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Here is my list of essential software engineering books that I recommend that all practitioners should read and try to gain some level of mastery of the subject material. This list covers the basic elements of software engineering that will allow someone to be knowledgeable when working in a commercial software development organization. Note this is from a perspective of a competent software engineer, not just a software developer. The list covers measurement, estimation, project management, a survey of the field of software engineering, basic coding concepts, the people side of software development, testing, software process, algorithms, software architecture and design, and human computer interaction. The order is presented randomly and does not confer any importance to the body of work over the others that are listed. Where appropriate the latest book version is listed.

Essential Software Engineering Texts

1. Software Engineering Economics by Barry Boehm, October 1981.
2. Software Engineering, 6th edition by Roger Pressman, April 2004.
3. The Mythical-Man Month by Fred Brooks, August 1995.
4. Code Complete, 2nd edition by Steve McConnell, June 2004.
5. Testing Computer Software, 2nd Edition by Cem Kaner et. al., April 1999.
6. The Psychology of Computer Programming by Gerald Weinberg, September 1998.
7. The Capability Maturity Model : Guidelines for Improving the Software Process by Mark Paulk et. al., June 1995.
8. Algorithms by Robert Sedgewick, April 1988.
9. Structured Design: Fundamentals of a Discipline of Computer Programs and System Design by Ed Yourdon and Larry Constantine, March 1979.
10. The Design of Everyday Things, 1st edition by Donald Norman, September 2002.

© 1998-2004 by John Suzuki
Last Revised : 9/15/2004

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