The Passionate Programmer
#717 of 2,654 all-time
The Passionate Programmer
Chad Fowler
9 people recommended it in 7 threads, 2011–2021.
1 commenter pushed back on it — worth reading the threads.
What people on Hacker News said
Several years later I read a book called "The Passionate Programmer", which was like the book described in this article - soft, career development skills. That was probably the most important book I've ever read.
It had a feel and structure like Robert Greene's books - little 3-5 page segments focused on one idea, interspersed with personal stories and interviews illustrating the points. It seemed particularly focused on working within a corporate structure in a positive manner.
In addition to the Pragmatic Programmer which has been mentioned in other comments, these books really helped me understand where I wanted to be as a programmer.
I read it in college, and now that I'm reading it again with a full time job, it's amazing how much better it reads.
The book has a few very valuable insights. For the most part it reads like a series of blog posts from a slightly experienced developer.
Where it comes up
- Best development book I've read, has no code in it 2014 · 3 recommendations
- Books that changed my career as a software engineer 2021 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: What language-agnostic programming books should I read? 2017 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: What book have you given as a gift? 2016 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: What book are you reading right now? 2014 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: What's the best programming book you've read recently? 2014 · 1 recommendation
- What is the single most influential book every programmer should read? 2011 · 1 recommendation