The author is Patrick Burns.

Genesis

While I was in the early planning stages of a programming class (the one highlighted here), I became dissatisfied.

Many elements of programming — especially good programming — are not usually discussed in programming classes.  The typical class focuses on how to slot the screwdriver into the screw and twist.  It does not wonder much about why the screw is down here and not up there.  It does not say much about the shape of the structure, nor how to see if it is going to fall down.

The solution to my dissatisfaction turned out to be a book.  A book called Tao Te Programming.  It is language-independent — it’s about principles, not language specifics.

Target audience

The book is suitable for those who aspire to label themselves “programmer”.

However, the main target I had in mind was what I call the “occasional programmer”.  Someone with little or no formal training in programming but whose job has a programming component.

Pay off

My programming has changed from writing the book, so there is hope that it will change the programming of readers.

I had great fun writing the book, so there is hope that readers will find some amusement.

More information

The Tao Te Programming page on the Burns Statistics website has:

• Some general information
• The table of contents
• The first five chapters
• Information about buying the book