Welcome, knowledge-hungry developers. Today I want to share with you a selection of books that have been true treasures in my journey as a developer. These literary gems have not only provided me with technical knowledge, but have also shaped my mindset and approach to software development.

From classics to contemporary works that explore the latest technology trends, each book on this list has left an indelible mark on my career. If you're looking for inspiration, information and a good dose of perspective, read on. I'm excited to share with you these 4 + 1 books that have been inseparable companions on my path to mastery in software development.

Clean Code by Robert C. Martin

An essential classic for any developer looking to improve their ability to write clean, quality code. In this work, Martin presents key principles and practices that help programmers produce more readable, maintainable and efficient code.

Throughout the book, Martin explores various concepts and techniques, from the importance of choosing meaningful names for variables and functions to the proper structuring of classes and methods. In addition, he offers practical advice on how to refactor existing code and how to work as a team to maintain code quality over time.

2. Deep Work by Carl Newport

Deep work is a work that explores how the ability to immerse oneself in deep work can lead to success in a world full of distractions. Newport argues that the ability to focus intensely on a task, without distraction, is increasingly valuable in the modern economy, where technology and constant demands can fragment our attention.

This book presents practical strategies for cultivating deep work, from time management to optimizing the work environment.

Although it is not a book about development, it does teach us how to get «in the zone» where we are 100% focused, undistracted and can develop in the best possible way.

3. The pragmatic programmer from Andrew Hunt and David Thomas

Let's go with another classic, this book offers practical and insightful advice for developers at all stages of their career. Written in an accessible style and full of useful anecdotes, this book has become an indispensable guide for me and so many other developers.

Hunt and Thomas present a series of principles and techniques that go beyond simple code, addressing fundamental aspects such as time management, effective communication and code maintenance, making it one of the most comprehensive books you can read as a developer.

4. Not everything is programming by Kiko Palomares

This book approaches the world of software development from a holistic perspective, recognizing that success in this area depends not only on technical skills, but also on a deep understanding of the digital environment in which we operate.

Palomares gives in this book a comprehensive overview of the technology industry, covering topics ranging from project management and effective communication to the importance of personal marketing and brand building. Through practical examples and proven advice, the author guides the reader through the various aspects of professional life in the digital world, providing a clear roadmap for achieving success in this ever-evolving industry.

5. Domain-Driven Design in PHP: A Highly Practical Guide by Carlos Buenosvinos, Christian Soronellas and Keyvan Akbari.

This book explores how to apply the principles of domain-driven design (DDD) in the context of PHP application development. It provides detailed guidance on how to design and structure PHP code so that it accurately reflects the problem domain that the application is intended to solve.

In addition, throughout the book, they introduce key DDD concepts, such as aggregates, entities, object value, and domain services, and show how to implement them effectively in PHP. They also explore practical techniques for managing domain complexity and fostering effective collaboration between development teams and domain experts.

Bis

While I was writing this post, I knew that I would not be able to put only 5 books, since during my career I have found hundreds of them that have been very useful to me, so I leave you a small list of other books that you might find interesting including «The product manager of the future», a book with which you will learn about product and how to manage it:

• The coder habits by Rafael Gomez Blanes
• The product manager of the future from Pedro Miguel Muñoz
• Refactoring by Kent Beck and Martin Fowler
• Design Patterns: Elements of Reusable Object-Oriented Software by Erich Gamma, Richard Helm, Ralph Johnson and John Vlissides
• The Art of Computer Programming by Donald Knuth

Conclusions

As you may have noticed, this selection of books is not limited to technical development only. I have always believed in the importance of improving both my technical and soft skills. In addition, learning to manage my work environment, whether in the office or at home, and maintaining total focus on what I am doing, has been fundamental in both my professional and personal life.

In summary, although these books may not be considered the best or the most complete, personally they have been an invaluable tool in my professional growth. I hope that if you have the opportunity and interest to read them, they can also contribute positively to your development. Herein lies the key to growing together as professionals and people.