[mixmastamyk]

Yes, it is often (mostly?) true, but not always. In the book I've tried to not give the idea there is only one way to do things. Even so, a few have commented that they've got that impression.

Also, from a practical standpoint, both the design and construction chapters are huge, so combining them doesn't seem to be a good idea. Perhaps I could add your warning though, if you don't mind me quoting you.

[nickbauman]

I upvoted your comment even though (as a generalization) I disagree that these chapters should even exist as such. If were truly honest about the civil engineering metaphor as it applies to software, the design of a system is indeed the source code. The construction phase is done by the compiler. So your construction chapter should be about compilers and interpreters. Your design chapter should be about the explication of the stakeholder's intent in the form of human-readable code: the source code itself. What do you think?

[mixmastamyk]

Hmm, you've blown my mind. I've used traditional metaphors to describe and organize, such as the sdlc and topics like construction as defined by books like Code Complete. In other words, about/around these topics, not strictly limited to their concrete form or process.

I suppose it isn't the only way to look at things, just common. Though we are approaching the philosophical realm at this point… reminds me of the section of Philosophy class where you learn to question if you can even trust your own senses. I'm not sure, however this is a book for beginners, and I sit on the shoulders of those that came before. Not sure I'm qualified to reimagine software engineering from the ground up as you describe. If you write that book, I'd read it!

[lifeisstillgood]

Try Jack Reeves from 93: http://www.mikadosoftware.com/articles/thecodeisthedesign

I am also writing a "this much I know" style book, and would be very interested to hear your trials and tribulations

I am very impressed you got from pile of notes to finished product - bravo.

[mixmastamyk]

Thanks, don't do it! Unless writing comes to you easily? The most depressing thing is "finishing" the book and then have to spend a month hacking css and build scripts to work around kindle bugs and the fascists at the ibooks store.