Reading: Joel On Software..

We (I and me wife) spent some time in Alamanda the other day. I managed to stop by the MPH bookstore. Guess what I found? It's the Joel on Software book. Who is this guy, you ask? Well, I've been reading his blog for about a year plus now. An excellent technical blog for those into software development stuff.

Did I say technical? Yeah, I did. It's not really technical, though. You're not gonna get sample codes and stuff from his blog nor the book. What you'll get is an insight to the world of software development. The book, will not turn you into a super programmer overnight. It does not provide codes that make you the star developer in your company.

So, what good does it do, to read the book, you ask? Well, the book will prepare you to handle the mental and emotional pressure of the software development world. Joel explains, in his "unique sense", how and why things are as they are in the software development world. As an example, you'll understand why it's important to have functional specs before you even begin to write code.

I'd say, the book is a should have if you intend to be successful in the software development world. Not to say that it'll ensure your success. It'll more likely guide you in your successful journey in software development. The book is not only good for developers, it's also an excellent guide for the managers and CTOs of software development companies.

Another good thing about it is its' price. I've always thought that good IT books in Malaysia will cost like RM120+. Was I surprised to discover that this book costs just RM50+ (can't recall the exact value, but it's not even RM60). An excellent value for money purchase I'd say. However, if you don't feel like forking out RM50+ for the book, but still want to check out Joel's writing, the book is also available on line at his website. I prefer the book, as Joel puts it:

" .. (to) take on the bus, hold in your hand, read in the bus, and throw at your boss."

I'm halfway through the book already, now. Next, would be to find Joel's other book - "User Interface Design for Programmers", which is also available online. Didn't see it in Alamanda. Will enquire, soon.