The Pragmatic Programmer
Authors: Andrew Hunt & David Thomas
Edition: 20th anniversary edition (2020)
ISBN: 0-201-61622-X
About this book
I chose this book because I need to learn basic programmer concepts, and this is a cannonical book.
Log Entries
Sept 5, 2025
Covered: Preface
Takeaways:
- I loved the succinct job description of a programmer - getting the computer to do what you want it to do. Roles? Part listener, part advisor, part interpreter, part dictator. I'm not sure about the dictator part. Dictate to the computer? Other than that, I'm down.
Reflections:
- Characteristics of a programmer:
- Early adopter / first adapter: I tend to be a bit slow at embracing new technologies (I have a luddite strain in me), but I am adaptive.
- Inquisitive: Yes! At times to a fault.
- Critical thinker: Same as above.
- Realistic re: timelines: Need to improve here.
- Jack of all trades: I think this flows from the inquisitiveness, and from basing my work in real projects. To get things done, you need to learn a multitude of tools. For example, I never set out with the goal of learning PowerShell, but it helps me build projects, so I learn it and use it.
- Care about your craft: Absolutely. For me, programming is an art. It is a creative exercise and a way to express myself.
- Think! about your work: Well, critical thinker + inquisitive + care about my craft. ✅