Top 100 Best Software Engineering Books, Ever

This article contains a top 100 of the best software engineering books.

I have created this list using four different criteria:

1. number of Amazon reviews;
2. average Amazon rating;
3. number of Google hits;
4. Jolt awards.

Please refer to the second part of this article to find out how the calculations were performed.

The Top 100 List

#	Author(s) / Title	Year	ISBN13	Jolt	sum	avg
1	Steve McConnellCode Complete: A Practical Handbook of Software Construction (2nd Edition)	2004	978-0735619678	**	243	4.72
2	Elisabeth Freeman, etc.Head First Design Patterns	2004	978-0596007126	**	237	4.63
3	Steve McConnellRapid Development	2003	978-0072850604	**	112	4.74
4	Erich GammaDesign Patterns: Elements of Reusable Object-Oriented Software	1994	978-0201633610	*	244	4.55
5	Bruce SchneierApplied Cryptography: Protocols, Algorithms, and Source Code (2nd Edition)	1995	978-0471128458	*	99	4.61
6	Robert C. MartinAgile Software Development: Principles, Patterns and Practices	2002	978-0135974445	**	31	4.77
7	Joel SpolskyJoel on Software	2004	978-1590593899	*	48	4.71
8	Tom DeMarco, Timothy ListerPeopleware: Productive Projects and Teams (2nd Edition)	1999	978-0932633439		76	4.79
9	Frederick P. BrooksThe Mythical Man-Month, Anniversary Edition (2nd Edition)	1995	978-0201835953		124	4.54
10	Martin FowlerRefactoring: Improving the Design of Existing Code	1999	978-0201485677		138	4.54
11	Mike CohnAgile Estimating and Planning	2005	978-0131479418		43	4.74
12	Alistair CockburnWriting Effective Use Cases	2000	978-0201702255	*	45	4.62
13	Bertrand MeyerObject-Oriented Software Construction (2nd Edition)	2000	978-0136291558	**	43	4.47
14	Steve McConnellSoftware Estimation: Demystifying the Black Art	2006	978-0735605350	*	31	4.74
15	Mike CohnUser Stories Applied: For Agile Software Development	2004	978-0321205681		37	4.76
16	Donald E. KnuthThe Art of Computer Programming, Volumes 1-3 Boxed Set (2nd Edition)	1998	978-0201485417		109	4.39
17	Martin FowlerPatterns of Enterprise Application Architecture	2002	978-0321127426	*	54	4.46
18	Jeffrey FriedlMastering Regular Expressions	2006	978-0596528126		122	4.48
19	Andrew Hunt, David ThomasThe Pragmatic Programmer: From Journeyman to Master	1999	978-0201616224		127	4.42
20	Karl E. WiegersSoftware Requirements (2nd Edition)	2003	978-0735618794	*	44	4.48
21	Craig LarmanApplying UML and Patterns (3rd Edition)	2004	978-0131489066		178	4.37
22	Alistair CockburnAgile Software Development: The Cooperative Game (2nd Edition)	2006	978-0321482754	**	28	4.46
23	Gary McGrawSoftware Security: Building Security In	2006	978-0321356703		19	4.95
24	Gregor Hohpe, Bobby WoolfEnterprise Integration Patterns: Designing, Building, and Deploying Messaging Solutions	2003	978-0321200686		31	4.74
25	Tom DeMarcoThe Deadline: A Novel About Project Management	1997	978-0932633392	*	52	4.42
26	Craig LarmanAgile and Iterative Development: A Manager's Guide	2003	978-0131111554		46	4.52
27	Eric A. Marks, Michael BellService-Oriented Architecture: A Planning and Implementation Guide for Business and Technology	2006	978-0471768944		33	4.45
28	Thomas H. Cormen, etc.Introduction to Algorithms, Second Edition	2001	978-0070131514		167	4.08
29	Thomas ErlService-Oriented Architecture: A Field Guide to Integrating XML and Web Services	2004	978-0131428980		32	4.59
30	Martin FowlerUML Distilled: A Brief Guide to the Standard Object Modeling Language (3rd Edition)	2003	978-0321193681	*	139	3.95
31	Kent BeckExtreme Programming Explained: Embrace Change (2nd Edition)	2004	978-0321278654	*	126	3.98
