“Software design is a process, not a destination.”
— Kent Beck
The Author
Kent Beck is a renowned software engineer and one of the most influential figures in the world of software development. He is best known as the creator of Extreme Programming (XP) and a key contributor to the development of Agile methodologies. Beck was also an early advocate of Test-Driven Development (TDD) and is one of the original authors of the Agile Manifesto. With a career spanning decades, he has worked at leading technology companies including Facebook, where he promoted effective engineering practices. Through his books, talks, and code, Kent Beck has inspired countless developers to write cleaner, more maintainable software.
The Book
Tidy First? is a concise and practical book that explores the idea of making small, safe improvements to code structure—called "tidyings"—before making larger changes or adding new features. The core message is that tidying code incrementally and deliberately helps reduce complexity, improve readability, and lower the cost of future development.
Beck presents tidying as a lightweight alternative to full-blown refactoring, making it accessible even under tight deadlines. He shares patterns, decision-making tips, and real-world examples to show how tidying can be integrated seamlessly into everyday coding without slowing progress.
The book encourages developers to view design as an ongoing process, not a one-time event, and promotes a mindset of continuous, mindful improvement.
In short, Tidy First? is a guide to practical, evolutionary design through disciplined code hygiene.
What I liked
The book is concise and to the point—no fluff. You can read it in a few hours but refer back to it for years.
Encourages a sustainable rhythm of small, manageable improvements over time instead of giant rewrites.
Helps shift the mindset from "get the design right up front" to "let design evolve incrementally and safely."
Addresses the tension between shipping fast and keeping the codebase clean, offering a realistic path forward.
What I disliked
Beck's arguments are based more on experience and intuition than data.
Without complementary reading on refactoring, TDD, or clean code, the book may feel too lightweight to stand alone for skill-building.
What to expect?
Learn the concept of small, safe code changes that improve structure without altering behavior.
A short book that delivers a sharp message about incremental code improvement.
Strategies for maintaining code health while still moving quickly in development.
Conclusion
Tidy First? offers a refreshing and practical perspective on software design that resonates with developers seeking to improve their codebase without overwhelming risk or effort. By championing small, safe, and incremental tidying steps, the book empowers readers to embrace continuous improvement as a natural part of everyday coding. Its clear guidance and mindset shifts make it an invaluable resource for anyone who wants to write cleaner, more maintainable code while balancing speed and quality. Ultimately, Tidy First? is a concise yet powerful reminder that great design is built not in leaps, but in thoughtful, steady steps.
As Tidy First? is the start of a series of books Kent wants to publish, this might just be a chapter on the bigger frame. From todays perspective it can only encourage to engage further with the bride range of related topics.