Code Craft

Many programmers know how to write correct code – code that works. But not all know how to craft great code – code that is well written and easy to understand. Code Craft teaches programmers how to move beyond writing correct code to writing great code. The book covers code writing concerns, including code presentation style, variable naming, error handling, and security; and the wider issues of programming in the real world, such as good teamwork, development processes, and documentation. Code Craft presents language-agnostic advice that is relevant to all developers, from an author with loads of practical experience. A Q&A section at the end of each chapter helps readers to review the material and makes the book suited for academic use as well.

Table of Contents

PART I – AT THE CODEFACE

Chapter 1: On the Defensive

Chapter 2: The Best Laid Plans

Chapter 3: What’s in a Name?

Chapter 4: The Write Stuff

Chapter 5: A Passing Comment

Chapter 6: To Err Is Human

PART II – THE SECRET LIFE OF CODE

Chapter 7: The Programmer’s Toolbox

Chapter 8: Testing Times

Chapter 9: Finding Fault

Chapter 10: The Code That Jack Built

Chapter 11: The Need for Speed

Chapter 12: An Insecurity Complex

PART III – THE SHAPE OF CODE

Chapter 13: Grand Designs

Chapter 14: Software Architecture

Chapter 15: Software Evolution or Software Revolution?

PART VI – VIEW FROM THE TOP

Chapter 16: Code Monkeys

Chapter 17: Together We Stand

Chapter 18: Practicing Safe Source

PART V – PART OF THE PROCESS

Chapter 19: Being Specific

Chapter 20: A Review to a Kill

Chapter 21: How Long Is a Piece of String?

PART VI – VIEW FROM THE TOP

Chapter 22: Recipe for a Program

Chapter 23: The Outer Limits

Chapter 24: Where Next?

About the Author

Pete Goodliffe is a senior software engineer, currently working on embedded systems in C++. He never stays at the same place in the software food chain; from bringing new systems up, writing device drivers, through OS implementation, audio codecs, JVM implementation, to MIDI sequencing applications. He writes a regular column for accu.org called Professionalism in Programming and has published articles on software development in Hardcopy, C/C++ Users Journal, and Dr Dobb’s Journal.