Read "Code Complete"

I don’t even remember where I left it. 4 years ago

I first read this in 1997, I think. I still pick it up now and again. One thing that makes it so good is that it cites studies on things like what style of indentation is easiest for code maintainers to read, and whether methods with multiple return statements have more defects than those with a single return. (Yes, companies like IBM used to fund studies like these before marketing started to consume 70% of the budget.) So it’s not just some guy’s opinion. There’s a great chapter on commenting that I had my team read a few years ago. It really helped. Don’t be put off by the size. It’s comprehensive, but easy to read. And you don’t have to go cover-to-cover. This and The Pragmatic Programmer are two of the best general programming books out there. Well-worn copies of both should be on every software developer’s bookshelf. Truly a classic! 4 years ago

Now that I’ve learned a scootering pal of mine indexed Code Complete I am more eager than ever to mark this done in 2007! 5 years ago

I have this at my bedside and every night I read a bit out of it. I keep working at it though! 5 years ago

... and Code Complete is not really one of them. 5 years ago

Great book. Make me feel good. That was the times when Waterfall ruled. I was so lonely on the incremental development side of the world, back then…

Things changed! 5 years ago

Three weeks: hundreds of pages. Better start cracking. 6 years ago

at my local library. 6 years ago

A spectacular book on development, from what was to me at the time a very odd source. 6 years ago

Great book! Worth its weight in gold even though it is published by MS Press ;) 6 years ago

...but it’s still the best book I’ve seen about how to sweat the small stuff: the picky details of commenting, variable naming, control flow structuring, etc. I don’t agree with everything he says, especially for today’s languages, but it was well worth thinking through the topics he raised. 6 years ago

Scan the chapters and read some interesting sections. It’s big, so might take a while to finish it. All the better, since some of the ideas are useful immediately along the way.

I’m surprised that it was written (1st ed) in 1993! Had never heard of anyone mentioning the book before. Perhaps it is only now that people are starting to focus and give more attention on the topics he talks about.

Writing code is getting easier due to many advances and also the vast amount of information available online. More and more programmer ares self-taught like myself.

Those not satisfy with just code can learn to write better code from this book. 6 years ago

Full of good advice, it’s nothing more than that, and I’ve worked with more than a few very bad programmers who would always refer to this book as a tome of brillance. Instead of reading a book that has generalizations about programming, dive into the guts of a technology. You will come to the same conclusions but they won’t be spoon fed to you. These books “Code Complete” and “Pragmatic Programmer” attempt to teach lessons that must be learned on your own, otherwise your are just echoing memes. 6 years ago

I much prefered The Pragmatic Programmer because it was:

• Shorter – It didn’t take as much time to read.
• Funnier – No seriously Andy and Dave have a good sense of humor.
• Denser – Packed full of good advice.

I still think that Code Complete is a good book, but read The Pragmatic Programmer and save time for reading other technical books like Agile Web Development with Rails. :) 6 years ago

Now, I comment my code wisely :) 6 years ago

... and I just realized I need to check up on that order. The bookshop should have let me know by now.

First I’ll read Pragmatic Programmer though. And I’m currently reading Rod Johnson’s book on J2EE design. So it will probably be a while before I start reading this one. 6 years ago

43things (you all) was a key reason. flipping thru it I find it seems to have a lot of common sense that I’ve experienced already – a “first book” like someone else said. but it will help to review and solidify into authoritative words which I can always point others toward during our programmer meetings (as my words alone never seem to be convincing enuf!). 6 years ago

I just started flipping through this, and I can’t believe I’ve gone this long without finding this book before. Seems like it has some great advice. 6 years ago

Any serious software developer (coder, tester, manager, whatever level) should read Code Complete. It’s a great “first book” which will encourage you to further explore those topics that interest you.

I read the first edition a number of times, and gave copies to friends as well. Recently got a copy of the second edition, and it’s next on the stack (once I finish “Head First Design Patterns”). 6 years ago

Check out the “Effective ” ... books. IMO, might be better. Also, “Rapid Development”. A must-read TOME on best practices. Believe it or not, Function Point estimation actually works. 6 years ago

Excellent book. Second edition is just out this past year. 7 years ago

I should re-read this. 7 years ago

a friend has offered to let me read her copy when I have the time and inclination to read it and return it within a reasonable time (I’m hoping one month should be it—the library lets me take books out for a month). 7 years ago

Could be dated at this point, as when I read it, it didn’t talk much about OO, but it’s certainly worth the read regardless of whether you’re doing procedural or OO, BUFD or XP, etc.

Highly recommended. 7 years ago

This book will improve the quality of code, work habits, productivity, and therefore quality of life, of any programmer (or manager of programmers), regardless of OS or language. It’s not about “Windows” or “C++”, but about doing things the right way.

Almost anyone who manages groups of “think-work” people could learn a few useful tips from it too.

Highly recommended. 7 years ago

I’m about 75% thru the second edition. Just need to make a few more nights o’ reading. It’s been fun. Taught me a lot of things and confirmed a lot of things. 7 years ago

I’m currently reading the second edition, it’s a great book, it has helped me refine my coding practices. I would definately recommend it to anyone interested in software development, as well as the MSDN TV interview with the author. 7 years ago

Excellent book! MSPress didn’t dissapoint in those days! :) 7 years ago

And it is great, although right now it feels a bit outdated. Anyhow it should be mandatory reading for everyone related to software development.

I don’t know if the second edition is so good, I suppose so. 7 years ago