Pragmatic Programmer: From Journeyman to MasterBy Andrew Hunt, David ThomasAddison-Wesley, Paperback, Published October 1999, 321 pages, ISBN 020161622XAn overview of all the essential tools (editors, version control systems, project managers, etc) that a programmer should be using. It explains why they should each be used and also how to best use them. This book is clear, concise, and filled with examples. It shows good habits which can form the foundation for success in projects and in a programming career.

Code CompleteBy Steve McConnellMicrosoft Press, Paperback, Published March 1993, 857 pages, ISBN 1556154844An invaluable reference that focuses on successful programming techniques. It includes many examples of good and bad code in many different languages. Topics like: how to make your program easier to debug, naming conventions for variables, comments, and where code should belong in a object, make this book valuable by themselves. But it also covers many other topics in depth like refactoring, design, and testing. This book will bring to light some ugly habits that every programmer has and hopefully rid them of it.