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Anyone who has a substantial amount of software development experience will recognize McConnell's recommendations and his examples of "classical mistakes".It would be nice if there were an updated edition that discussed some of the more current agile methodologies. Everything you want to know about software development is covered, from project management to estimating to team models to lifecycle methodologies, and tons more. I can't write enough about this book. However, this book is still right on target 15 years after its publication. I've read through the entire book, re-read many of the chapters, and I still use it regularly as a reference, ten years after I first purchased it. You should see my book - coffee stains, dog-eared, post-it tags hanging out all over. Don't let the Microsoft Press scare you off, there is nothing "Microsoft" about it. Its theories and real life nuts and bolts recommendations apply to all current development platforms.
To take advantage of the pearls & jewels of wisdom packed into this book, you have to already have the discipline to avoid making the classic mistakes (which McConnell conveniently lists) and know & apply software development fundamentals (which McConnell also conveniently lists).
This is one of the key books to read for software development. This book provides the needed background for becoming a team lead/architect. The book is well written. I have had mine for years and I use it as a constant reference.
While this book may be old, it is one of the tried and true books of project management. I recall this book being standard material for my IT classes as far back as 2000. I still keep it on my bookshelf and read occasionally. A must have for any developer or those who interact with developers in some way.
These methodologies are all focused around delivery and perceived timeliness of delivery of software projects. Not only are the topics extremely well researched and credited, but all areas of the software development life cycle are covered. Like everyone else who has reviewed this book, I give high praises both to the topics in the book and to Steve McConnell's handling of the topics. No other book on this subject comes close to completeness or understanding of the software development life cycle and the development efforts needed in order to complete a software task. This is not just one authors pontification of "one way to do things". It completely covers the various software development methodologies and thoroughly discusses, pros / cons, strengths / weaknesses, pinnacles / pitfalls, use / non-use, of each methodology. Rapid Development is required reading for all developers, IT managers, and software project managers ( even many executives could greatly benefit from this book ). If you have not read this book, you do not have as full of an understanding of the development process as you think.
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