Better Software Faster (Coad) [Paperback]

While identifying key ideas behind good software processes, it is also eminently practical - the authors obviously enjoy making software that works. The book includes a significant application, complete with requirements model and a full suite of tests. This is an example that teaches.

As an added bonus the book demonstrates how to put these principles to good use with Together ControlCenter. As far as I know, it it is the ONLY book out there to deal with the single-source, single model approach that Together allows.

Finally, as an experienced Together user I was pleased to find the book uses side bars and appendices to share plenty of advanced tips and tricks too.

The book impresses most with its down-to-earth practicality. Developers should quickly recognize the authors as two of their own who have spent a lot of time out there in the trenches. I helped review the manuscript for the publisher, and I found myself constantly distracted from the task of looking for problems in the text because I kept on highlighting interesting stuff that I wanted to go back to. I learned much then, and I am still learning.

The work is jam-packed with highly pragmatic advice, based on long experience, on how to tackle object-based, distributed development projects using a readily available development environment. (TogetherSoft's Together ControlCenter is the authors' weapon of choice... as far as I know it's the first third-party book dealing with this killer development tool. For TCC users, the book is probably worth it's price for the expert tips and tricks alone.)

Example abounds. The authors have built a reasonably robust distributed application (for an auto servicing shop), with both local and internet-based clients, around which the text revolves. (You can download the source code free from the book's website.) The language is Java, and the focus is on building distributed applications developed in a team setting.

Anyone relatively new to distributed apps (as I am), especially corporate developers and project managers, will probably benefit most from this book, though I think even the most seasoned veterans could find some interesting tidbits (artifact management and ControlCenter tips, for example).

I bought this book because I use Together to design secure software solutions in UML/Java/C++ and, like most OO designers, have read title after title which have plenty of theory but little useful advice. This book is full to the brim with practical, pragmatic guidance and examples from two guys who obviously "walk the talk" - it's an invaluable insight and guide to Software Engineers who are faced with the challenges of developing OO solutions using state-of-the-art tools in todays stressful and demanding organisations.

I now have two shelves of top class books - Better Software Faster has earned its place.