The gentle art of computer programming Book

An old classic--clear, enjoyable, and full of good common sense, nearly all of which still applies (an example of what doesn't: "Avoid Fortran's arithmetic IF").

I wavered between three and four stars for this title; the use of what are now antiquated programming languages (PL/I and Fortran IV) marred my enjoyment a little bit, only because I had to stop and gasp at infelicities of syntax or catch my breath at the absence of features which are now considered mandatory for any serious programming language.

Still, that's a minor defect, and not in any way the fault of the authors, but of my perverse decision to read this title thirty years after its publication. Most of the advice is still sound, and you will still see most of it violated by your colleagues.

Were I generation older and reading this a generation ago, I would likely have found this a five-star title. It's held up pretty well given its field.

Those seeking an updated version of this title should consult Kernighan and Pike's The Practice of Programming .