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Programmers are craftspeople trained to use a certain set of tools (editors, object managers, version trackers) to generate a certain kind of product (programs) that will operate in some environment (operating systems on hardware assemblies). Like any other craft, computer programming has spawned a body of wisdom, most of which isn't taught at universities or in certification classes. Most programmers arrive at the so-called tricks of the trade over time, through independent experimentation. In The Pragmatic Programmer, Andrew Hunt and David Thomas codify many of the truths they've discovered during their respective careers as designers of software and writers of code.
Some of the authors' nuggets of pragmatism are concrete, and the path to their implementation is clear. They advise readers to learn one text editor, for example, and use it for everything. They also recommend the use of version-tracking software for even the smallest projects, and promote the merits of learning regular expression syntax and a text-manipulation language. Other (perhaps more valuable) advice is more light-hearted. In the debugging section, it is noted that, "if you see hoof prints think horses, not zebras." That is, suspect everything, but start looking for problems in the most obvious places. There are recommendations for making estimates of time and expense, and for integrating testing into the development process. You'll want a copy of The Pragmatic Programmer for two reasons: it displays your own accumulated wisdom more cleanly than you ever bothered to state it, and it introduces you to methods of work that you may not yet have considered. Working programmers will enjoy this book. --David Wall
Topics covered: A useful approach to software design and construction that allows for efficient, profitable development of high-quality products. Elements of the approach include specification development, customer relations, team management, design practices, development tools, and testing procedures. This approach is presented with the help of anecdotes and technical problems.
Book Description
If I'm putting together a project, it's the authors of this book that I want. . . . And failing that I'd settle for people who've read their book." -- Ward Cunningham
Straight from the programming trenches, The Pragmatic Programmer cuts through the increasing specialization and technicalities of modern software development to examine the core process--taking a requirement and producing working, maintainable code that delights its users. It covers topics ranging from personal responsibility and career development to architectural techniques for keeping your code flexible and easy to adapt and reuse. Read this book, and you'll learn how to
- Fight software rot;
- Avoid the trap of duplicating knowledge;
- Write flexible, dynamic, and adaptable code;
- Avoid programming by coincidence;
- Bullet-proof your code with contracts, assertions, and exceptions;
- Capture real requirements;
- Test ruthlessly and effectively;
- Delight your users;
- Build teams of pragmatic programmers; and
- Make your developments more precise with automation.
Written as a series of self-contained sections and filled with entertaining anecdotes, thoughtful examples, and interesting analogies, The Pragmatic Programmer illustrates the best practices and major pitfalls of many different aspects of software development. Whether you're a new coder, an experienced programmer, or a manager responsible for software projects, use these lessons daily, and you'll quickly see improvements in personal productivity, accuracy, and job satisfaction. You'll learn skills and develop habits and attitudes that form the foundation for long-term success in your career. You'll become a Pragmatic Programmer.
Customer Reviews:
Good principles, but they don't deep on them.......2007-08-14
It's undeniable that this book is full of good values, principles, and techniques that programmers should strive to follow in order to delivery good software. In spite of it, almost none of the topics covered by the authors go deep into the subject, what opens space, in my opinion, for future improvements.
It is far overrated.......2007-07-27
I have read the book mainly based on its high rate in the software development topics.
I agree with almost all the reviews ranging from 1 star to 5 stars.
Why I gave 1 star only is to bring down the overall rating. I have no personal contact with the authors and I don't think it is a bad book either, it is just shallow, as pointed out by many reviewers already.
If you are new to software development, it is fine for you to read it, you will learn something from the book, but I would say, Code Complete and Code Craft are far more interesting and systematic books than this one.
If you are a senior developer like me, please don't waste your time and money on this book, it is not for you. You probably could write some book like this if you are determined enough.
Sorry, authors, please forgive me. I am not attaching you at all, I just wanted to be fair.
Actually, I was kind of stupid since I didn't understand the book title very well, it already said there, in black and white, "From Journeyman to Master", what it means? It means if you are a junior developer, this book can shorten your learning curve to become a master.
Hope this review helps you make your decision.
Thanks
This book is a must for every serious programmer.......2007-04-04
This book is the best book that covers programming and how to work as a programmer that I have ever read. It is down-to-earth, funny and with lots of insights. The way it is structured, with very direct recommendations, make it an ideal book to use as a base for team consensus when it concerns the really important parts of software development. This book really shines.
