This is my list of must-read top software engineering books. You can use the links to read details and customer reviews about the books on Amazon, and maybe buy one for yourself (which will also pay me a few cents if you use the link — thanks you very much!).

I will update this list in the future, so make sure to come back once in a while!

And if your favorite is missing – just leave a comment.

Top Object Oriented Programming Books

	This is THE book about design patterns. Tells you about common solutions for recurring problems if you want to avoid code duplication and keep your code tidy.
	Tells us about the patterns described in the original Design Patterns book, but (like other Head First books) is more fun to read and easier to understand.
	This book by Robert C. Martin (a.k.a. “Uncle Bob”) teaches you everything you need to know in order to keep your object oriented code base clean and tidy.

Top Java Programming Books

	If you want to learn, how to do things right in Java – read this book.
	This is the book if you want to know how to use the synchronized keyword correctly or what volatile does.

Top Web Programming Books

	Read this book if you really want to learn JavaScript (every dirty little detail of it).
	… and this book if you want to learn CSS.

Top Mobile Books

This book covers the life cycle through which every mobile app has to go, including precious tips on designing the app, testing it and doing the necessary marketing.

Top Software Engineering Skills and Craftmanship Books

	The first book I read about software engineering craftmanship. Every engineer should have this one in the library!
	Learn how to become a software engineer, who is able to survive in this globalized world.
	One great book about problem solving.
	The best stories from Joel Spolsky’s blog.

Top Software Architecture Books

	Most of the architecture patterns you will ever need – compiled for you by the one and only Martin Fowler.
	Another compilation of architecture patterns by Frank Buschmann and others.
	97 articles about software architecture written by almost as many well known software architects.

Top Software Project Management Books

	When it comes to books about software project management, this is an oldie, but a goldie.
	A fictional story about software project management.
	The story about the project which brought Windows NT into our world.
	A great book about how not to run software projects.

Helmut Rubasch is a participant in the Amazon EU Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.de.