Table of Contents

Welcome to software construction Metaphors for a richer understanding of software development Measure twice, cut once: Upstream prerequisites Key construction decisions Design in construction Working classes High-Quality routines Defensive programming The Pseudocode programming process General issues in using variables The power of variable names Fundamental data types Unusual data types Organizing straight-line code Using conditionals Controlling loops Unusual control structures Table driven methods General control issues The software-quality landscape Collaborative construction Developer testing Debugging refactoring Code tuning strategies How program size affects construction Integration Programming tools Layout & style Self documenting code Personal character Themes in software craftsmanship

About the Author

Steve McConnell is recognized as one of the premier authors and voices in the development community. He is Chief Software Engineer of Construx Software and was the lead developer of Construx Estimate and of SPC Estimate Professional, winner of Software Development magazine's Productivity Award. He is the author of several books, including Code Complete and Rapid Development, both honored with Software Development magazine's Jolt Award.