No doubt, you've heard many claims about how some tool, technology, or practice improves software development. But which claims are verifiable, and which are merely wishful thinking? In this book, leading thinkers such as Steve McConnell, Barry Boehm, and Barbara Kitchenham offer essays that uncover the truth and unmask myths commonly held among the software development community. Do different programming languages really make people more productive? Is copy-and-paste programming a bad practice? And why do some people find it so hard to learn how to program? By understanding what facts are real and which claims are pure hype, you'll be better equipped to determine the tools, technologies, and best practices that will best address your needs. Contributions include: * Elaine Weyuker and Tom Ostrand: 'Where do bugs really come from?' * Steve McConnell: 'What do we know about productivity differences among programmers?' * Laurie Williams: 'Is pair programming really more efficient?' Making Software is a fascinating book that will open your eyes and help you become a better programmer.