Person
Every book Jeff Atwood recommended on podcasts
Jeff Atwood appears on the Lex Fridman Podcast as a software developer and writer behind Coding Horror, deeply engaged in the practical realities and psychological struggles of writing code and prose. Throughout his appearances, Atwood discusses and recommends books that have shaped his perspective on technology and creative work. Among his top recommendations is Steve McConnell's Code Complete, which he highlights as his favorite programming book and a foundational read for anyone in the field, even noting it as the source of sidebar inspiration for his own blog. Another major recommendation is David Kushner's Masters of Doom, a book he praises enthusiastically while urging listeners to dive into its narrative. In addition to these programming and industry favorites, Atwood touches on the creative process by bringing up Stephen King's On Writing and Steven Pressfield's The War of Art. He invokes these titles to illustrate the deep personal suffering and discipline inherent in the daily work of writing and artistic creation, blending technical software insights with broader reflections on productivity, hardship, and craft.
Books recommended by Jeff Atwood
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Code Complete
Code Complete by Steve McConnell is a classic, highly regarded software engineering guide that covers a vast array of practical programming practices and construction techniques.
Recommended“it's from a book by Steve McConnell code complete which is where my favorite programming but still probably my number one programming book for anyone to read”
Where to get it
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Doom Guy
Doom Guy by John Romero is a memoir about the legendary game developer and co-creator of Doom.
Recommended“but one of the things john carmack one of the best points he makes in the book masters of doom which is a fantastic book”
Where to get it
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Masters of Doom
Masters of Doom by David Kushner is a non-fiction narrative chronicling the creation of the groundbreaking video game Doom and the complex partnership between its creators, John Carmack and John Romero.
Recommended“one of the best points he makes in the book masters of doom which is a fantastic book anybody listening this who hasn't read it please read it's such a great book”
Where to get it
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On Writing
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King is a bestselling hybrid of autobiography and practical advice for writers seeking to master the mechanics of storytelling.
Discussed“you know you look at it Stephen King this book on writing or Steven Pressfield the war of art book”
Where to get it
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The War of Art
The War of Art by Steven Pressfield is a classic exploration of the creative process that identifies internal psychological barriers and offers strategies to overcome self-imposed resistance.
Discussed“you know you look at it Stephen King this book on writing or Steven Pressfield the war of art book”
Where to get it
Appearances
| Episode | Podcast | Date | Books |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeff Atwood: Stack Overflow and Coding Horror | Lex Fridman Podcast | 2018-11-29 | 6 |
Other mentions (1: passing, ad reads, own books)
“you mentioned Stephen King like his book on writing”