Provides non-programmers with fascinating insights into professional tricks of the trade.......2007-04-01
I come to this book from a slightly odd perspective. Although I have some programming experience, it is very minor, and my current job is focused on strategy and project management rather than the nuts and bolts of coding. I bought the book hoping that it would give me a glimpse into the minds of the senior engineers I work with every day. This it did, quite successfully.
There are seventy numbered tips divided into rough categories. The challenge for me was to distinguish those that nearly all programmers would agree with ("always use source control") from those that may represent a preference of the author ("design with contracts"). An obvious way of doing this would be to review every tip with a programmer you respected. But if you plan to do this, try to buy the poor guy a beer afterwards. That's a lot of tips.
I also found very quickly that the subtitle of the book was no joke. These tips will help propel a programmer from "journeyman to master", but they are a stretch if, like me, you are a relative beginner. Nothing written here is conceptually outside the grasp of anyone who has done coding outside the classroom, but many of the implications and details escaped me until I talked them over with experienced professionals. It doesn't pretend to be a book for beginners, and by gum, it's not.
There is also a very heavy emphasis on testing and automation throughout the text. While much of the time this is obviously a good idea, it is focused on a certain type of programming whose core challenges are on the back end, and not user facing. Perhaps there is a method of testing that would catch the UI errors and usability problems that crop up so often when developing for the web, but if they were described I didn't catch them.
I would recommend this book to anyone working with programmers on a professional basis. It helps to understand some of their tools and processes, although not every engineer agrees with every tip presented. If you're learning how to program yourself though, I recommend you wait on this one till you're through a few more introductory texts.
A must for junior programmers, good reference for senior developers.......2007-03-21
This book is well written and contains valuable information about software development and practices.
It is highly recommended if you are starting in this field as this will set you up and get you going in the right direction.
If you are, however, an experienced software developer you can quickly skim through it. There was very little new for me. My colleagues and I already follow many of the practices mentioned in the book. It is good to have it on a bookshelf as a reference anyway.
Average customer rating:
- a lot of reading for little substance
- Slow but worth it
- Another great story within a story
- Maintaining the decline
- Thief!
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Alvin Journeyman (Tales of Alvin Maker, Book 4)
Orson Scott Card
Manufacturer: Tor Fantasy
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Similar Items:
-
Heartfire (Tales of Alvin Maker, Book 5)
-
Prentice Alvin (Tales of Alvin Maker, Book 3)
-
Red Prophet (Tales of Alvin Maker, Book 2)
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The Crystal City: The Tales of Alvin Maker, Volume VI (Alvin Maker)
-
Seventh Son (Tales of Alvin Maker, Book 1)
ASIN: 0812509234 |
Book Description
Alvin is a Maker, the first to be born in a century.Now a grown man and a journeyman smith, Alvin has returned to his family in the town of Vigor Church. He will share in their isolation, work as a blacksmith, and try to teach anyone who wishes to learn the knack of being a Maker. For Alvin has had a vision of the Crystal City he will build, and he knows that he cannot build it alone.But he has left behind in Hatrack River enemies as well as true friends. His ancient foe, the Unmaker, whose cruel whispers and deadly plots have threatened Alvin's life at every turn, has found new hands to do his work of destruction.
Customer Reviews:
a lot of reading for little substance.......2005-06-03
The Alvin Maker series starts off with a unique and fascinating alternate history of a world where people have "knacks" which allow them to do what would be considered "magic" to most of us. Alvin's knack is "making" and the first two books explained his world and shaped his character through some interesting and unique experiences.
The third book signalled the beginning of a decline in the series as Card moves toward his favored story of a main male character (Alvin) who is supposedly noble and good above all else. The third book is saved by an interesting and appropriate storyline about slavery but the same cannot be said of the fourth.
Unfortunately, in the fourth book, he makes the Alvin behave so stupidly as a means of attempting to martyr him that the reader soon loses respect for the main character. There is honor in self-sacrifice but not in someone who thinks that covering up the lies and misdeeds of others is a form of "good". Doesn't Card ever think it might be interesting to explore the theme of fostering positive character growth in others by having their lies and misdeeds dealt with directly by the person who they have harmed? I'm not talking about Rambo-type behavior but the fact that the Ender's series, the Homecoming series, and now the Alvin Maker series have pathetic men who believe bad decisions make them strong and noble is getting tiresome.
