"Steve McConnell - a leader in defining software engineering's best practices - asserts that software development is entering a new era. Now's the time, McConnell says, for the industry to take notice and take action - and establish a true profession of software engineering. But are you ready?" "Through a new collection of essays, After the Gold Rush examines the state of the industry - and the critical developments already in motion that are shaping the future of professional software development.". "Whether you're a programmer, student, manager, educator, or public-policy maker, After the Gold Rush illuminates your role - and your stake - in formalizing the software engineering profession. And it describes the essential next steps in developing this new world of higher productivity, lower costs, and better software."--BOOK JACKET.