Code Simplicity

What if every software developer could gain the knowledge of long experience without having to go through the pain of repeated failure? What if, instead of being a continuous chaos of complexity and argument, the process of software development could be a sane, orderly progression that was well-understood by every single programmer involved? What if all programmers and their managers shared a common ground for discussing software development decisions–a common ground was based on facts instead of opinion or authority, and that was actually helpful in deciding what to do on a day-to-day basis with your software project?

What if software development was a science–one with laws, rules, facts, and definitions that told you with certainty which directions to take and which directions to avoid? Not a dogmatic system which restricted you only to some particular methodology, but a series of principles that freed you to think for yourself and make the right decisions for your situation?

What if then, all of this was in a book, that book was only 90 pages long, and it was understandable by every single person working in the software industry, programmer or not? Would it make the world a different place? Find out for yourself:

Code Simplicity: The Science of Software Development.

I’ve spent the last several years developing, testing, and refining a series of scientific laws for software development. Some of what I’ve been doing, you’ve seen in this blog, but the book isn’t just a regurgitation of these articles here. It’s a complete, organized treatise on this new science–a series of principles that I hope will not just change your software, but also bring sanity, order, and happiness to your life as a software developer. Then, once your team reads it, it will bring understanding and insight to your group’s direction and discussions. And finally, when every software developer has read it, it will change the world of software development.

But it all starts here, with you. Help me change the world. All you have to do is read a book, and then if you think you got something out of it, tell other people about it, so maybe they will read it too.

• Direct from O’Reilly, available in print and for all e-readers, on sale for 50% off until April 4.
• In the Kindle Store
• And available in print at numerous other online bookstores, as well.

-Max