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201 Principles of Software Development
This text defines governing principles for software development, assumptions that work regardless of tools used, to keep software projects from costing too much, taking too long and disappointing users.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published March 7, 1995
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
June 17, 2015
A suitable choice for the commandments of software development
There is strong evidence to support the claim that software development is the most difficult endeavor humans have ever embarked on. Humans are hard or perhaps a better term is soft wired to make errors. It is this capacity for errors that allows us to develop new things and improve performance. Unfortunately, software development is extremely precise, which is in opposition to how humans generally function. Therefore, it is practically impossible to develop large-scale software projects that are error free.
The solution is to manage the errors so that the types of errors are skewed toward the less serious and the probability of serious errors is reduced to an achievable minimum. This requires the development of a process, which is constructed from a set of fundamental principles. 201 of the most effective principles are briefly described in this book. All are at most a couple of paragraphs in length, and are self-evident to the experienced coder. However, self-evident does not mean redundant as the pressure to relax a principle can become overwhelming under the rush to complete. Software designers and their managers need constant reminders that short cuts to code creation are misnamed. There is no such thing, yet it is easy to rationalize that your case is different and it will work this time.
This is a book that should become the commandments of software development. Each person in the team should have a copy and when it is suggested that a principle be violated, the appropriate red flag should be raised. By doing that, while the simple problems will still exist, the more complex ones will be avoided.
This review also appears on Amazon.
There is strong evidence to support the claim that software development is the most difficult endeavor humans have ever embarked on. Humans are hard or perhaps a better term is soft wired to make errors. It is this capacity for errors that allows us to develop new things and improve performance. Unfortunately, software development is extremely precise, which is in opposition to how humans generally function. Therefore, it is practically impossible to develop large-scale software projects that are error free.
The solution is to manage the errors so that the types of errors are skewed toward the less serious and the probability of serious errors is reduced to an achievable minimum. This requires the development of a process, which is constructed from a set of fundamental principles. 201 of the most effective principles are briefly described in this book. All are at most a couple of paragraphs in length, and are self-evident to the experienced coder. However, self-evident does not mean redundant as the pressure to relax a principle can become overwhelming under the rush to complete. Software designers and their managers need constant reminders that short cuts to code creation are misnamed. There is no such thing, yet it is easy to rationalize that your case is different and it will work this time.
This is a book that should become the commandments of software development. Each person in the team should have a copy and when it is suggested that a principle be violated, the appropriate red flag should be raised. By doing that, while the simple problems will still exist, the more complex ones will be avoided.
This review also appears on Amazon.
December 30, 2017
Good collection of varied advice about software development in general. I found it a bit too "business-focused" for me, but that has more to do with me being a self-taught indie developer than the book itself.
As I saw in another review, this book's biggest weakness is its lack of originality; it almost exclusively gathers key points of other books. In a way, this is also one of its strength in that it is packed with content and wastes very little time.
I personally really liked the bite-sized chapters format.
As I saw in another review, this book's biggest weakness is its lack of originality; it almost exclusively gathers key points of other books. In a way, this is also one of its strength in that it is packed with content and wastes very little time.
I personally really liked the bite-sized chapters format.
October 17, 2025
Alan M. Davis's ""201 Principles of Software Development"" stands out by focusing on timeless principles rather than chasing trends. Instead of advocating specific tools or frameworks, Davis identifies universal truths that remain constant regardless of your tech stack or development methodology.
What makes this book invaluable is its practical approach to the core problems plaguing software projects: excessive costs, extended timelines, and disappointed users. With 201 principles covering everything from project planning and team dynamics to testing and maintenance, the book serves as both a comprehensive read and a reliable reference guide.
The writing is clear and accessible, avoiding academic jargon while delivering genuinely actionable wisdom. Each principle is presented straightforwardly, making it useful for both seasoned developers and team leads seeking to improve their practices without overhauling their entire workflow.
Whether you're working at a software development company or building your own projects, this book offers perspective worth considering. The principles transcend individual organizations and methodologies, making this an indispensable resource that remains relevant year after year. If you're looking for practical, universally applicable guidance on software development, Davis's work absolutely belongs on your shelf.
What makes this book invaluable is its practical approach to the core problems plaguing software projects: excessive costs, extended timelines, and disappointed users. With 201 principles covering everything from project planning and team dynamics to testing and maintenance, the book serves as both a comprehensive read and a reliable reference guide.
The writing is clear and accessible, avoiding academic jargon while delivering genuinely actionable wisdom. Each principle is presented straightforwardly, making it useful for both seasoned developers and team leads seeking to improve their practices without overhauling their entire workflow.
Whether you're working at a software development company or building your own projects, this book offers perspective worth considering. The principles transcend individual organizations and methodologies, making this an indispensable resource that remains relevant year after year. If you're looking for practical, universally applicable guidance on software development, Davis's work absolutely belongs on your shelf.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews