Becoming a Better Programmer: A Handbook for People Who Care About Code

Goodliffe presents sound advice that he’s learned in 15 years of professional programming. The book’s standalone chapters span the range of a software developer’s life—dealing with code, learning the trade, and improving performance—with no language or industry bias. Whether you’re a seasoned developer, a neophyte professional, or a hobbyist, you’ll find valuable tips in five independent categories:

• Code-level techniques for crafting lines of code, testing, debugging, and coping with complexity
• Practices, approaches, and attitudes: keep it simple, collaborate well, reuse, and create malleable code
• Tactics for learning effectively, behaving ethically, finding challenges, and avoiding stagnation
• Practical ways to complete things: use the right tools, know what “done” looks like, and seek help from colleagues
• Habits for working well with others, and pursuing development as a social activity