Write Great Code Volume II: |
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Thinking Low-Level, Writing High-Level |
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If you want to write the fastest, most efficient, code, then you have to write your applications in assembly language. Claims that modern compilers produce code that is just as good as hand-written assembly language rarely stand up. In practice, the way most programmers write their high-level language code often results in low-quality machine code output from a compiler.
Unfortunately, coding applications in assembly language is rarely an option for a variety of practical reasons (including the fact that few programmers know assembly language). So a good question to ask might be "Is there some way to write high-level language code to help the compiler produce high-quality machine code?" The answer to this question is "yes" and Write Great Code, Volume II, will teach you how to write such high-level code. This volume in the Write Great Code series describes how compilers translate statements into machine code so that you can choose appropriate high-level programming language statements to produce executable code that is almost as good as hand-optimized assembly code. Chapter Eight is available as a sample on-line chapter, and you'll also find the links to On-line Appendix A and On-Line Appendix B, below. |
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Write Great Code, Volume II, Table of Contents (Tentative):
Chapter 1: Thinking Low-Level, Writing High-Level On-Line Appendix A: The Minimal 80x86 Instruction Set On-Line Appendix B: The Minimal PowerPC Instruction Set |
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Write Great Code, Volume III: |
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Engineering Software |
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Great code has several attributes. Books I & II of the Write Great Code series address an important attribute, efficiency, that is often ignored in modern software development. However, although inefficient programs are never great, efficiency, by itself, does not guarantee greatness. Book III of the Write Great Code series discusses software development methodologies, developer metaphors, ethics, productivity, and system documentation. | |||
Currently being written
Write Great Code, Book IV: |
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Desiging Great Code |
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Great code begins with a great design. Book 4 of the Write Great Code series concentrates on analysis and design. This book covers traditional structured design as well as object-oriented analysis and design (as well as design patterns). | |||
Currently in the design phase
Write Great Code, Book V: |
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Great Coding |
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Great code has several attributes. A great design is the starting point, but great code must also adhere to good coding standards and be readable and easy to maintain. The fifth volume in the Write Great Code series addresses the issues of creating readable and maintainable code that will generate awe from fellow programmers. | |||
Currently in the design phase
Write Great Code, Book VI: |
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Testing, Debugging, and Quality Assurance |
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Great code works. This fourth volume in the Write Great Code series will discuss how programmers can ensure their applications have the high quality they require to be truly great applications. | |||