Max explains to you why programmers suck, and how to suck less as a programmer. There's just too much complex stuff in the world. Complex stuff can't be used, and it breaks too easily. Complexity is stupid. Simplicity is smart.Understanding Software covers many areas of programming, from how to write simple code to profound insights into programming, and then how to suck less at what you do! You'll discover the problems with software complexity, the root of its causes, and how to use simplicity to create great software. You'll examine debugging like you've never done before, and how to get a handle on being happy while working in teams.Max brings a selection of carefully crafted essays, thoughts, and advice about working and succeeding in the software industry, from his legendary blog Code Simplicity. Max has crafted forty-three essays which have the power to help you avoid complexity and embrace simplicity, so you can be a happier and more successful developer.Max's technical knowledge, insight, and kindness, has earned him code guru status, and his ideas will inspire you and help refresh your approach to the challenges of being a developer. What you will learn See how to bring simplicity and success to your programming world Clues to complexity - and how to build excellent software Simplicity and software design Principles for programmers The secrets of rockstar programmers Max's views and interpretation of the Software industry Why Programmers suck and how to suck less as a programmer Software design in two sentences What is a bug? Go deep into debugging About the Author Max Kanat-Alexander is the Technical Lead for Code Health at Google, where he does various work that helps other software engineers be more productive, including writing developer tools, creating educational programs, guiding refactoring efforts, and more.His roles at Google have included Tech Lead for YouTube on the Xbox, work on the Java JDK, JVM, and other aspects of Java for Google, and Technical Lead for Engineering Practices for YouTube, where he's supported developers across all of YouTube in best practices and engineering productivity. Max is a former Chief Architect of the Bugzilla Project, where he was one of the two main developers of the well-known Bugzilla Bug-Tracking System, used by thousands of organizations worldwide. Max also writes the legendary programming industry blog, Code Simplicity, where he challenges Complexity and embraces Simplicity for the programming industry.Max has been involved for several years at Google with enabling developers to work more effectively and helping shape engineering practice, and in this highly readable collection of essays you can share the best of his experience. Table of Contents Part One: Principles for Programmers Part Two: Software Complexity and its Causes Part Three: Simplicity and Software Design Part Four: Debugging Part Five:

    Now, two Trolltech insiders have written a start-to-finish guide to getting outstanding results with the latest version of Qt: Qt 4.3.Packed with realistic examples and in-depth advice, this is the book Trolltech uses to teach Qt to its own new hires. Extensively revised and expanded, it reveals today's best Qt programming patterns for everything from implementing model/view architecture to using Qt 4.3's improved graphics support. You'll find proven solutions for virtually every GUI development task, as well as sophisticated techniques for providing database access, integrating XML, using subclassing, composition, and more. Whether you're new to Qt or upgrading from an older version, this book can help you accomplish everything that Qt 4.3 makes possible.Completely updated throughout, with significant new coverage of databases, XML, and Qtopia embedded programming Covers all Qt 4.2/4.3 changes, including Windows Vista support, native CSS support for widget styling, and SVG file generation Contains separate 2D and 3D chapters, coverage of Qt 4.3's new graphics view classes, and an introduction to QPainter's OpenGL back-end Includes new chapters on look-and-feel customization and application scripting Illustrates Qt 4's model/view architecture, plugin support, layout management, event processing, container classes, and much more Presents advanced techniques covered in no other book--from creating plugins to interfacing with native APIs Includes a new appendix on Qt Jambi, the new Java version of Qt