32	Alan Shalloway, James TrottDesign Patterns Explained: A New Perspective on Object-Oriented Design (2nd Edition)	2004	978-0321247148		109	4.33
33	Grady Booch, etc.Object-Oriented Analysis and Design with Applications (3rd Edition)	2007	978-0201895513	**	37	3.95
34	Jim HighsmithAgile Project Management: Creating Innovative Products	2004	978-0321219770		20	4.80
35	Scott BerkunMaking Things Happen: Mastering Project Management	2008	978-0596517717		55	4.53
36	Jon BentleyProgramming Pearls (2nd Edition)	1999	978-0201657883		28	4.50
37	Paul Duvall, etc.Continuous Integration: Improving Software Quality and Reducing Risk	2007	978-0321336385	**	13	4.85
38	Andrew Stellman, Jennifer GreeneApplied Software Project Management	2005	978-0596009489		15	5.00
39	Clemens SzyperskiComponent Software: Beyond Object-Oriented Programming	1997	978-0201178883	**	13	4.69
40	Arthur J. RielObject-Oriented Design Heuristics	1996	978-0201633856		27	4.78
41	Thomas ErlSOA Principles of Service Design	2007	978-0132344821		24	4.58
42	Mary Poppendieck, Tom PoppendieckLean Software Development: An Agile Toolkit	2003	978-0321150783	*	35	4.57
43	Ken SchwaberAgile Project Management with Scrum	2004	978-0735619937		30	4.47
44	Ken Schwaber, Mike BeedleAgile Software Development with Scrum	2001	978-0130676344		35	4.51
45	Joshua KerievskyRefactoring to Patterns	2004	978-0321213358	*	42	4.10
46	Alistair CockburnCrystal Clear: A Human-Powered Methodology for Small Teams	2004	978-0201699470		12	4.75
47	Steve McConnellSoftware Project Survival Guide	1997	978-1572316218		63	4.33
48	Tom DeMarco, Timothy ListerWaltzing With Bears: Managing Risk on Software Projects	2003	978-0932633606	**	23	4.52
49	Venkat Subramaniam, Andy HuntPractices of an Agile Developer: Working in the Real World	2005	978-0974514086	*	26	4.58
50	Kathy SchwalbeInformation Technology Project Management	2007	978-1423901457		27	4.63
51	Randall HydeWrite Great Code: Volume 1: Understanding the Machine	2004	978-1593270032		17	4.82
52	Scott RosenbergDreaming in Code: Two Dozen Programmers, Three Years, 4,732 Bugs, and One Quest for Transcendent Software	2007	978-1400082476		59	3.78
53	Cem Kaner, etc.Lessons Learned in Software Testing	2001	978-0471081128		35	4.54
54	Andy Oram, Greg WilsonBeautiful Code: Leading Programmers Explain How They Think	2007	978-0596510046	**	27	3.81
55	Luke HohmannBeyond Software Architecture: Creating and Sustaining Winning Solutions	2003	978-0201775945		27	4.56
56	Grady BoochUnified Modeling Language User Guide, The (2nd Edition)	2005	978-0321267979		81	3.30
57	Karl FogelProducing Open Source Software: How to Run a Successful Free Software Project	2005	978-0596007591	*	13	4.85
58	Michael FeathersWorking Effectively with Legacy Code	2004	978-0131177055		21	4.86
59	Kent BeckTest Driven Development: By Example	2002	978-0321146533	*	27	4.11
60	Per Kroll, Philippe KruchtenThe Rational Unified Process Made Easy: A Practitioner's Guide to the RUP	2003	978-0321166098		14	4.79
61	Thomas ErlService-Oriented Architecture: Concepts, Technology, and Design	2005	978-0131858589		60	4.15
62	Cem Kaner, etc.Testing Computer Software (2nd Edition)	1999	978-0471358466		35	4.34
63	Frank Buschmann, etc.Pattern-Oriented Software Architecture Volume 1: A System of Patterns	1996	978-0471958697	*	16	4.50
64	Harold Abelson, Gerald Jay SussmanStructure and Interpretation of Computer Programs - 2nd Edition	1996	978-0262011532		157	3.44
65	Dan PiloneUML 2.0 in a Nutshell	2005	978-0596007959		14	4.57
