Finally this happened and I’ve read this long book. I started reading it probably 2 years ago :). I was not reading it all 2 years of course, I did it in 3 phases. For some reason (you can figure it out later in this post) I dropped it few times.

As “Code Complete” goes very long, I’m not sure I will be capable to write in any way corresponding review. But rather few words, so here they are:

“Code Complete” was intended to be comprehensive software development reference handbook with accent on construction. And indeed it was such kind of book maybe 10 or more years ago. I think that this book is bit outdated. Even with publishing 2cond edition contemporary trends are not included, rather they are are covered at surface. It can be even seen that they appeared later in the book. But we can look at this from positive perspective – which is learning how was programming when you dad was in charge :). In some places it was boring to read too-long and too much detailed explanations to obvious things. For example such trivial construction thing as loop was discussed in 20 pages long chapter. How many books do you know that observe loop from all possible viewpoints? Title of the book talks for itself.

Nevertheless “Code Complete” is full of examples and dozen of very interesting facts about software. In any way it was enjoyable to read brilliant metaphors, astonishing facts, discover new in known old. If you sharpening your skills and on your way of software craftsman “Code complete” has lot of advices for you, with references to hundreds of other books. In fact author worked hard to gather all information and create this masterpiece, and I’m really sorry that reality of software industry slightly kicks this book out of the shelf because of new technologies and new approaches to building software.

Do I recommend this book?

Yes, but don’t read it – review it and then read only the tasty bits.