Chapter 1: Essential Books for Programmers

Every so often, I receive inquiries about valuable programming resources. I often point to several transformative books that have shaped my work ethic and coding practices.

Clean Code — Robert Martin

During my college years, I believed that well-written code was simply code that functioned correctly, addressed all edge cases, and was devoid of bugs. This seemed reasonable at the time. However, once I began my internship and transitioned into the professional world, I realized that writing software encompasses much more than that.

One of the critical aspects of programming is the creation of clean code. This is vital not only for developers who need to read and comprehend each other's work but also for the business as a whole. Poorly structured code can lead to prolonged bug fixes, wasted resources, and frustrated users.

The foundational text for writing clean code is the classic "Clean Code" by Uncle Bob, which is widely regarded as a must-read for developers. I distinctly recall reading this book during a bus journey, so engrossed that I lost track of my destination. It was as though a lightbulb went on, awakening me to methods I could immediately apply to my work. Thanks to this book, my coding improved each day.

While the book predominantly uses Java for its examples, which may be a limitation for some, the principles it conveys are universal and timeless. Although various repositories and blog posts attempt to illustrate these principles using different programming languages, I have yet to find alternatives that are as clear and straightforward as Uncle Bob's original work. Therefore, I firmly believe that every programmer should read this invaluable resource.

The Clean Coder — Robert Martin

Following my experience with "Clean Code," I was eager to delve into its sequel, "The Clean Coder." I anticipated a technical book, but what I received was a profound look into the professional responsibilities of a programmer. This book clarifies what it means to be a conscientious developer and how to effectively collaborate with others in the software development lifecycle.

I learned about setting expectations and finding my role within the team dynamics. This book helped me transition from a novice to a more mature contributor in the field.

The two primary benefits of "The Clean Coder" are:

1. Understanding what it means to maintain a professional attitude.
2. Identifying your role within the development process.

If these themes resonate with you, this book is definitely worth your time.

Extreme Programming Explained — Kent Beck, Cynthia Andres

"Extreme Programming" paints a picture of a close-knit team collaborating in an energetic environment, engaging in pair programming, and producing high-quality software at breakneck speed. However, it also emphasizes the importance of producing clean, maintainable code with each iteration while addressing the specific problems that need solving.

Equally important is the focus on enhancing the development team's quality of life. Many programmers appreciate XP for its agile methodology that prioritizes team collaboration and client interaction.

Interestingly, roles like managers or Scrum Masters often overlook XP, likely because its practices empower teams to be self-sufficient. While pure XP is rare, I have successfully integrated its principles into methodologies like Scrum and Kanban, as they align well with the XP framework.

Teams employing XP practices quickly gain independence and maturity in their design decisions, which is something that leaders and managers appreciate, often without realizing that the source of this growth stems from XP.

Slipstream Time Hacking — Benjamin P. Hardy

This book may come as a surprise because it doesn't focus on programming, yet it has had an impact on me comparable to that of "Clean Code." Benjamin Hardy draws from Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity to propose that we should measure our lives by the distance we've traveled rather than the time that has passed.

Instead of tallying years of experience, we can assess our expertise based on the skills we've acquired. From the outset of my IT career, I recognized that counting years as a measure of experience was misleading. I encountered many "senior" professionals whose skills were far from impressive despite their lengthy tenures.

In contrast, I also met individuals with much shorter careers who surpassed these seniors in knowledge and capability. Their rapid progress stemmed from the greater distance they covered in less time.

I have several more influential books in mind that have significantly contributed to my development, and I may explore them further in the future.

Chapter 2: Becoming a Better Programmer

The first video, "How To Become A Better Programmer? You Got This," offers valuable insights and practical tips for enhancing your programming skills.

The second video, "7 Habits That Will Make You a Better Programmer," outlines essential habits that can lead to improved programming practices and productivity.