The worst part isn't the retread of the same old story but the fact that this story simply goes on and on and seems to have very little point other than to drag poor undeserving Alvin through the muck and have him sit by and do diddly about it. This is not only uninteresting for the reader but actively annoying.
Other reviewers have pointed out that this book brings together a cast of characters that will eventually serve a purpose in future novels in the series. I believe that those characters could have been brought in through a much less drawn-out and tedious storyline. Essentially, a few chapters of a novel which continues the move toward building the Crystal City (Alvin's ultimate goal as outlined in The Red Prophet) should have done it rather than subjecting us to no less than 3 separate liars accusing Alvin of various misdeeds and us having to suffer through excruciating details.
I decided after reading this book that this would be absolutely the last series of Card's novels I'd ever read. He's an excellent writer but he needs to tighten up his writing and get a new character or two. Ender, Nafai and Alvin are all just too similarly spineless.
Slow but worth it.......2004-09-10
This novel was an interesting story to the Alvin Maker series. I did enjoy the story and the adventures that Card told but I felt that this story was a stopping point-a temporary detour as he regrouped. I felt that this tale was an attempt to finish the story he started and gather the characters he needed to reach the Crystal City.
This is a very important book in the series. It introduces characters that I feel are going to be fundamental to the conclusion of the Alvin Maker series. If have been enjoying this gift from Card, you need to pick this book up and struggle through the slight lulls and finish this one.
Another great story within a story.......2004-02-03
I originally read this several years ago, and re-read it recently after getting the new book in the series. As I read this series as a whole, I am staring to notice that the individual stories form each book (The war in Red Prophet, the story of Arthur Stuart in Prentice Alvin, and the trial in this book) and the new characters that keep coming along, are starting to overshadow the overall story of Alvin's quest to build the Crystal City.
This book started a little slowly, so I thought it might not have been as interesting as the previous books in the series, as often happens once you get this deep into a series. But with the introduction of Verily Cooper and Alvin's trial, the book really picks up the pace. I look forward to re-reading the next book (Heartfire) followed by the The Crystal City, which will hopefully conclude the series.
If you've enjoyed the other books in this series, you probably won't be disappointed by this one.
Maintaining the decline.......2003-02-16
The positive: Affable characters, fast moving, easy to read.
The negative: Uninteresting plot.
Although slightly better than the previous book in this series, Card still doesn't manage to recreate the magic of the first two. In this book, the bulk of the tale is involved in Alvin facing trial for being wrongly accused of theft. Many characters are introduced based on characters created in an AOL chatroom by Card's fans and this book gives the impression much of it was written to coddle those fans and feature their characters. Not an entire waste of time but don't go into this series thinking each of the books will be as entertaining as the others.
Thief!.......2002-12-11
Alvin is accused of theft by Makepeace Smith, his former Master. The book explores what happens as Alvin tries to clear his name.
Much happens in this book, which is a continuation of Card's "Alvin Maker" series. There are some real surprises and some characters I didn't expect to come back, which come back in unexpected ways.
Worth Reading? You Bet!
Product Description
The information contained within this study system was designed to cover only the subject matter likely to appear on most State Journeyman Electrician Exams. Success on the Journeyman Exam not only depends on your overall knowledge of the electrical trade, but more importantly, your ability to locate information contained within the National Electrical Code (NEC).
Since the NEC is used throughout the United States as the bases for all electrical construction and inspection, most state exam core questions come directly from the NEC.
Average customer rating:
- Another Great Addition
- Leaves you wanting more
- The story grows in interest and wonder
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Alvin Journeyman: The Tales of Alvin Maker IV (The Tales of Alvin Maker, 4)
Orson Scott Card
Manufacturer: Tor Books
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Similar Items:
-
Heartfire (Tales of Alvin Maker, Book 5)
-
The Crystal City: The Tales of Alvin Maker, Volume VI (Alvin Maker)
-
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-
Red Prophet (Tales of Alvin Maker, Book 2)
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Seventh Son (Tales of Alvin Maker, Book 1)
ASIN: 0312850530 |
Book Description
In this widely acclaimed series, Card has created an alternate frontier America where folk magic really works. The adventure that began in Seventh Son continues in "Alvin Journeyman," the fourth book in the series, when Alvin is driven from his home by false accusations back to Hatrack River where he must stand trial for his life.
