The Pragmatic Programmer - Chapter 1: A Pragmatic Philosophy

1. It’s Your Life: You have agency. Do it!!!

• Think beyond the problem.
• Consider the bigger picture.
• Take responsibility of the code.

2. The Cat Ate My Source Code

• The greatest of all weakness is the fear of appearing weak.
• Things go wrong.
• Trust your team.
• Take responsibility.
• Don’t blame someone or something else. Don’t make up an excuse.
• Prove options.
• “I don’t know, but I’ll find out!”

3. Software Entropy

• When disorder increases in software we call it “Technical Dept”.
• Hopelesness can be contagious.
• Don’t live with broken windows.
• Don’t let entropy win.

4. Stone Soup and Boiled Frogs

• Be a catalyst for change.
• It’s easier to ask forgiveness than it is to get permission.
• Remember the big picture.

5. Good Enough Software

• Make quality a requirement issue.

6. Your Knowledge Portfolio

• An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.
• Don’t put all your technicall eggs in one basket.
• Invest regularly in your knowledge portfolio.

7. Communicate

• A good idea is an orphan without effective communication.
• Know your audience.
• Know what you want to say.
• Choose your moment.
• Choose a style.
• Make it look good.
• Be a listener.
• Get back to people.
• The more effective your communication, the more influential you become.
• Build documentation in, don’t bolt it on.
  • “Bolt something on”: add something in a rush way, treating as secondary need.