Books to make you a
better software engineer
My software engineer reading list. Books in no particular order. None of the links are affiliate links.
Also, check out my "Do not read list" at the bottom.
Low-level discussion of design that assumes no prior knowledge. Dense and incomplete, but stimulating and rigorous.
Explanation of the differences between academic knowledge and instruction and practical knowledge and instruction. Parts 2 and 3 are weak so I only recommend reading part 1.
Accessible and applicable explanation of data storage and processing systems. Also a great resource for design examples.
Discussion of software structure and development over time with a great level of generalization and specificity.
Synthesis of extensive research on the success and failure of software projects. Critical reading for anyone leading large projects.
A practical and coherent guide to software team management. The book would like to be a general guide, but it ends up being specific to certain company growth trajectories and manager personalities. The real value is in the reading list at the end.
WARNING: Do not read list
If this book was purely about building a shared vocabulary between subject matter experts and software engineers then it might be OK. But it also attempts to create a "proper way" to structure software that can be applied to any application and if fails at that endeavor to a dangerous degree.
I didn't finish this book so maybe the end is better. I stopped reading it because the book willfully ignored the fact that employees leave bad managers and retention is a huge issue. Managers have a huge responsibility to create a work environment that is challenging, stimulating, fun, and meaningful to their subordinates. Those who fail to do so are just hoping their employees don't realize they deserve better. So what is this book even about?
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