The Mythical Man-Month: Essays on Software Engineering
The Mythical Man-Month: Essays on Software Engineering
Book Brief
BetaThe Mythical Man-Month: Essays on Software Engineering
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1995322
Book • Nonfiction
1970s
1995
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Mythical Man-Month: Essays on Software Engineering is a collection of essays by Frederick P. Brooks Jr., exploring the complexities of software engineering. It discusses key concepts like the efficiency of adding personnel to delayed projects, the challenges of communication in large teams, and Brooks' Law, which emphasizes that adding workforce to a late project makes it later.
Informative
Challenging
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
16,376 ratings
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Review Roundup
The Mythical Man-Month: Essays on Software Engineering by Frederick P. Brooks Jr. is praised for its insightful and timeless essays on software project management. Positive feedback highlights its relevant analysis of team productivity challenges. However, some criticize its outdated examples. Overall, it remains a classic in understanding project complexities.
Who Should Read The Mythical Man-Month: Essays on Software Engineering?
Readers who appreciate The Mythical Man-Month likely enjoy exploring the challenges of software project management, similar to how enthusiasts engage with Peopleware by DeMarco and Lister. They value timeless insights into team dynamics and software engineering inefficiencies.
16,376 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Mythical Man-Month is renowned for introducing Brooks's Law, which suggests that "adding manpower to a late software project makes it later," highlighting the inefficiencies in scaling up development teams.
The book is based on Frederick P. Brooks Jr.'s experiences while managing the development of IBM's OS/360, providing unique insights into the challenges of large-scale software engineering projects.
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First published in 1975, The Mythical Man-Month is considered a seminal work in software engineering, influencing many future discussions and works in the field.
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322
Book • Nonfiction
1970s
1995
Adult
18+ years
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