Customer Reviews
A must read for Software development 
2008-07-31
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.
Applies today as much as it ever did... 2008-04-16
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...
Essential Understanding of Software Development 2008-02-02
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. Not only are the topics extremely well researched and credited, but all areas of the software development life cycle are covered.
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. These methodologies are all focused around delivery and perceived timeliness of delivery of software projects.
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.
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.
Excellent Book on the Software Development Process 2007-11-06
"Rapid Development" is an excellent book that covers the software development process.
While the book covers a rapid development strategy, there is great value to be found in the book's coverage of a wide range of software development topics, such as estimating, teamwork and risk management, among other topics.
This book, in my opinion, represents the gold standard in software development reference books. Anyone involved in developing software should add this book to their library.
A Must Read For Anybody Interested In The Dynamics Of Software Engineering 2007-10-01
This book is quite long, but worth every page. As a programmer, one usually gets focused on that - programming. There are however, several dynamics at play at any given software development project: customers, unstable requirements, risks, teamwork, tools, etc. This book presents several fundamental principles, strategies, philosophies and mistakes and than goes to present a set of very important best practices. I highly recommend it!
Long but useful 
2007-08-17
Get your development schedules under control and on track! Corporate and commercial software-development teams all want solutions for one important problem-how to get their high-pressure development schedules under control. Rapid Development describes ov
Not a classic, not that worthy but not worthless either 2007-06-05
For people who touch the problem of software project management for the first time, this book may be a true revelation.
But after knowing the harsh realities of the industry, it turns out that real life is more than just of handful of wishy-washy case studies.
The problem with "Rapid Development" is that it's not about ... rapid development at all! In fact, there is no such thing as "rapid development" - just as the author rightfully explains.
Actually, any development is slow or fast depending on the standard used. The truth is, it is not rapid development that brings you to success; it is developing *faster* and *better* than the competition. If they are behind you, then you practice "rapid development", no matter how slow you go.
Despite its major drawbacks, this book is good. Written in a friendly style, it is a useful and simple reminder of several best practices that the software professional as well as the project manager all too easily forget.
A Classic 
2007-05-14
I felt really silly ordering a 10 year old computer book. But this one really is a classic and rereading it was worth the cost of admission. It is amazing how many of the lessons we have forgotten.
Good book with solid advice 2007-01-30
While I enjoyed reading much of this book, and it had excellent advice, I found much of it only applying to project managers and other management with the ability to really effect change. As a lower level developer, there's not a lot I can do with the information in this book, but I think it's relevance will increase ten fold as I progress through my career, hopefully saving myself from making many mistakes on the way.
Overall it was a nice easy read, but beware that it won't be very applicable early in your career.
Software managers should read this book 2007-01-17
Another great title from McConnell, this book is all about managing a software team. It tell you what to expect and what pitfalls to avoid. Personally I liked the cases in the book, some situations where spot on, got some chills thinking about previous projects.
Insight on planning got me thinking, so should you.
