Understanding Software Audiobook By Max Kanat-Alexander cover art

Understanding Software

Max Kanat-Alexander on Simplicity, Coding, and How to Suck Less as a Programmer

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Understanding Software

By: Max Kanat-Alexander
Narrated by: Steve Menasche
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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 Language Learning Programming & Software Development Software Software Development Project Management Technology

Featured Article: The Best Audiobooks and Podcasts for Programmers


If you’re looking for the best audiobooks and podcasts about programming, you might be a programmer looking for resources and new perspectives to expand your knowledge. Or maybe you’re a newcomer still wondering if it's even possible to learn how to program from a book. Whether you’re brand new to programming or you’ve been fluent in Python, Java, C#, and the like for years, there are tons of great audio resources available to help you hone your skills.

Featured Article The Best Audiobooks and Podcasts for Programmers
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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

It is alright

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

Great insight!

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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.

Great book

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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.

Standard platitudes we’ve all heard.

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

Great addition for your collection

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