Whether you are thinking about starting Agile or Scrum, have just begun, or have hit a wall after starting, you likely find yourself searching for online articles, documents, and books for guidance.
In this series, we introduce books that are particularly valuable for "Developers (Engineers, Technicians, and Programmers) within a Scrum Team."
We have categorized these essential reads into technical genres—including Test-Driven Development (TDD), Refactoring, Object-Oriented Design (OOD), Acceptance Test-Driven Development (ATDD), Extreme Programming (XP), Automation, and Design Patterns. Furthermore, we include books covering the "Programmer's mindset" and "Teamwork" that every developer should read at least once.
Table of Contents
Test-Driven Development (TDD) is a core software development methodology.
It is a test-first approach where specifications are defined in test code before the actual production code is written. By evolving implementation and refactoring to satisfy pre-written tests, developers work backward from a defined 'answer'—a concept that flips traditional development on its head.
This iterative cycle of defining tests, implementing code, and refactoring is highly recommended in Scrum and various other Agile software development frameworks.
This book provides a highly accessible overview of Test-Driven Development (TDD), offering valuable insights for both beginners and seasoned practitioners. It uncovers lesser-known techniques and provides comprehensive coverage of modern Java development challenges.
A pioneer of the Finnish Agile community and a frequent speaker at international conferences. As a consultant, coach, and practitioner at Reaktor, he has worked on diverse software projects ranging from enterprise applications to middleware. As a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST®), he focuses on improving team performance and fostering a culture of continuous learning.
Backed by two decades of expertise, this book provides a roadmap for integrating Test-Driven Development into real-world projects.
It addresses critical questions such as: "How do I start TDD on a project?" and "Why do I need both unit and end-to-end tests?" Instead of simply expanding codebases, it teaches how to "grow" software sustainably. An essential read for developers striving for true professionalism.
An independent consultant specializing in Agile software development. Along with Nat Pryce, he was awarded the Agile Alliance’s Gordon Pask Award in 2006. He is a founding member of the London Extreme Tuesday Club and chaired the first London XP Day.
A programmer, architect, and trainer with a PhD from Imperial College. An early adopter of XP, he has contributed to several open-source libraries supporting TDD. He is also a co-founder of the London XP Day conference.
A comprehensive pattern language for improving the quality and maintainability of automated test suites. The book covers essential topics such as:
Chief Scientist and Senior Consultant at ClearStream Consulting, specialized in Agile development. He is a pioneer in automated patterns, refactoring, and test design with extensive experience in TDD frameworks.
Focusing on two pillars of Extreme Programming (XP)—"Test-First" and "Refactoring"—this book provides a hands-on guide to TDD. As the original text that defined the practice, it is an essential read for developers looking to understand the core philosophy of driving design through tests.
The creator of Extreme Programming (XP) and one of the original signatories of the Agile Manifesto. Renowned for his pioneering work in software patterns and the development of xUnit, he continues to challenge software engineering dogmas through his innovative ideas.
A hands-on TDD guide focusing on real projects, real challenges, and real-world solutions. Covering Java and JUnit from end to end, this book introduces essential tools and techniques for refactoring, using mock objects, and "programming with intent" to drive development forward.
With additional coverage of TDD frameworks for C++, Python, Ruby, and more, this resource helps developers across various platforms experience the satisfaction of crafting superior code.
With over 20 years of experience in software development and 10+ years specializing in object technology. As an early advocate for Extreme Programming (XP), he has been instrumental in promoting Java solutions and later became a key figure in the evolution of Behavior-Driven Development (BDD).
This book introduces the art of writing "good tests"—those that are concise, expressive, useful, and maintainable.
Inspired by Roy Osherove's bestseller "The Art of Unit Testing," it focuses specifically on tools and practices within the Java ecosystem. It covers modern techniques like Behavior-Driven Development (BDD) through practical examples, providing a comprehensive guide for developers who want to master the craft of unit testing.
A pioneer of the Finnish Agile community and a frequent speaker at international conferences. As a consultant, coach, and practitioner at Reaktor, he has worked on diverse software projects ranging from enterprise applications to middleware. As a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST®), he focuses on improving team performance and fostering a culture of continuous learning.
What is Certified Scrum Developer® (CSD®) Training?
■ Overview
This is a systematic education and certification program created by Scrum Alliance® to develop professionals who can collaborate correctly and efficiently as Scrum team members.
It certifies that your understanding of Scrum principles and your ability to collaborate in practice meet the standards set by Scrum Alliance®.
■ What You Will Learn
Through a simulated one-week sprint in an ideal Scrum team environment, you will build a small application while acquiring the knowledge, technical skills, and habits required for effective teamwork.
The course includes personalized coaching from Agile coaches to address real-world challenges.
■ Learn more
Apply for Odd-e Japan Training
What is Certified Scrum Developer® (CSD®) Training?
Certified Scrum Developer®（CSD®）- Scrum Alliance®
■ Training Program
・Scrum Practices
− Introduction
− Scrum Overview
− Collaboration with the Team
・Technical Practices
− Technology & Engineering
− TDD (Test-Driven Development)
− CI (Continuous Integration)
− ATDD (Acceptance Test-Driven Development)
− Refactoring
− Scaling Scrum
■ Earning CSD® Certification
To earn this certification, you must complete 5 days of training mandated by Scrum Alliance®. Two days focus on the principles of Scrum, while the remaining three days provide technical education essential for software developers.
Please apply for our various training programs
using the link below.