Becoming a Better Programmer

A Handbook for People Who Care About Code

If you’re passionate about programming and want to get better at it, you’ve come to the right source. Code Craft author Pete Goodliffe presents a collection of useful techniques and approaches to the art and craft of programming that will help boost your career and your well-being.

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