Understanding Software

Max Kanat-Alexander on simplicity, coding, and how to suck less as a programmer

By: Max Kanat-Alexander

Narrated by: Steve Menasche

In Understanding Software, Max Kanat-Alexander, Technical Lead for Code Health at Google, shows you how to bring simplicity back to computer programming. Max explains to you why programmers suck, and how to suck less as a programmer. There's just too much complex stuff in the world. Complex stuff can't be used, and it breaks too easily. Complexity is stupid. Simplicity is smart.

Understanding Software covers many areas of programming, from how to write simple code to profound insights into programming, and then how to suck less at what you do! You'll discover the problems with software complexity, the root of its causes, and how to use simplicity to create great software. You'll examine debugging like you've never done before, and how to get a handle on being happy while working in teams.

Max brings a selection of carefully crafted essays, thoughts, and advice about working and succeeding in the software industry, from his legendary blog Code Simplicity. Max has crafted forty-three essays which have the power to help you avoid complexity and embrace simplicity, so you can be a happier and more successful developer.

©2017 Packt Publishing (P)2019 Gildan Media

It is alright

Max has some great points when it comes to the construction of software. However I was expecting more to get out of the ebook and some topics were just presented at a high level at best

Great insight!

Great insight for both the beginner and experienced developers in order to bring about positive change.

Great book

The content is awesome. Some content is targeted at more senior software engineers, but I would recommend every programmer read this book. [Minor] The narrator is too artistic I think.

Standard platitudes we’ve all heard.

Nothing life changing here. Common sense rules any experienced dev should of heard 1000 times. May be good for new devs but simply a good reminder for everyone else.
Sometimes the author comes off as if he is the first to have these thoughts though.
The narrator spoke very well but his voice gets annoying.

Great addition for your collection

Definitely a very good read that offers great advice for software developers of all levels of experience. Highly recommended!