Ebook: Ace the Programming Interview

Cover; Copyright page; Contents at a Glance; Table of Contents; Welcome; Art vs. Science of Software Estimation; Why This Book Was Written and Who It Is For; Key Benefits Of This Book; What This Book Is Not About; Where to Start; Microsoft Press Support; Acknowledgments; Equations; Figures; Part I: Critical Estimation Concepts; Chapter 1: What Is an "Estimate"?; 1.1 Estimates, Targets, and Commitments; 1.2 Relationship Between Estimates and Plans; 1.3 Communicating about Estimates, Targets, and Commitments; 1.4 Estimates as Probability Statements; 1.5 Common Definitions of a "Good" Estimate.;Often referred to as the "black art" because of its complexity and uncertainty, software estimation is not as difficult or puzzling as people think. In fact, generating accurate estimates is straightforward--once you understand the art of creating them. In his highly anticipated book, acclaimed author Steve McConnell unravels the mystery to successful software estimation--distilling academic information and real-world experience into a practical guide for working software professionals. Instead of arcane treatises and rigid modeling techniques, this guide highlights a proven set of procedures, u.