Software Engineering Books^*

Course Texts - Introduction to Software Engineering:

The Mythical Man-Month: Essays on Software Engineering (Anniversary Edition)
by Frederick P. Brooks, Jr.
A classic, and justifiably so! The anniversary edition is even better.

Software Engineering: A Beginner's Guide
by Roger S. Pressman
An easy to understand overview of software engineering fundamentals. Good for getting your first introduction to the discipline.

The Deadline: A Novel About Project Management by Tom DeMarco
You can't afford not to read this insight into project management. The use of the "novel" format makes this vital information that much more accessible and understandable. Packed with powerful nuggets of wisdom.

Online! A Reference Guide to Using Internet Sources by Andrew Harnack and Eugene Kleppinger
Excellent handbook that includes style guides for citing and documenting Internet sources in MLA style, APA style, Chicago style, and CBE style. Also contains useful information on choosing and evaluating Internet sources and other related topics. (not required; strongly recommended)

Modern Structured Analysis by Edward Yourdon
A complete treatment of structured analysis and structured specifications. (not required; recommended)

Must Reads:

The Mythical Man-Month: Essays on Software Engineering (Anniversary Edition)
by Frederick P. Brooks, Jr.
A classic, and justifiably so! The anniversary edition has additional chapters and updated perspectives.

The Deadline: A Novel About Project Management by Tom DeMarco
You can't afford not to read this insight into project management. The use of the "novel" format makes this vital information that much more accessible and understandable. Packed with poowerful nuggets of wisdom.

Also Recommended:

The Psychology of Computer Programming [Silver Anniversary Edition] by Gerald M. Weinberg
Some of the most profound insight into the whole endeavor of software engineering and computer programming.

Introducing Software Engineering by Neville J. Ford and Mark Woodroffe
A very accessible introduction to the enterprise of software engineering.

Mastering the Requirements Process by Suzanne Robertson and James Robertson
A practical "how-to" for requirements! This will help you to translate the theory into practice. Follows the Robertson's Volere process and template.

Practical Software Requirements by Benjamin L. Kovitz
Useful advice and observations. Provides examples and templates.

Universal Web Design by Crystal Waters
(Book + CD-ROM) Good coverage and step-by-step treatment showing how to design a site for optimum appearance and accessibility. Deals with accessibility considerations that other books fail to address.

Interface Design: The Art of Developing Easy-to-Use Software by Peter Bickford
(Publication date: November 1, 1997) Practical treatment of human-computer interface design, giving tips and advice rather than just abstract psychological theory.

See Also: Professional Development Resources

General:

Comprehensive Texts

Software Engineering: A Practitioner's Approach by Roger S. Pressman
College course textbook. Widely adopted and comprehensive.

Software Engineering (Fifth Edition) by Ian Sommerville
College course textbook. Well constructed and complete.

Software Engineering: A Holistic View by Bruce I. Blum
College course textbook. Survey approach.

Consulting - Independent and In-House

Analysis and Specification

Human-Computer Interface

Walkthroughs

Structured Walkthroughs by Edward Yourdon
It's amazing how worthwhile it is to see common sense reproduced in print. This is just such a book.

Popular reading by Edward Yourdon

Decline and Fall of the American Programmer by Edward Yourdon

Rise and Resurrection of the American Programmer by Edward Yourdon