Customer Reviews:
Another Great Addition.......1999-03-22
OSC continues to develop the characters very vividly in this fourth installment of the Alvin Maker series. Alvin's growth into manhood and out of angry adolescence brings a new aspect of Alvin into view. A departure from the same character base is refreshing and hopefully will bring more character development in future installments.
I'd say that the book is excellent and is a must read for all those who have followed the series. OSC continues in his masterful character development. The only thing preventing me from giving this book the 5 stars is my ability to put down the book for later reading...perhaps it is because I have been reading too many books recently.
Leaves you wanting more.......1997-06-26
The book was well written and keeps with the flow of the other three, but there are a number of characters that have been dropped. I read the book within a week and enjoyed the new plot twists, but I am wondering if Card can finish this series in 5. It would be quite a task, and I hope he ties everything up better than this book would leave you to believe he can. I recommend this book for those that have loved the previous titles, and hope you don't come to the same conclusions I have
The story grows in interest and wonder.......1997-01-06
I cannot recommend this book and series enough. My wife
turned me on to the series and I am eagerly awaiting all
future installments. Alvin seems destined for greatness,
but like all great men, considers himself "just a normal
man". I can't wait to see how he and the Indians of this
alternate U.S. build his glorious city. This story also
is terrific in how it shows the love/hate relationship
between Alvin and Peggy, and how she had to voluntarily lose
him in order to find him and their relationship together.
Product Description
S008-05. Code Calculations gives students and code users an easy-to-use reference that shows by example and illustration the many applications requiring the use of the NEC. This book contains 11 chapters, each of which deals with a different area of application of the methods and rules spelled out in NEC.
Book Description
Fully updated based on the 2002 edition of the National Electrical Code®, this all-inclusive Journeyman Electrician's Review provides users with a proven-effective way of preparing for--and passing--professional licensing exams. In addition to three comprehensive practice exams, each chapter of this concise study guide focuses on a specific topic covered on the journeyman licensing exams, including general wiring methods, overcurrent protection, grounding, special equipment and occupancies, and more! Each chapter also contains an increased number of questions--styled for the first time like those that appear on actual exams--to guide readers quickly and efficiently to mastery of 100% of the information needed to pass their journeyman licensing exams. With each question about an NEC®-related topic, users are directed to cite a specific Code reference as part of the answer. As a result, they gain hands-on practice using the electrical industry's most authoritative reference as part of their test preparation, ensuring maximum readiness for all of the challenges they'll face in the field as licensed journeyman electricians.
Customer Reviews:
Richard E Loyd needs teaching lessons!!!.......2005-06-08
To be compleatly fair I am currently half way through the book so my review is only based on my experience with the book so far. At this perticular molment in time I am compleatly feed up with this book. I have come across a number of typos including references to articles in the code book that don't seem to exist: example (in chapter 6 range table 220.19 should be 220.55). Explinations to answers seem to contridict the actual answer: Example (chapter 7 page 103, Answer is no but the explination goes on to say why the answer is yes!!!) WTF!
The examples in this book are at times too complex in the "introductory" of the chapters, such as the examples in chapter 8 "overcurrent protection" which introduces the chapter and begins to go more into depth on the subject matter. Example: (And this is the shorter much simpler one): What is the maximum size time-delay fuse permitted to protect a 1-hoursepower 3-phase, 230-volt squirrel cage motor with a name plate of 3.3 amperes?) Then the explination to the correct answer goes on through 5 steps on how to come to the final conclution. Its too complex and doesn't explain enough as to how a person would know to refer to the given articles mentioned (unless you memorize every section in the NEC!). Also it mentions Table 430.150 but when you look in the book to try and follow Mr Loyd you find Article 430.128 and then the very next Article is 430.221!!! Then looking in Motors XIV "Tables" there are 7 tables and none of them are "430.150"!!! WTF, is this a joke! This is why I say Mr. Loyd needs teaching lessons, simply because you don't take someone who is trying to learn how to ride a bicycle and put them on a motorcycle! And tell them to rotate thier wrist if they want to slow down!