66	Brett D. McLaughlin, etc.Head First Object-Oriented Analysis and Design	2006	978-0596008673	**	35	3.77
67	Johanna RothmanManage It!: Your Guide to Modern, Pragmatic Project Management	2007	978-0978739249	*	7	5.00
68	James Shore, Shane WardenThe Art of Agile Development	2007	978-0596527679		11	4.64
69	Brian W. Kernighan, Rob PikeThe Practice of Programming	1999	978-0201615869		49	3.96
70	Ron Jeffries, etc.Extreme Programming Installed	2000	978-0201708424		31	4.35
71	Scott W. Ambler, Pramodkumar J. SadalageRefactoring Databases: Evolutionary Database Design	2006	978-0321293534	*	19	4.42
72	Jared Richardson, William GwaltneyShip it! A Practical Guide to Successful Software Projects	2005	978-0974514048		24	4.46
73	Greg Hoglund, Gary McGrawExploiting Software: How to Break Code	2004	978-0201786958		27	4.41
74	Michael NygardRelease It!: Design and Deploy Production-Ready Software	2007	978-0978739218	*	17	4.47
75	Edward YourdonDeath March (2nd Edition)	2003	978-0131436350		68	3.82
76	Stephen P. Berczuk, etc.Software Configuration Management Patterns: Effective Teamwork, Practical Integration	2003	978-0201741179		23	4.57
77	Elfriede Dustin, etc.Automated Software Testing: Introduction, Management, and Performance	1999	978-0201432879		40	4.55
78	Donald C. Gause, Gerald M. WeinbergExploring Requirements: Quality Before Design	1989	978-0932633132		25	4.72
79	Tom GilbCompetitive Engineering	2005	978-0750665070		13	4.92
80	David J. AgansDebugging	2006	978-0814474570		15	4.80
81	Eldad EilamReversing: Secrets of Reverse Engineering	2005	978-0764574818		14	4.64
82	Robert L. GlassFacts and Fallacies of Software Engineering	2002	978-0321117427		23	4.30
83	Martin FowlerAnalysis Patterns: Reusable Object Models	1996	978-0201895421		15	4.40
84	Matt WeisfeldThe Object-Oriented Thought Process (2nd Edition)	2003	978-0672326110		42	4.07
85	John M. VlissidesPattern Hatching: Design Patterns Applied	1998	978-0201432930		25	4.68
86	Johanna RothmanBehind Closed Doors: Secrets of Great Management	2005	978-0976694021		24	4.38
87	Robert K. WysockiEffective Project Management: Traditional, Adaptive, Extreme	2006	978-0470042618		26	4.35
88	Ellen GottesdienerRequirements by Collaboration: Workshops for Defining Needs	2002	978-0201786064		14	5.00
89	Eric EvansDomain-Driven Design: Tackling Complexity in the Heart of Software	2003	978-0321125217		42	4.24
90	Nick Rozanski, Eóin WoodsSoftware Systems Architecture: Working With Stakeholders Using Viewpoints and Perspectives	2005	978-0321112293		12	5.00
91	Peter Rob, Carlos CoronelDatabase Systems: Design, Implementation, and Management (8th Edition)	2006	978-1418835934		27	3.37
92	Robert Orfali, etc.Client/Server Survival Guide (3rd Edition)	1999	978-0471316152		43	4.40
93	Douglas Schmidt, etc.Pattern-Oriented Software Architecture Volume 2: Patterns for Concurrent and Networked Objects	2000	978-0471606956		21	4.33
94	Michael LoppManaging Humans: Biting and Humorous Tales of a Software Engineering Manager	2007	978-1590598443		21	4.29
95	Paul GrahamHackers and Painters: Big Ideas from the Computer Age	2004	978-0596006624		55	4.07
96	Philippe KruchtenThe Rational Unified Process: An Introduction (3rd Edition)	2003	978-0321197702		34	3.91
97	Joel SpolskyThe Best Software Writing I: Selected and Introduced by Joel Spolsky	2005	978-1590595008		22	4.14
98	James O. Coplien, Neil B. HarrisonOrganizational Patterns of Agile Software Development	2004	978-0131467408		13	5.00
99	Esther Derby, etc.Agile Retrospectives: Making Good Teams Great	2006	978-0977616640		17	4.53
100	Henry S. WarrenHacker's Delight	2002	978-0201914658		13	5.00

