Recommended Books
Software development takes constant and continuing education. Learning is a lifelong journey and the difference between 10 years experience and 1 year experience repeated for 10 years. I hope these books will help you on your journey as they have helped me.
Beginning Database Design
Categories: Database, Software Development
Author: Rod Stephens
Beginning Database Design Solutions (2008, updated editions) by Rod Stephens introduces database design fundamentals. It covers discovering requirements, building conceptual/logical models, normalization, entity-relationship diagrams, ensuring data integrity, avoiding anomalies, and creating robust, flexible, performant structures adaptable to change and cloud environments. Includes practical examples and best practices for reliable databases.
C#13 and .NET 9
Categories: Web Development, Software Development
Author: Mark J. Price
Blazor portions in C# 13 and .NET 9 – Modern Cross-Platform Development Fundamentals cover building interactive web UIs with Blazor in ASP.NET Core 9. It introduces the new unified hosting model for code reusability, modern UI components, and hands-on projects like Northwind.Blazor for rich, interactive experiences.
C#14 and .NET 10
Categories: Web Development, Software Development
Author: Mark J. Price
Updated edition covering the latest in C# 14 and .NET 10 with comprehensive Blazor guidance. Includes modern cross-platform development, improved AOT compilation, enhanced WebAssembly performance, and new Blazor features for .NET 10.
C#14 and .NET 10
Categories: Web Development, Software Development
Author: Mark J. Price
Blazor portions in Mark J. Price's book focus on building interactive web UIs with Blazor in .NET 10. Dedicated Chapter 14 covers fundamentals, components, interactivity (SSR/interactive modes), data binding, routing, and real-world projects like Northwind.Blazor app, leveraging C# for rich, cross-platform web experiences with AOT support.
Clean Code
Categories: Software Development
Author: Robert C. Martin
A handbook of agile software craftsmanship that teaches how to write clean, maintainable code.
Database Design For Mere Mortals
Categories: Database
Author: Michael J. Hernandez
Database Design for Mere Mortals (latest editions) by Michael J. Hernandez is a clear, step-by-step guide to relational database design for beginners and non-experts. It covers planning, mission objectives, table/field creation, keys (candidate/primary/foreign), normalization, relationships, business rules, views, and integrity checks—avoiding jargon while emphasizing sound, flexible structures. Includes practical methodology and common pitfalls.
Responsive Web Design with HTML5 and CSS: Build future-proof responsive websites using the latest HTML5 and CSS techniques 5th ed.
Categories: Web Development
Author: Ben Frain
This book covers covers modern techniques for building responsive websites. It includes practical examples, best practices, and guidance on using the latest HTML5 and CSS features to create flexible, future-proof web designs.
SAFe 5.0 Distilled: Achieving Business Agility with the Scaled Agile Framework
Categories: Agile, SAFe Agile, Software Development
Authors: Richard Knaster, Dean Leffingwell
SAFe 5.0 Distilled (2020) by Knaster & Leffingwell explains Scaled Agile Framework 5.0 for business agility. It covers the Big Picture, seven core competencies, four configurations, Lean-Agile principles, design thinking, and leadership tools to deliver value faster in complex enterprises.
The Phoenix Project
Categories: Software Development, Agile, Novel
Authors: Gene Kim, Kevin Behr, George Spafford
The Phoenix Project follows IT manager Bill Palmer rescuing a failing, delayed critical project at Parts Unlimited by applying DevOps, Theory of Constraints, and The Three Ways—flow optimization, feedback amplification, and continuous learning—to align IT with business goals and deliver value faster.
The Rollout
Categories: Novel, Agile, SAFe Agile, Software Development
Author: Alex Yakyma
The Rollout (2016) by Alex Yakyma: Novel following Ethan, a new transformation leader at a struggling tech firm, as he navigates real-world challenges implementing SAFe for Lean-Agile enterprise agility—overcoming resistance, silos, and bureaucracy through value streams, ARTs, PI planning, and leadership.
The Unicorn Project
Categories: Software Development, Agile, Novel
Author: Gene Kim
The Unicorn Project (2019) by Gene Kim follows developer Maxine at Parts Unlimited, exiled to the failing Phoenix Project. She joins rebels fighting bureaucracy and debt, pursuing the Five Ideals—simplicity, flow, daily improvement, safety, customer focus—to enable fast, secure, joyful software delivery.