Rapid Development: Taming Wild...

Rapid Development: Taming Wild...

Publisher
Microsoft Press
Published
1996
Pages
647
ISBN-13
9781556159008
Format
print
Language
English
Book Summary
Rapid Development by Steve McConnell is a classic guide to accelerating software projects without sacrificing quality. It covers scheduling, risk management, team dynamics, and process improvement, offering practical techniques to avoid common pitfalls. Ideal for project managers and developers seeking to deliver faster while maintaining control.
This book is not available
Best buying and renting options — totals include estimated shipping when seller shipping is unavailable
Store Condition Deals & Coupons Price Est. Shipping Total Buy
About Rapid Development: Taming Wild...

In Rapid Development, Steve McConnell draws on extensive research and real-world experience to explain how to speed up software development effectively. The book identifies common causes of schedule overruns and presents proven strategies such as incremental development, prototyping, and effective team communication. McConnell emphasizes balancing speed with quality, covering topics like estimation, risk management, and process optimization. He provides actionable advice on avoiding classic mistakes, choosing the right lifecycle model, and fostering a productive team culture. This comprehensive guide is essential for anyone involved in software projects who wants to deliver faster without compromising results.

Who should read Rapid Development: Taming Wild...?

This book is essential for software project managers, team leads, and developers who need to deliver projects faster without sacrificing quality. It's also valuable for product managers and stakeholders involved in planning and scheduling. Anyone frustrated by chronic delays or looking to improve development processes will benefit from McConnell's practical advice and research-backed techniques.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • ✓ Provides practical, actionable techniques for speeding up development
  • ✓ Backed by research and real-world case studies
  • ✓ Covers both technical and managerial aspects
  • ✓ Helps avoid common pitfalls that cause delays
  • ✓ Written in clear, engaging style accessible to all levels
Cons
  • ✗ Some examples and tools may feel dated to modern readers
  • ✗ Focuses primarily on traditional software projects
  • ✗ Can be lengthy and detailed for those seeking quick tips
  • ✗ Assumes some familiarity with software development concepts
  • ✗ Not specifically tailored to agile or DevOps practices
Frequently asked questions
Is this book still relevant today?
Yes, while some tools have changed, the core principles of managing schedules, risks, and teams remain timeless and applicable to modern software development.
Does it focus only on coding?
No, it covers both technical practices and management strategies, emphasizing that rapid development requires a holistic approach.
Can I apply these techniques to non-software projects?
While the examples are software-centric, many concepts like risk management and incremental delivery can be adapted to other project types.
Is it suitable for beginners?
It's accessible to beginners, but some experience with software projects will help you get the most out of it.
Does it include case studies?
Yes, McConnell includes numerous real-world examples and case studies to illustrate successful and unsuccessful practices.

At Windsorbooks, we compare prices from trusted sellers so you can buy, rent, or sell textbooks at the best total price — shipping included.

As an Amazon Associate, Windsorbooks.com may earn a small commission on qualifying purchases.