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I. M. Wright's "Hard Code": A Decade of Hard-Won Lessons from Microsoft--New from Microsoft Press

August 3, 2011

Microsoft Press

Hard Code

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Sebastopol, CA—Get the brutal truth about coding, testing, and project management—from a Microsoft insider who tells it like it is. I. M. Wright's deliberately provocative column "Hard Code" has been sparking debate amongst thousands of engineers at Microsoft for years. And now (despite our better instincts), we're making his opinions available to everyone in I. M. Wright's "Hard Code": A Decade of Hard-Won Lessons from Microsoft® (Microsoft Press, $44.99 USD).

In this collection of over 80 columns, Eric Brechner's alter ego pulls no punches with his candid commentary and best practice solutions to the issues that irk him the most. He dissects the development process, examines tough team issues, and critiques how the software business is run, with the added touch of clever humor and sardonic wit. His ideas aren't always popular (not that he cares), but they do stimulate discussion and imagination needed to drive software excellence.

Get the unvarnished truth on how to:

  • Improve software quality and value—from design to security
  • Realistically manage project schedules, risks, and specs
  • Trim the fat from common development inefficiencies
  • Apply process improvement methods—without being an inflexible fanatic
  • Drive your own successful, satisfying career
  • Don't be a dictator—develop and manage a thriving team

For a review copy or more information please email maryr@oreilly.com. Please include your delivery address and contact information.

About the Author

Eric Brechner, Director of Development Excellence at Microsoft Corporation, has more than two decades experience in the software industry. He began writing Hard Code in 2001 as a resource for Microsoft employees. Since then, the opinion column has ignited an ongoing discussion of best practices among the thousands of software development engineers at Microsoft—and now, to the rest of the development community.

Additional Resources
For more information about the book, including table of contents, author bios, and cover graphic, see: http://oreilly.com/catalog/0790145330611

Hard Code I. M. Wright's "Hard Code": A Decade of Hard-Won Lessons from Microsoft, Second Edition
Publisher: Microsoft Press
By Eric Brechner
Print ISBN: 9780735661707   Ebook ISBN: 9780735661691  
Pages: 448
Print Price: $44.99   Ebook Price: $35.99  
order@oreilly.com
1-800-998-9938
1-707-827-7000

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About Microsoft Press
Microsoft Press is a division of Microsoft Corporation. Established in 1985, Microsoft Press publishes self-paced learning materials on Microsoft products and associated technologies. Microsoft Press products are available in a variety of formats for individual users, IT professionals, and developers. Since 2009, Microsoft and O'Reilly Media have shared the editorial direction and development of Microsoft Press products. O'Reilly also handles sales, distribution, customer service, and some administrative functions.

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