random ramblings

I was looking for what is recommended as the must reads for an “IT Professional”. Below is the most recommended ones I came across, not in any particular order. If you know any other must read, do leave a comment. Code Complete – Steve McConnell The Pragmatic Programmer: From Journeyman to Master – Andrew Hunt, David Thomas Refactoring: Improving the Design of Existing Code – Martin Fowler Introduction to algorithms – Cormen, Leiserson, Rivest, Stein Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs – Harold Abelson, Gerald Jay Sussman, Julie Sussman Design Patterns: Elements of Reusable Object-Oriented Software – Erich Gamma, Richard Helm, Ralph Johnson and John Vlissides (Gang of Four) The Mythical Man-Month: Essays on Software Engineering – Fred Brooks Peopleware: Productive Projects and Teams – DeMarco and Lister The design of everyday things – Donald Norman The Timeless Way of Building – Christopher Alexander Psychology of Computer of Programming – Gerald Weinberg ...

I went for a walk/run today morning, after maybe 3 years break – was able to complete one round of a football field. Incidentally the field was in the same college where I had gone to collect application forms around 18 years back (time does fly). We need to cross this field to reach the office, it was deserted that day. I got robbed while returning after collecting the forms and being my first experience in a college campus, I didn’t know that one should keep the mouth shut – I said something sarcastically, the guy punched me hard in the stomach, I lost my breath and he kicked me for a good measure. That was it, I never set foot in that college afterwards and didn’t apply there as well. About a year ago we moved into a house right across that college, so now from the living room, my view is of this football field. It is now a morning walk destination for residents around the place, so today I decided to start. College had changed, but the field and the broken steps, overgrown bushes ...

Slow and steady wins the race. Being very fast wins it too. You should be confident. But have humility and don’t be arrogant. Be practical, but stick to principles. Have rules, but not too many. Be obedient, but nobody great was ever obedient. Get a degree, but college education is a waste of time. Earn money, but too much money means no life. Have passion for the job, but being too passionate about your job could lead to being a workaholic. Always move forward. Never look back and wonder. But history repeats itself and one should learn from the mistakes. Be honest, but too much honesty could cost you. Talk to enemies, but get your job done. Satisfy the customer, but not at a cost. Make a profit, but don’t be greedy. Be transparent, except when it can hurt you or someone else. Have a great career, but give time to family, don’t stress too much. Be ambitious, but be ethical. All we want is peace of mind and being comfortable, but don’t be in your comfort zone, push yourself. Be a capit...