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Books that changed my career - The Pragmatic Programmer

This blog post is a next one in the series which contains the most influential books that I have read in my programming career. This is my private ranking, each post contains a good dose of my private opinions (you have been warned :wink:), but besides that I hope that you will find it valuable.

Introduction

In the previous post, I have mentioned that I have this book in three copies - two editions of e-book version (Polish and English) and printed Polish translation. The last one is the most valuable for me, because I have received it as a gift from my colleague during studies, with very nice inscription (after graduating 3rd year, if I recall correctly - Hi Rafał! :wink:).

I would like to focus in this post on the actual details, because book is well known in the community. And it definitely deserves its fame and glory. It is even more actual, than C Programming Language by Kernighan and Ritchie. :stuck_out_tongue_winking_eye: Actually it is a huge foundation under the Agile Manifesto (it was published two years before formalized meeting happened, where the document was signed), moreover - both authors are signatories of that manifesto.

The Pragmatic Programmer: From Journeyman to Master

The Pragmatic Programmer

Subtitle

Almost each science specialization has its own book, which is required to read before you will start a professional career. If you are an apprentice, you will probably get most of this book, because your mind is fresh and knowledge base is relatively small, especially regarding topics like estimation, career planning or teamwork.

But in this case, even the subtitle suggests that it is a book for all generations of programmers. Of course younger programmers will benefit the most, but not surprisingly, even the more experienced folks can find this book refreshing. Why? Because it is a classic example of knowledge which is universal, but sometimes not commonly known or even forgotten.

Universal Truths

I would like to introduce the most favorite advice and guides from the book.

And what is your favorite advice from that book? Please, share your choice and explanation in the comments below.

What’s next?

I would like to cover another classical position on my bookshelf, which is very underestimated by the community. Recently, it receives proper respect, even the Uncle Bob recommends to read it. Book covers functional programming in an exotic language, but each MIT freshman have to read it and they can do it easily. It is possible thanks to the three brilliant authors who created a very comprehensible and timeless book (which is, in my opinion, even more actual now). Stay tuned to the next post!

Credits

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