Also explinations such as the one on Power factor (chapter 3) are horrable, I was compleatly disappointed when I read it as I was hoping the book would enlighten me on the topic, what is the cosine Mr Loyd??? If we already knew these things why would we buy your book! Also where are the sections that explain some of the basic types of electrical circuts that exist such as wye connected circuts and Delta connected circuts, shouldn't there atleast be SOME basic explinations of these circuts. Maybe one chapter to talk about 120/240 120/208 and so one, just a few paragraphs of each type and where you commonly see them (what enviroments)! Also how about explaining Demand factor and other electrical terms. The chapter in the book on Branch-Circuts and feeders hardly explained anything on how to caulculate circuts and loads, also they just copied the same examples found in the NEC code book, strait to thiers!!!
Well, I could go on and on but I will leave it at that. Buyer beware! I did give it two stars because even with the chapters that misguide and confuse you you do end up learning the layout of the code book more or less so: (two stars to be fair!)
-8 year electrician
Book Description
Rani Glasswright is home in her native Morenia, and her quest to restore the glasswrights' guild is moving forward again. But there are those who benefit from having the Guild shattered-and Rani is a threat to their plans...
Customer Reviews:
you're insane to say the least.......2004-02-24
If you think that this author, Mindy L. Klasky, is 1st next to tolkien you're insane. Because these books do not have an ounce of goodness that Tolkien has, and these books shouldn't even be placed in the fantasy section. I thought it looked like a nice fantasy novel, but wow was I sure wrong, what were any of you or me thinking when you checked out this book. BAh.
Didn't like Hal.......2003-05-28
What's wrong with King Hal? He's supposed to be a good guy, and the main love interest - but he acts like a complete jerk, is a hopeless negotiator to the detriment of his country, is mean to Rani, and one night, sleeps with a someone else(a virgin whom he gets pregnant), intends to marry another princess, but instead ends up marrying up the woman he impregnated, who is a mean, manipulative, cruel person. Yeah right, Hal's an admirable love interest for Rani. He's stupid in his relationships, rude to Rani, impregnates and marries an evil woman, and all along, Rani's heart bleeds/is infuriated by him. I won't be reading any of Klasky's books. I like good guys that I can actually like.
The Glasswrights' Journeyman.......2003-03-12
I really liked this series i find them very entertaning.
The only problem was that i found them boring at the start of the books. They're all very well writen and the language was very discripteve. Klasky is one of the best fantasy wrirters of our time the next Tolkien. In the latest part of the Glasswright series the city of Morenia is set aflame. The only place that king hal can turn to for relief is Liantine and the only way he can get relief from them is marrage to its princess a very homely girl with crossed eyes and rabbit teeth all of this makes for a good adventure.Where does Rani come in? she is asked by hal to acompany him to the nagotiation for the dowry. The question is, will Rani be able to?
Incredible ending...but not in a good way.......2002-12-11
I've enjoyed all the books in this series. However, the ending in this one left me mystified. I wont spoil it for you but based on the rationale Hal & Rani both laid out for their actions the resolution of the book (abruptly wrapped-up in the last four pages!) was incredible...and not it a good way.
Other reviewers commented on the lack of romance between Hal & Rani. I disagree. It was clearly there; it was just never declared.
I'll probably read the next book when it comes out just to see if the series is redeemable.
THIS IS AWFUL!.......2002-09-03
The first book was great, the sequel was pretty good, and this book is TERRIBLE. It has to be the worst book I have ever tried to read. I didn't get past page 10. Don't waste your money!
Product Description
This study guide is a must have for preparing and passing any electrician exam. Over 600 multiple choice questions and answers covering the most essential subject matter of the 2005 NEC. Questions are divided into nine sections complete with answer keys and references to the NEC. Section ten consist of four 50 question practice exams.
Customer Reviews:
Good books but no answers in back of book.......2006-08-20
This is a really good book to study by for your exam. I failed my test the first time, then I bought the book and passed. The only bad thing is, is that I had to by the answer key to get the answers. No final exam in the back of the book either. But as far as material to learn, very good and easy format. I reccomend electricians exam preperation guide by John Traister for exam questions. The softwher was a very good help if you have a PC.
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