    Using the concise, scenario-driven style pioneered in Scott Meyers' best-selling Effective C++, Matt Galloway brings together 52 Objective-C best practices, tips, shortcuts, and realistic code examples that are available nowhere else. Through real-world examples, Galloway uncovers little-known Objective-C quirks, pitfalls, and intricacies that powerfully impact code behavior and performance. You'll learn how to choose the most efficient and effective way to accomplish key tasks when multiple options exist, and how to write code that's easier to understand, maintain, and improve. Galloway goes far beyond the core language, helping you integrate and leverage key Foundation framework classes and modern system libraries, such as Grand Central Dispatch. Coverage includes Optimizing interactions and relationships between Objective-C objects Mastering interface and API design: writing classes that feel "right at home" Using protocols and categories to write maintainable, bug-resistant code Avoiding memory leaks that can still occur even with Automatic Reference Counting (ARC) Writing modular, powerful code with Blocks and Grand Central Dispatch Leveraging differences between Objective-C protocols and multiple inheritance in other languages Improving code by more effectively using arrays, dictionaries, and sets Uncovering surprising power in the Cocoa and Cocoa Touch frameworks

    In a 1995 interview, the late Steve Jobs claimed that the secret to his and Apple’s success was talent. “We’ve gone to exceptional lengths to hire the best people,” he said, believing that the talented resource was twenty-five times more valuable than an average alternative. For Microsoft founder Bill Gates, the multiple was even higher:A great lathe operator commands several times the wage of an average lathe operator, but a great writer of software code is worth 10,000 times the price of an average software writer.While the actual number might be up for debate, the importance of technical talent is not. The most successful companies today are those that understand the strategic role that developers will play in their success or failure. Not just successful technology companies – virtually every company today needs a developer strategy. There’s a reason that ESPN and Sears have rolled out API programs, that companies are being bought not for their products but their people. The reason is that developers are the most valuable resource in business.How did we get here? How did developers become the most important constituency in business seemingly overnight? The New Kingmakers explores the rise of the developer class, its implications and provides suggestions for navigating the new developer-centric landscape.

     Rails(TM) AntiPatterns identifies these widespread Rails code and design problems, explains why they're bad and why they happen--and shows exactly what to do instead.The book is organized into concise, modular chapters--each outlines a single common AntiPattern and offers detailed, cookbook-style code solutions that were previously difficult or impossible to find. Leading Rails developers Chad Pytel and Tammer Saleh also offer specific guidance for refactoring existing bad code or design to reflect sound object-oriented principles and established Rails best practices. With their help, developers, architects, and testers can dramatically improve new and existing applications, avoid future problems, and establish superior Rails coding standards throughout their organizations.This book will help you understand, avoid, and solve problems withModel layer code, from general object-oriented programming violations to complex SQL and excessive redundancy Domain modeling, including schema and database issues such as normalization and serialization View layer tools and conventions Controller-layer code, including RESTful code Service-related APIs, including timeouts, exceptions, backgrounding, and response codes Third-party code, including plug-ins and gems Testing, from test suites to test-driven development processes Scaling and deployment Database issues, including migrations and validations System design for "graceful degradation" in the real world

    And I mean all the time. Every day there’s a new cloud-based dating app; a new cloud-based gizmo for your house; a new cloud-based game; or a thousand other new things—all in the cloud.The cloud is everywhere! Everything is in the cloud! What does it mean! Let’s slow down. Take a deep breath. That’s good. Take another. Excellent. This book teaches you all about the cloud. I’ll let you in on a little secret: the cloud is not that hard to understand. It’s not. It’s just that nobody has taken the time to explain to you what the cloud is. They haven’t, have they?Deep down I think this is because they don’t understand the cloud either, but I do. I’ve been a programmer and writer for over 30 years. I’ve been in cloud computing since the very start, and I’m here to help you on your journey to understand the cloud. Consider me your tour guide. I’ll be with you every step of the way, but not in a creepy way.I take my time with this book. I go slow and easy, so you can build up an intuition about what the cloud really is, one idea at a time. When you finish reading, you’ll understand the cloud. When you hear someone say some new cool thing is in the cloud, you’ll understand exactly what they mean. That’s a promise. How do I deliver on that promise? I use lots and lots of pictures. I use lots and lots of examples. We’ll reveal the secret inner-workings of AWS, Netflix, Facebook Messenger, Amazon Kindle, Apple iCloud, Google Maps, Nest and cloud DVRs. You’ll learn by seeing and understanding; no matter if you're a complete beginner, someone who knows a little and wants to learn more, or a programmer looking to change their career to the cloud.The cloud is the future. You don't want to miss out on the future, do you? Read this book and we'll discover it together.I’m excited. This will be fun. Let’s get started!

