I've known Chad Fowler for almost ten years. He's a seriously good guy: musician, developer, leader, and friend. So when he came to me some years ago with an idea for a book, I jumped at it. I was hoping for something good, but what we got was something truly great.
Andy and I wrote The Pragmatic Programmer over 10 years ago. It was a book full of advice on the job of programming, from low-level coding to teams and projects.
Well, Chad had written the companion book. Where our book looked outward at the job you were doing, The Passionate Programmer looked inward at the person doing the work. It's a book about finding fulfillment in what you do. It's a book about rekindling the fires that you felt when you first entered the profession. It's a book about creating a career, rather than turning up for a job.
I was blown away.
And then I did something really stupid. The book came out about 5 years ago, and outsourcing was big on everyone's mind. So I thought "let's make a jokey title that'll grab people's attention." I called the book My Job Went to India (And All I Got Was This Lousy book). I've already blogged about how stupid that was—it was probably the single dumbest thing I've done since I got into publishing. The title put people off; it gave them the wrong idea. The book was really nothing to do with outsourcing, but you wouldn't know it from the cover. This book deserved so much better
So, four years later, we revisited the book. Chad's given it a spring cleaning, revising and updating it. And we gave it a new title and a new cover, both of which do a better job of conveying the energy and enthusiasm that lie within.
I'm not into selling: my philosophy with our books is “if they're good, people will buy them.” But this book is different. I really think it can make a difference. So I'd love for you to read the extracts and maybe take this book home with you. I honestly think you'll thank me (and, most importantly, Chad) if you do.
Had the book in my wishlist after a recommend from one of the beta readers. Just bought my copy now!
On an unrelated note, have you noticed that your sidebar still proclaims Pickaxe 1.9 as in Beta?
Cheers!
Posted by: Alan | May 07, 2009 at 02:20 AM
I read the first edition with the wrong title. I think it is a fantastic book and should be on every programmer's to-read list. Actually, I think it has reach beyond programmers. I'm glad to see the new title. On my first reading, I remember wondering what the original title had to do with the book.
Posted by: Jamie Orchard-Hays | May 07, 2009 at 02:46 PM
This is really interesting. To be perfectly honest, I lost my deep passion for programming somewhere between 5 and 10 years ago, and I'd really like to get it back. I remember the joy I had in software development back when it was new and fresh to me, and I think that passion is still in here somewhere. Hopefully this book can help me find it again.
Posted by: Justin H. | May 31, 2009 at 09:18 PM
I own the first edition, "My job went to India ..." is it a significant revision or just minor revision with a title change? I am trying to decide to buy it or not?
Posted by: Ali Rizvi | June 03, 2009 at 12:22 AM
I ordered this book and got it yesterday. For the first time in memory I read the whole thing in less than 24 hours. It answers the real questions, which aren't whether to learn Ruby or Scala or more Java, but rather how do you make yourself into a great programmer.
Or at least suggests some of the questions you should be asking yourself. It seems like a lot to do, but you don't have to swallow the elephant at once. Just pick out one or two things to start work on this week, then do others as time and inspiration allow. Even doing one or two will make you a better programmer, and not off in the nebulous future either. Right now.
Dave is correct, it is a GREAT book! Read it.
Posted by: Don | July 14, 2009 at 09:15 AM
Highly recommend this book. This is a must-read for all developers: newbies and "gurus" alike! I've been an IT professional (mostly software development) for over 10 years but a hobbyist much longer. Also, as a musician myself, I appreciate the analogies to describe the programmer's craft.
Posted by: ajmCafe | November 23, 2009 at 09:28 AM
I have the first version with the different title and think it's the single best book out there on managing your career as a programmer. I too would be interested to know how much different the new version is.
Posted by: kay | November 29, 2009 at 02:54 AM
bought it :-)
Posted by: Jeremy Patrick | April 01, 2010 at 12:36 PM
I picked up this book, and I must say it is _excellent_. I highly recommend it. The author reminds me of myself quite a lot. He mentions how he notices some of his coworkers whom have high-level degrees were taking notes as they watched him work. A lot of people who finished school really aren't even on the same level as people like us who have a passion and overall love for what we do. Its not just a job - its fun!
Go buy this book if you haven't already. You won't regret it.
Posted by: Draygen | June 15, 2010 at 08:43 PM