[AccessD] (Slightly OT) Book Review: The Career Programmer

OK, it's been a while since I've bored you guys, so I thought I would post this
...

I have picked up an interesting book: "The Career Programmer: Guerilla Tactics
for an Imperfect World" by author/developer Christopher Duncan.

Many developers, especially young talented developers, get frustrated with the
politics, bureaucracy, and administrative BS that tends to "interfere" with
their daily work - not to mention unrealistic deadlines, "scope creep", and
undefined (or poorly defined) requirements.  Talented developers dream of a job
where "politics" is at a minimum, management interference is nil, and the
"business side" of the house has some appreciation for the fact that good
software doesn't grow on trees.  Unfortunately, the "real world" is far removed
from this dream ...  Duncan delves into these "human interaction" issues and
offers sound advice on how to preserve your mind (and your sanity) in the
chaotic high-pressure world of software development.  Chapter 1: "Welcome to
Corporate America" and Chapter 2: "Business is War: Meet the Enemy" give you an
idea of where he's coming from.

My favorite chapter is Chapter 10: "Managing Your Management".  Here is a
summary (from the book) of chapter 10:

"If management is to have realistic expectations and a firm foundation upon
which they can plan their business strategies, a little retraining is in order.
If it were true that those higher up the corporate food chain were immune to the
concerns of rank and file programmers, the battle would be lost before it began.
However, what we're dealing with here is not an abstract concept but is instead
real, flesh-and-blood people.  Consequently, they can be convinced, directed,
inspired, and motivated to do the right things.  You simply need to speak a
language that they understand.  And, of course, let them think that it was their
idea all along."  (I love that last sentence.)

Compared to most of you, I'm an "old codger" (rapidly approaching 50), but I've
managed to survive (as a semi-talented programmer) more on wits and "people
skills" than my [limited] technical ability.  (If I were judged solely on
technical talent, I would probably have been fired ten years ago - but so would
half of the engineers in my home town - so go figure ...)  I think this is the
point that Duncan is trying to get across in Chapter 3: "Good Coding Skills Are
Not Enough".  The more subtle point is that software professionals need to
develop a deeper appreciation (and understanding) for how the world looks from
the business side of the house.  After all, if your boss's boss's boss's boss
fails, (or pursues a flawed business strategy), you'll probably be out the door
before most of the folks above you.  Bottom line, you and your boss are actually
in the same boat together ...

I highly recommend "The Career Programmer" for everybody on this list.  (BTW,
the answer is "Yes!" - I am getting a 50-cent kick back [from the author] for
every book sold due to this ringing endorsement.)  Ha! Ha!  :-)))

Alan C. Lawhon