As well as the extensively reviewed, recommended, and appraised "Code Complete" [0] by Steve McConnell I'm working my way through it now (1+ year of profession

As well as the extensively reviewed, recommended, and appraised "Code Complete" [0] by Steve McConnell I'm working my way through it now (1+ year of professional experience) and it is a magnificent way to improve the quality of your code. I read it off and on, my goal is only 40 pages a week so that I'll make sure to find the time to do it (I'm doing a masters program and enjoy living in NYC too so setting huge goals doesn't work well for me). Every time I crack it open, I find myself inspired to write better, clearer, and more concise code. Sometimes you just need a nudge to get back into doing things you already know you should be doing. Finally, constantly learning, I think, is the best way to become a proficient, and then skillful professional software engineer. Many programmers become proficient and then level off. And that's good enough. But if you truly wanted to become one of the top 5% in your field you need to do something called deliberate practice. Reading 'Talent is Overrated' [1] really exposed me to the theory of constantly challenging yourself in order to grow. I really recommend it, I find myself trying to apply the theories to all areas of my life. [0] - http://www.amazon.com/Code-Complete-Practical-Handbook-Construction/dp/0735619670/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1420475290&sr=1-1&keywords=code+complete http://www.amazon.com/Code-Complete-Practical-Handbook-Const... [1] - http://www.amazon.com/Talent-Overrated-Separates-World-Class-Performers/dp/1591842948/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420477978&sr=8-1&keywords=Talent+is+Overrated http://www.amazon.com/Talent-Overrated-Separates-World-Class...