Joel on Software
And on Diverse and Occasionally Related Matters That Will Prove of Interest to Software Developers, Designers, and Managers, and to Those Who, Whether by Good Fortune or Ill Luck, Work with Them in Some Capacity
Joel on Software: and on Diverse and Occasionally Related Matters That Will Prove of Interest to Software Developers, Designers, and Managers, and to Those Who, Whether by Good Fortune or Ill Luck, Work with Them in Some Capacity
This book
could as well be called “Jewels” On Software. It’s about Joel Spolsky speaking his mind. As you would learn if you read this book, he was the program manager of the Excel product line at Microsoft for 3 years, among other jobs he has held, and the articles included in this book are the synthesis of many years of hands-on software development and management experience. I haven’t heard anyone tell it like it is before I read this book. It’s a great reading for anyone involved in any capacity in this industry (IT).He’s an iconoclast par excellence. He relentlessly refutes many of the absurdly sacred tenants that are touted by many software developers as absolute truths. I can’t help but laugh now anytime I hear such arguments (which are quite common, like, e.g. which is “better”, Windows or Linux?). His “Fire and Motion” allegory for example, as unlikely as it sounds, is just amazingly true (no space here unfortunately to explain what it means so go and read the book – you won’t regret it).
It’s a book best read as early as possible in one’s career. It just makes everyday life as a developer make much more sense. It’s also a lot of fun to read. I can’t wait to read more of his books:
