Book Recommendations For Software Engineers To Become Successful

Here are some useful resources which can help you become successful as a software engineer:

Let Us C

The mother of all books. Keeping lucidity and simplicity in mind, Yashavant P Kanetkar, the author of the book, has compiled it to be one of the most interesting C programming books for C language learners. The book begins with the basic knowledge of different concepts and further leads to advanced levels. This means the book will provide complete knowledge to the readers from basic to complex programming parts.

Data Structures and Algorithms Made Easy: Data Structures and Algorithmic Puzzles

A solution bank for various complex problems related to data structures and algorithms. It can be used as a reference manual by those readers in the computer science industry. This book serves as guide to prepare for interviews, exams, and campus work.

Cracking the Coding Interview: 189 Programming Questions and Solutions

Learn how to uncover the hints and hidden details in a question, discover how to break down a problem into manageable chunks, develop techniques to unstick yourself when stuck, learn (or re-learn) core computer science concepts, and practice on 189 interview questions and solutions.

Introduction to Algorithms (Eastern Economy Edition)

This internationally acclaimed textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to the modern study of computer algorithms. It covers a broad range of algorithms in depth, yet makes their design and analysis accessible to all levels of readers.

Cab Driver Makes More Money Than An IT Professional - True or False?

Few days ago, I was shocked to see this question on Quora: Jobs and Careers: If a cab driver makes more money than an IT professional, why should I study?

Apparently the question was asked to clarify the doubts or queries of a 10th grader, this gave me some relief and helped me calm down my nerves. There isn't anything wrong in any profession and by no means am I saying that IT profession is better than Cab driving profession but what agitates me is that these days it has become a fashion to take a dig at software professionals. People from every corner of the globe take pleasure in highlighting how software profession is not good as other professions in the world.

If you click on the above link and read the answers given by multiple intellectuals you will get know different perspectives of how people can compare IT profession with Cab driving profession and highlight pros and cons of both. But what perplexes me even more is the fact that a 10th grader is asking questions like "Why Should I Study?" So I thought to add my perspective as well. While I posted my answer on Quora I am posting the summary of my answer in the picture below for reading of wider audience:



So if you are an IT professional or a student aspiring to be an IT professional and you hear people talking negatively about your professional then my advice is to be logical. Don't believe half-baked information circulated on the Internet. Be wise. Look into the details because God is in the details.

PEGA - One Of The Highest Paying Job For IT Professionals

How IT Professionals can earn a salary of over 20 Lakh Per Annum?

Step 1: Learn PEGA.

What is PEGA? 

PEGA is not merely a tool, but it is a customer relationship management and business process management product suite by Pegasystems Inc. It provides a no coding platform so you dont have to write a single line of code but it generates java/ object oriented code automatically.

Step 2: Become CSA - Certified system architect in PEGA

Step 3: Go to the next level of certification. Become Certified Senior System Architect - CSSA in PEGA.

Step 4: Become Lead System Architect - LSA in PEGA.

Thats it once you are a LSA you can demand 20 LPA with 5+ years of experience. I am sure you will get offers of around 20 Lakh Per Annum assuming that you are really good. Currently LSAs demand package of over 20 LPA in the industry.

Note: 

• Learning PEGA is a costly affair and getting to LSA will require real hard work.
• PDN, that is PEGA discovery network is the only source to learning PEGA. Other option may be to join a PEGA university course.
• PEGA certification has may streams available, the ones mentioned above(CSA, CSSA, LSA) are from the technical track.

Other than PEGA:  Digitization, IOT, artificial intelligence/ BOTs, mesh app and service architecture are going to change the IT industry in the next 5–10 years(or may be sooner). Getting onboard with one of these technologies will help you be relevant for the next decade.

Also read, How A Software Developer In India Can Get A Job In Foreign Country?

Early In Your Career

Here are some suggestions on what one should and one should NOT do early in their career:

What To Do?

What NOT To Do?

Remember:
1% better everyday is 1.01 ^365=37.78
1% worse everyday is 0.99^365=0.03

Also read, How much money would an IT Professional Save in USA?

15 Real Reasons Why IT Professional Return To India

Here are some genuine reasons why IT professionals leave the comforts of USA, UK and return to India:

1. Culture - Because most cannot relate to the western culture

2. Tradition - Because the traditional roots belong here in India

3. People - Because near and dear ones are missed

5. Climate - Because USA and UK have extreme climate in few places

6. Children - Because as children grow up we realize the values that our country brings in

7. Politics, Bollywood, Cricket - Who wants to miss the real fun?

On a lighter note, here are some real reasons why IT professionals return to India

Because...

1. You get the best panipuri here in India, not in US. Also, the spicy water here is to die for which you cannot find anyone else in the world. (Panipuri = Watery Indian bread with Spicy water)
2. After purchasing a movie ticket, you don't have to stand in queue to enter the damn cinema hall coz you have a seat# on the ticket.
3. You can play cricket and football anywhere, I mean anywhere you want to. You don't necessarily have to go to a park or a ground.
4. You don't need to get in a car and drive a mile to buy grocery or milk. Your 7 year old and run across the street and get it for you.
5. If India wins a major cricket tournament you can just pick up your bike and go to the city center(ghantaghar) to celebrate.
6. You get immense opportunities to experience the Joy of Bargaining.
7. You have Jugaad(workaround/ fix) for almost every other problem on this planet.
8. Last but not the least, because you were born here, were raised here, you belong here -> You owe it to your motherland. Period.

Also read, How much money would an IT Professional Save in USA?