Reviews for Agile Software Development: Software Through People

1. Great book about 'people'

   Rated 5 out of 5 stars, September 12rd, 2004

   This book, despite it's title, is something more than just a book about software development. It provides valuable information about software development teams, how to improve communications among individuals, and gives great hints about choosing the most suitable software process. Basically it covers almost everything needed to complete a project in a successfull way. This book should be a 'must read' for developers and experienced project managers too.

2. Sound methods for improving software development

   Rated 5 out of 5 stars, September 12th, 2003

   Cockburn has a very succinct style with clear illustrations to support his explanations that I have re-used in my presentations (along with others in his other books). This book focuses on Cockburn's observations and interviews about what makes projects successful and covers working environments, communication, team dynamics and collaborative working methods. He explains the building blocks of software methodologies and what makes some work more than others and explains why one methodology does not fit all projects and how and where each one must be shaped to fit the size of the project. This book has some of my favourite quotes including, "Documentation is the worst form of communication".

3. Another (of the few) Ah-hah books!

   Rated 5 out of 5 stars, May 12th, 2002

   For anyone who wishes to understand how projects and teams _really_ work - whether you're a junior member, senior member or manager.
   The insights into behaviour and good practice are wonderful - they gave me a vocabulary to discuss fairly abstract concepts.
   It is _not_ prescriptive - there are no answers.

4. An excellent read

   Rated 5 out of 5 stars, January 12rd, 2002

   Mr Cockburn has really hit the nail on the head with this book, and it's easy to read. Its one of those books that once started has to be finished. In fact I finished it in a day.
   Definitely recommended