Legend

Year	= Year of Publication
Jolt **	= Jolt Winner
Jolt *	= Jolt Productivity Award
sum	= Number of reviews on Amazon
avg	= Average rating on Amazon

Scope of this List

For this Top 100 list I have included only books covering subjects found in the Software Engineering Body of Knowledge (SWEBOK). This means that I have left out books with main topics such as web design, computer science, business management and system administration. The main reason for this is that I had to limit the scope (or I would never be able to finish it).

I also excluded all books that dealt with specific technologies, such as Java, .NET, Ruby and PHP. I was only interested in the potentially timeless software engineering classics. In my opinion, technology books do not fall into that category. I did include books on project management (as project management is one of the competences in SWEBOK) but only when those books explicitly dealt with managing software development. (That's why there is no generic PMP-related material on the list.)

Finding the Books

To find all these potentially timeless classics, I checked the best-selling books in these five Amazon categories:

Books > Computers & Internet > Computer Science > Software Engineering
Books > Computers & Internet > Computer Science > System Analysis & Design
Books > Computers & Internet > Programming > Algorithms
Books > Computers & Internet > Programming > Software Design, Testing & Engineering
Books > Computers & Internet > Project Management

After I found all best-selling software engineering books, I subsequently found many other books through the "Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought" cross-reference feature. And that's how I finally ended up with a list of 250 books.

Note: in case of multiple editions of the same book, only the most recent edition is listed on the chart, though reviews and ratings were combined for all available editions.

Doing the Calculations

When it was time to do the calculations, I checked the number of customer reviews on Amazon, and I ranked the books according to these numbers (= a measure of quantity). I also calculated the average Amazon ratings, and I ranked the books according to these ratings (= a measure of quality). I then checked the number of Google hits for each of the books, and I ranked them accordingly (= a measure of popularity). Finally, I took the three rankings, added extra points for all winners of Jolt awards, and then re-calculated it into a final ranking. This resulted in the list you now have before you.

Note: this little project was performed in the first week of June, 2008. Current Amazon reviews and ratings might have changed since then.

I admit that the system I used has no scientific basis. Nevertheless, I think the results are quite interesting, and I'm sure the list can be of great help if you want to broaden your knowledge of the field of software engineering, in all its exciting dimensions. I suggest you start with number 1, and then slowly work your way down. It shouldn't take you more than a couple of years…

Comments

Let's walk down the list and see what entries are worth pointing out...