    Box: Back of Beyond Cody Hoyt, although a brilliant cop, is an alcoholic struggling with two months of sobriety when his friend Hank Winters turns up dead in a remote mountain cabin. At first it looks like suicide, but Cody knows Hank better than that. As Cody digs deeper into the case, all roads lead to foul play. After years of bad behavior with his department, Cody in no position to be investigating a homicide. But he will stop at nothing to find out who murdered Hank. And why... The Highway When two sisters set out across a remote stretch of Montana road to visit their friend, little do they know it will be the last time anyone might ever hear from them again. The girls—and their car—simply vanish. Convinced by his son and his former rookie partner, Cassie Dewell, former police investigator Cody Hoyt begins the drive to the girls' last known location. As Cody makes his way to the stretch of highway where they went missing, Cassie discovers that Gracie and Danielle Sullivan aren't the first girls who have disappeared in this area. This majestic landscape is the hunting ground for a killer. Can Cassie overcome her doubts and lack of experience and use her innate skill? Can Cody Hoyt battle his own demons and find this killer before another victim vanishes on the highway?BadlandsTwelve-year-old Kyle Westergaard dreams of getting out of Grimstad and leading a better life. One day, while delivering newspapers, he witnesses a car accident and takes a mysterious bundle from the scene. Suddenly he’s in possession of a lot of money—and packets of white powder—and Kyle can’t help but wonder whether his luck has changed…for better or for worse. When a gang war heats up, it’s up to Cassie Dewell to help restore law and order. As she is propelled on a collision course with a murderous enemy, she finds that the key to it all might come in the most unlikely form: a boy on a bike named Kyle. He seems to know something that Cassie does not about what lies beneath the surface of this small and troubled town… Paradise Valley For three years, Investigator Cassie Dewell has been on a hunt for a serial killer known as the Lizard King whose hunting grounds are the highways and truck stops where runaways and prostitutes are most likely to vanish. Cassie almost caught him...once. Now, she has set what she believes is the perfect trap. But the plan goes horribly wrong, and the blame falls on Cassie. Disgraced, she loses her job. At the same time, Kyle Westergaard, has disappeared and Kyle's grandmother begs Cassie to find him. Cassie agrees—all the while hunting the truck driver. Kyle's disappearance may have a more sinister meaning than anyone realizes. With no allies, no support, and only her own wits to rely on, Cassie must take down a killer who is as ruthless as he is cunning.

    More information to be announced soon on this forthcoming title from Penguin USA

    This update to the bestselling first edition dives in to cover the exciting new features of the latest release of the Android mobile platform.Providing in-depth coverage of how to build mobile applications using the next major release of the Android SDK, this invaluable resource takes a hands-on approach to discussing Android with a series of projects, each of which introduces a new feature and highlights techniques and best practices to get the most out of Android.The Android SDK is a powerful, flexible, open source platform for mobile devices Shares helpful techniques and best practices to maximize the capabilities of Android Explains the possibilities of Android through the use of a series of detailed projects Demonstrates how to create real-world mobile applications for Android phones Includes coverage of the latest version of Android Providing concise and compelling examples, Professional Android Application Development is an updated guide aimed at helping you create mobile applications for mobile devices running the latest version of Android.

