logic and purpose? Exceptional programmers have more than just technical know-how; they adopt the right approach and attitude to development.

Code Craft will help take your programming beyond writing correct code to writing great code, thus turning you into a true programming professional or enhancing your existing professional skills.

With language-agnostic advice that's relevant to all developers, Code Craft covers code-writing concerns such as presentation style, variable naming, error handling, and security. And it tackles broader, real-world programming issues like effective teamwork, development processes, and documentation. Each chapter ends with a Q&A section that reviews key concepts to get you thinking like an expert, making it an especially great reference for newer programmers who want to work professionally and efficiently as part of a team.

This survival guide for the software factory will show you how to:
?Write good code when the world's not helping you
?Avoid disasters and distractions in the workplace
?Assess your abilities accurately and determine ways to improve
?Adopt productive attitudes and follow best practices

There's little more valuable than the advice of a true, programming professional. You'll find Code Craft to be clear, practical, and entertaining throughout, and a great way to take your code (and your career) to the next level.

 

Table of Contents

Cutting code: At the codeface
Chapter 1: On the defensive
Chapter 2: The best laid plans
Chapter 3: What's in a name?
Chapter 4: The write stuff
Chapter 5: A passing comment
Chapter 6: To err is human

Cutting code: The secret life of code
Chapter 7: The programmer's toolbox
Chapter 8: Testing times
Chapter 9: Finding fault
Chapter 10: The code that Jack built
Chapter 11: The need for speed
Chapter 12: An insecurity complex

Cutting code: The shape of things to come
Chapter 13: Grand designs
Chapter 14: Software architecture
Chapter 15: Software evolution

Life in the software factory: A herd of programmers
Chapter 16: Code monkeys
Chapter 17: Together we stand
Chapter 18: Practising safe source

Life in the software factory: Part of the process
Chapter 19: Being specific
Chapter 20: A review to a kill
Chapter 21: How long is a piece of string?

Life in the software factory: From the top
Chapter 22: Recipe for a program
Chapter 23: The outer limits