Steve McConnell Quotes

United States, Author
September 3, 1962

Steven C. McConnell is an author of software engineering textbooks such as Code Complete, Rapid Development, and Software Estimation. He is cited as an expert in software engineering and project management.

Engineering is the application of scientific principles toward practical ends. If the engineering isn't practical, it's bad engineering.

Steve McConnell
In software, the chain isn't as strong as its weakest link; it's as weak as all the weak links multiplied together.

Steve McConnell
- Strong
- Chain
- Weakest

A brute force solution that works is better than an elegant solution that doesn't work.

Steve McConnell
- Force
- Solution
- Elegant
It's better to wait for a productive programmer to become available than it is to wait for the first available programmer to become productive.

Steve McConnell
The trouble with quick and dirty is that dirty remains long after quick has been forgotten.

Steve McConnell
- Dirty
- Forgotten
- Quick
The default movement on a software project should be in the direction of taking elements of the software away to make it simpler rather than adding elements to make it more complex.

Steve McConnell
A blanket attempt to avoid mistakes is the biggest mistake of all.

Steve McConnell
- Mistakes
- Avoid
- Attempt
Good code is its own best documentation.

Steve McConnell
- Good
- Code
- Documentation

There are no secrets on an successful software project. Both good and bad news must be able to move up and down the ptoject hierarchy without restriction.

Steve McConnell
- News
- Secrets
- Software
It's OK to figure out murder mysteries, but you shouldn't need to figure out code. You should be able to read it.

Steve McConnell