    The hottest band in the world. Talented. Good looking. And the biggest jerks ever.Yeah, every girl loves a bad boy rockstar. Or three.But what about stuck-on-themselves too-cool-for-school party boys who can’t keep their their pants zipped?Who also happened to make my life a living hell ten years ago?No thanks.But when they needed help with their image, they called me.And now I have to clean up their act before they lose their multi-gazillion dollar record deal and world tour. That’s how far gone they are.Now I’m babysitter to a bunch of party boy rockstars.But they’re paying me a crap ton of money, and for that, I can put up with a little… madness while I clean up their reputation. It’s only a few weeks.And then I’ll be back to my orderly existence.Or so I thought.Her Dirty TeachersWellshire University’s hottest professors. Brainy. Brawny. And forbidden.My Math professor is dexterous with his… equations.My English professor is a champ at caressing my… run-on sentences.And, my French professor is magnifique around penetrating… verb conjugations.I love their classes. I always sit in front. And I raise my hand for every question.Until the day I saw them watching my little show at Club V, where I earn money for school by showing off my… skills.I thought they’d stop coming when they realized I worked there.But now that they’ve seen me, they can’t seem to look away.The dude I’d just given the special dance? He was my English professor.And I’d be seeing him at 8 a.m. tomorrow morning.Her Dirty DoctorsHeadlands Hospital’s hottest doctors. Brilliant. Good looking. And terribly off limits.I went to the hospital with an aching… need.And the handsome doctors made me all better with their big… instruments.I want to show them my… gratitude.But first I have make sure they don’t find out my father is their boss.Or that I’m just finishing nursing school—and will start working with them next week.These hot, over-the-top romances include sexy working men with a penchant for pursuing and protecting the women who give them a run for their money. If you love outrageously naughty stories as a way to indulge your not-so-secret bad girl side, this is for you.Her Dirty BodyguardsThe city’s hottest bodyguards. Deadly. Fearless. Gorgeous as hell. And assigned to protect… me.Just go on about your day, they say. Pretend we’re not there.But how could I ignore the three hottest men I’d ever laid eyes on?It’s true, I need them to stay alive.And when I realize they are watching me a little more closely than they have to, it seems like it’s time to have some fun.#1 Her Dirty Rockers#2 Her Dirty Teachers#3 Her Dirty Doctors#4 Her Dirty Bodyguards

     But taking that initial leap of faith is difficult when you’ve tumbled in the turmoil of your past and you know just how much it hurts to relive it. I get it. I’ve been there. I’ve made my fair share of mistakes when it comes to the dating department. And as far as I’m concerned, most men are complete assholes. So why should I waste my mine? It’ll always end the same. Or, at least, that’s what I kept telling myself as I kept my head down and focused on becoming a veterinarian. Forget them, I repeated over and over again. You don’t need them. How many times have you cried for them and they never shed a single tear for you? Maybe that voice in the back of my head had a point but what’s the point of living if you’re always on your own? Because, trust me, being alone sucks. And the constant silence of an empty apartment is a surefire way to insanity. So, why am I so opposed to Dr. Goodman? The dreamboat that fell out of the sky and practically landed on my lap due to a little airplane mix up. Because I’m afraid that he’s going to turn out like every other lowlife that’s ever shown their interest in me. And I’m not about to get my heart broken by a surgeon even if he knows how to stitch it back together again. I think I’ll just save myself the pain.

    She is now responsible for her brother as there’s only two of them left. After the shock is over, it is time to get on with her new responsibilities which comes with changes... including moving to the city to take up a job as a waitress in a mid-level hotel. An altogether daunting idea since she’s lived on a farm all her life. Tom Having grown up in a family of chefs, Tom is keen to keep the tradition going. His dream is to be like his grandfather who owns a chain of fine dining restaurants across the state. Quite the charmer but with no time for anything but to make a career for himself he has all the girls longing for him but does not seem to notice. None have managed to catch his fancy until the petite new girl known as Melissa comes to work at the hotel. At first, it is sheer pity for the quiet girl who appears lost amidst the rest that draws him to her. With time, however, he realizes what a sweet-natured person she is and begins to fall in love with her. Find out if the hunky sous chef manages to win the new girl. This is a Sweet, Steamy, Short Romance Story and part of the Chiltern Hotel Series, No Cliffhangers! If you love short and sweet romances with insta love, hot steamy sexy scenes, and happily ever afters, you will definitely enjoy this one. Get this book FREE with Kindle Unlimited!

