201 Principles of Software Development is to Software Engineering what a navigation chart is to a sailor. In this compact yet power packed book Alan Davis gives a bird’s eye view of the different principles of the Software Engineering discipline. Each principle is explained in a very concise and to the point yet thought provoking manner in one or two paragraphs. Davis is certainly a master in the art of KISSing (Keeping It Simple and Short). There are no frills, bells or whistles. The book is referenced extensively and for a person who want to explore the deep ocean of Software Engineering this landmark book serves as an ideal starting point as well as a navigation chart.

The book covers all phases of software development right from requirement analysis to testing and implementation. All the principles have real practical use and can be implemented to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of any software development process. This will be an excellent source book of ideas for a student of Software Engineering. Each idea is a gem and will prove valuable as discussion topics for improving the knowledge of software development. Related topics are cross-referenced so a reader can follow a discussion thread rather than reading the entire book (which also is not a bad idea). The book has a ‘References Index’ section, which is organized in a very efficient manner.

The design and layout of the book is excellent and this book is one that will stay in your bookshelf forever, because the principles mentioned in the book are relevant for any kind of software development at any point of time. This book is a must read for any software professional who wants to succeed and achieve something in his profession.

Book Details:

Author(s): Alan M. Davis
Publisher: McGraw-Hill, Inc.
Edition & Year: First, 1995
ISBN: 0070158401
Cover & Page Count: Hardcover, 240 pages

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