book data
247 ratings,
4.34
average rating, 36 reviews
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published
July 7th 2004
(first published 1993)
by Microsoft Press
binding
Paperback, 960 pages
isbn
0735619670
(isbn13: 9780735619678)
description
Take a strategic approach to software constructionand produce superior productswith this fully updated edition of Steve McConnells critically praised ...more
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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 542)
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avg 4.34
editions: all | this edition
editions: all | this edition
I probably got less out of the book, having worked as a developer for a couple of years out of school, than say, a college student or somebody fresh out. Or maybe dinosaurs that are out of touch and need to get back into the game.
The second half of the book is pretty much a catalog of refactoring techniques. It's definitely geared towards the aforementioned audiences.
McConnell covers a few other topics, related to design, teamwork, testing, and configuration managemen...more
The second half of the book is pretty much a catalog of refactoring techniques. It's definitely geared towards the aforementioned audiences.
McConnell covers a few other topics, related to design, teamwork, testing, and configuration managemen...more
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Read in June, 2005
Purchased this book as a textbook for a Software Engineering class at school. The teacher said he enjoyed it quite a bit and that we weren't going to reference it as much as he'd like (considering the other texts for the class). His comment piqued my interest. Upon finishing the first reading assignment I continued along to the next chapter. Like it so much I began the next and then halted, remembering the other reading I first needed to complete.
So, I finished the other book (Mythical...more
So, I finished the other book (Mythical...more
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Read in June, 2006
There's a lot of good stuff in here for new developers, which is why I gave it 3 not 2 stars. I thought some of it was a little dry and I'd already read of many of the practices the book mentions, which is why it didn't score higher with me. That said, it really is a good book for new developers.
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Read in May, 2008
Excellent book on software development. I read the first version years ago. It was well worth picking up the second version as a refresher. The book covers everything from personal character to how to format a for loop, it's a must read for improving your skills and to help you realize how far you still have to go.
The only problem I have with the book is the formatting. It's a nightmare of little quotes, references and key point icons (with a picture of a key - thanks...) cluttering ...more
The only problem I have with the book is the formatting. It's a nightmare of little quotes, references and key point icons (with a picture of a key - thanks...) cluttering ...more
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Read in January, 2008
Well, it's definitely long. If you've been programming for a while, and haven't read this (like me), then you'll find it to be a good structured outline of what you're doing already, with quite a few new things sprinkled in.
For a recent grad, I think this book will be filled with lots of information that can help the new grad avoid the gotchas that had to be learned the hard way by other people.
I think Steve McConnell takes a fairly pragmatic approach in this book, in th...more
For a recent grad, I think this book will be filled with lots of information that can help the new grad avoid the gotchas that had to be learned the hard way by other people.
I think Steve McConnell takes a fairly pragmatic approach in this book, in th...more
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Read in January, 2002
recommends it for:
programmers/developers
This book is a really good examination of low-level design of code. This older version was written before widespread adoption of Java, web development, or object oriented development. However, it's focus on well-designed routines (methods/functions) meant that the meat of the content was still highly useful and actually unencumbered by more hyped up features of more recent programming trends.
The new version, Code Complete Second Edition includes content about newer programming tech...more
The new version, Code Complete Second Edition includes content about newer programming tech...more
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Read in April, 2008
This book tells you the right way of writing code. Must read to all programmers.
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Read in January, 2006
One of the best books on architecting and design ever.
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A lot of books will tell you how to code. This is one of the few that backs its advice with research and statistics. Part of the essential developer bookshelf, right next to The Pragmatic Programmer.
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Read in November, 2007
recommends it for:
experienced developers
Often called "'The Joy of Cooking' for coding", Code Complete is an excellent book that doesn't say HOW TO code, but is ABOUT coding. Considerations with project size and complexity, coding style, comments, testing strategies, even developer communication are all touched upon.
Many things won't click with people who don't have at least a year or two of development under their belt, but for any kind of programmer, this book contains many gems that are worth referencing for y...more
Many things won't click with people who don't have at least a year or two of development under their belt, but for any kind of programmer, this book contains many gems that are worth referencing for y...more
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Read in November, 2007
recommends it for:
any developer
Often called "'The Joy of Cooking' for coding", Code Complete is an excellent book that doesn't say HOW TO code, but is ABOUT coding. Considerations with project size and complexity, coding style, comments, testing strategies, even developer communcation are all touched upon.
Many things won't click with people who don't have at least a year or two of development under their belt, but for any kind of programmer, this book contains many gems that are worth referencing for ye...more
Many things won't click with people who don't have at least a year or two of development under their belt, but for any kind of programmer, this book contains many gems that are worth referencing for ye...more
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Read in January, 2000
_The_ book about the craft of programming. Not only should every programmer read it, they should reread it every several years. In the detailed view this book is an examination of all aspects of software construction, down as far as the minutia of loops and conditionals. But in the broad view there is a golden thread running through this book that ingrains in your mind: "Code doesn't just happen. You _choose_ how you write code. Strive to choose wisely."
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Read in February, 2009
I have been programming professionally since I graduate in 2001. The only thing I regret about reading this book is not reading it sooner. This will help you get rid of some bad habits, reinforce the good ones, and give you research to back up the decisions you make. Excellent read.
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Includes a lot of details about C style and interactions. Like the book by Hunt and Thomas, there are times when Code Complete feels a little preachy, but that doesn't make it any less classic. My first encounter with this book came when I was in high school, working on my first programming job.
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Read in April, 2008
One of the very few books that delves into the the real "meat and potatoes" of the software development process - specifically from a software construction standpoint. Beginning software engineers and veteran coders alike will certainly find something useful in this book.
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Read in August, 2006
I've heard this referred to as the programmer's Joy of Cooking. While I do disagree with some of McConnell's points (though not as much as I disagree with the Joy of Cooking's "beef broth on the rocks"), this is a book every software engineer should read.
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Steve McConnell has done his homework and updated the original Code Complete with the latest environments and languages. He offers some best practices with getting to code complete. I have a copy with his autograph - I am a geek.
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Read in January, 1999
recommends it for:
computer scientists
I actually read an earlier revision that is now out of print. This book opened my eyes to the business of software development. It gave me a solid understanding of how I should write code, not just how to write code.
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recommends it for:
Software developers that lack experience and want to learn from other's mistakes
This is an excellent book. I found the advice to be only semi useful however. Just thinking through and understanding common mistakes and issues of software engineering was the most valuable aspect of this book for me.
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