    To obtain more, it takes dedication and an unwavering determination to succeed. Solomon Frank is the poster child for making that happen. Rising from the hood of Inglewood, California, his dreams of becoming an A-list actor takes a work ethic and sacrifice that many people don’t have within them. Even amongst the ill wishes and lack of support from the people he loves and that mean the most to him, Solomon finds his way.Making it in the industry is tough but with hard work, he makes it, taking acting jobs just to make a name for himself. However, it pays off. He is able to be selective, where he can now demand what he wants and gets it. He develops a reputation as being a great actor, but also an uncouth jerk and he embraces it. There’s only one issue. He’s never been in love and it’s something he craves. But unlike his determination with obtaining honor in his career choice, he doesn’t have the same gusto when it comes to love. So, instead of looking for it, it’s dropped in his lap in the form of his new personal assistant, Divine Stewart.He is smitten from first sight, but he tries to remain professional and tough as nails, as his reputation indicates. She’s thirteen years his junior but something about her is calling out to him. The fight to maintain that professional relationship is more difficult than he anticipated, and Solomon finds himself at a crossroads. Will he blur the lines of personalism and professionalism in regard to how he really feels for Divine? Can he ease the reigns to develop something more with her without tarnishing his reputation in Hollywood? Or will he continue to suffer in silence, longing for the one thing in life he hasn’t obtained?

    Eight sisters, tangled in romance. Emery Moore moved away from home after finishing her juris doctorate. She was a successful corporate attorney and had been living in Washington D. C. for the past five years. It wasn’t often that she returned home to Atlanta, but the love of her family drew her back. Emery had success in so many facets of her life, but she hadn’t been as lucky in love. The word love was unsettling for Emery; it was loaded with notions of submissiveness and sacrifice, the loss of self and being dependent on another person. Notions Emery wasn’t sure she wanted. Yet, there was someone Emery couldn’t shake her soul loose of and she tussled with her heart and the sensible tug in her mind daily. Evan Stanton Esq. had been an integral part of Emery Moore’s life for the past six months. He like she, was an attorney. During the day, the attorneys at law litigated from different sides of the aisle; fighting with everything they had for their clients. But for the past few months, business was left at the door, and the fighting ended as Evan and Emery delved into uncharted territory. Evan loved how Emery felt in his arms. The curve of her hips, the arch in her back made it difficult to keep his hands off her. It wasn’t always like this. Emery had to be pursued, and although Evan was attracted to her unapologetic disposition in the courtroom, along with her sophisticated air, Emery was a challenge; one that Evan planned to take on full steam ahead.

    It provides all of JavaScript's functionality wrapped in a cleaner, more succinct syntax. In the first book on this exciting new language, CoffeeScript guru Trevor Burnham shows you how to hold onto all the power and flexibility of JavaScript while writing clearer, cleaner, and safer code.CoffeeScript: Accelerated JavaScript Development offers a thorough introduction to this new language, starting from the basics. You'll learn to use time-saving features like list comprehensions and splats, organize your code into modules with extensible classes, and deploy your work to multiple environments. Each chapter is example-driven and includes challenging exercises to push your CoffeeScript know-how further. Through the course of the book, you'll build a fast-paced multiplayer word game-writing both the client (with jQuery) and server (with Node.js) in CoffeeScript. And because the two languages are so deeply intertwined, you'll deepen your understanding of JavaScript along the way. CoffeeScript makes it easier than ever to write powerful, standards-compliant JavaScript code. CoffeeScript: Accelerated JavaScript Development lets you start doing it today.