The Productive Programmer

• Write the test before you write the code
• Manage the lifecycle of your objects fastidiously
• Build only what you need now, not what you might need later
• Apply ancient philosophies to software development
• Question authority, rather than blindly adhere to standards
• Make hard things easier and impossible things possible through meta-programming
• Be sure all code within a method is at the same level of abstraction
• Pick the right editor and assemble the best tools for the job

This isn't theory, but the fruits of Ford's real-world experience as an Application Architect at the global IT consultancy ThoughtWorks. Whether you're a beginner or a pro with years of experience, you'll improve your work and your career with the simple and straightforward principles in The Productive Programmer.