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I"m currently reading The Clean Coder by Robert C. Martin. It's a great book and I'm learning a lot from it.

My objective is to become a "professional" programmer so I'm trying to learn the most I can when I'm not at my office.

I was wondering if I should buy Clean Code from the same author. Is it the natural "sequel" to The Clean Coder? Does it cover much the same ground to make its purchase not worthwhile?

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You should definitely read "Clean Code". That's all there's to say. – Falcon Jun 21 '11 at 10:19
I did not know there was a "The Clean Coder" book. I'm going to have to order that ASAP! – CaffGeek Jun 21 '11 at 14:17
@Chad: Indeed, you should purchased it, it's a goldmine for programmers who want to improve themselves. – Louhike Jun 22 '11 at 6:44

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I've read both and it is implied you should read Clean Code first, followed by The Clean Coder.

The stuff you learn in the first book is required if you are to become a clean coder as defined in the second.

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I'm already at the half of The Clean Coder. Do you think I should stop and start to read Clean Code? – Louhike Jun 21 '11 at 10:56
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@Louhike: Yes. You'll learn a lot from it. – Martin Wickman Jun 21 '11 at 11:02
Ok, thanks for the advice ! – Louhike Jun 21 '11 at 11:04
up vote 17 down vote

I haven't read the books myself, but I've just had a look at the descriptions for the two books on Amazon and they appear to cover different subjects:

The Clean Coder

  • What it means to behave as a true software craftsman
  • How to deal with conflict, tight schedules, and unreasonable managers
  • How to get into the flow of coding, and get past writer’s block
  • How to handle unrelenting pressure and avoid burnout
  • How to combine enduring attitudes with new development paradigms
  • How to manage your time, and avoid blind alleys, marshes, bogs, and swamps
  • How to foster environments where programmers and teams can thrive
  • When to say “No”–and how to say it
  • When to say “Yes”–and what yes really means

Clean Code

  • How to tell the difference between good and bad code
  • How to write good code and how to transform bad code into good code
  • How to create good names, good functions, good objects, and good classes
  • How to format code for maximum readability
  • How to implement complete error handling without obscuring code logic
  • How to unit test and practice test-driven development

I think Clean Code is about a developer and his code, while The Clean Coder is more about the general aspects and external factors you have to deal with as a developer.

With this information it is up to you to decide whether or not you should read Clean Code as well, but I think it's safe to say it will definitely teach you something. It's been on my list of books I want to read for a long time.

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The clean coder is kind of more like "The pragmatic programmer". – Mahmoud Hossam Jun 21 '11 at 10:13
Thanks for the description ! – Louhike Jun 21 '11 at 10:56

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