The Old New Thing: Practical Development Throughout the Evolution of Windows
Software adjusts to meet the needs of users. This process can leave remnants of the original design. The signs are most obvious if you work directly with the technology building solutions. Raymond’s book is a collection of stories of the thousands of design decisions made for Microsoft Windows and the quirks that result.
It can be hard to separate explaining decisions from advocating them. There is a good deal of detail about the unpleasant choices that were made. If you’ve programmed much against the Windows API then reading this book will be both a relief and frustration. Many Microsoft programmers go to great lengths to ensure compatibility, often in spite of software vendors.
THERE IS A constant struggle between people who write programs and the people who actually use them. For example, you often see questions such as, “How do I make my program so the user can’t kill it?”
Now, imagine if there were a way to do this. Ask yourself, “What would the world be like if this were possible?”
Great book for developers on Windows but don’t blame Raymond just because he is explaining or fixing some bugs.