First of all, it is obvious that Steve McConnell is the biggest hero among software engineers. (Well, at least among the reading part of the software engineering population...) Steve has no less than four entries on the list: Rapid Development (#3), Software Estimation (#14), Software Project Survival Guide (#47), and of course the Best Software Engineering Book Ever... Code Complete (#1). Congratulations to Steve for this stellar achievement!
There's only one other author with four entries on the Top 100 list. It's Martin Fowler, with Refactoring (#10), Patterns of Enterprise Application Architecture (#17), UML Distilled (#30) and Analysis Patterns (#83). And next in line is Alistair Cockburn, with three titles: Writing Effective Use Cases (#12), Agile Software Development (#22) and Crystal Clear (#46). It seems you cannot go wrong reading just about any of the books these guys are delivering!
After creating the top 100 list, one thing that immediately grabbed my attention was the #2 position for Head First Design Patterns, by Elisabeth Freeman, etc. The book ended two notches higher than the original (and more famous) Design Patterns (#4) by the Gang of Four (Erick Gamma, etc.) Several people had already informed me that Freeman's book is actually more readable than the classic one by the GoF. And now the Top 100 list seems to indicate that this is indeed the general public opinion. Freeman's book has a higher average rating on Amazon, and it was a Jolt Winner on top of that.
The best agile software development book is Agile Software Development: Principles, Patterns and Practices (#6), by Robert C. Martin. There are no less than 20 books on agile software development on the Top 100 list. It's obvious that no other topic has been so hot as the "agile" meme in the last decennium.
I would like to mention that I had a tough time deciding whether or not Mastering Regular Expressions (#18), by Jeffrey Friedl, actually belonged on the Top 100 list. I told you before that the list is about software engineering topics, and not about specific technologies. However, the book simply kept popping up in numerous searches and references. And I considered that regular expressions are actually not a technology but an (interpreted or compiled) technique or notation, just like UML, and useful for any software engineer, regardless of the type of application. So I relented, and Jeffrey got his #18 slot on the list.
For books with different editions I simply added the reviews and ratings for each edition, and used the last edition as the only Top 100 entry. Scott Berkun, the author of Making Things Happen (#35) was lucky that I knew that the previous edition of his book had a different name: The Art of Project Management. He wouldn't have ended so high if I had not been able to catch that essential piece of information.
One book that deserves a special treatment is Dreaming in Code (#52), by Scott Rosenberg. It was released in 2007 (first edition) and it has already scored Amazon 59 reviews.
And another newcomer that's worth point out is Manage It! (#67), by Johanna Rothman. Johanna's relatively new book still had only seven reviews on Amazon (at the time of calculation), but she scored a perfect 5.0 rating, and she added a Jolt award on top of that! Her book is the highest on the list with such a small crowd of enthusiastic supporters, and an almost perfect score for quality.
Speaking of Jolt awards, the top 7 books on the list all have received such an award. The highest entry on the list that did not receive a Jolt award is Peopleware (#8), by Tom DeMarco and Timothy Lister. The book is one of the highest rated books ever, and I'm sure that the Jolt jury regrets not having awarded Tom and Tim for their little (but visionary) masterpiece.
At the other side of the scale we find The Unified Modeling Language User Guide (#56), by Grady Booch. Of all the books on the Top 100 list, this one has the lowest average Amazon rating (3.30). But it is compensated by a large number of reviews (81) and a huge number of Google hits. It's a nice example of a book having popularity winning over quality.
Last of all, I think there's no better way of ending this post than including a reference to Hacker's Delight (#100), by Henry S. Warren. It seems like a nice book to close the list at the bottom. I had never heard of the book myself, but seeing that it has a perfect Amazon rating of 5.0 I'm sure that it's worth checking out.
Happy reading!
p.s. If you want to receive a nicely formatted Word-document of the list, you may email the author about it!
This article was originally published as a blog post at http://www.noop.nl/. The original post will not be kept up-to-date. All future updates will be made in this Knol.

http://knol.google.com/k/jurgen-appelo/top-100-best-software-engineering-books#