Accelerate: The Science of Lean Software and DevOps
by Nicole Forsgren · 2018
In a nutshell
By Nicole Forsgren, Jez Humble, and Gene Kim (2018, IT Revolution Press), this book uses years of research (the DORA metrics) to show which engineering practices actually predict faster, more reliable software delivery and better business performance.
Overview
Nicole Forsgren, Jez Humble, and Gene Kim published Accelerate in 2018 through IT Revolution Press, based on four years of the State of DevOps research, and it won the Shingo Publication Award.
Key Ideas
- Four key metrics (deployment frequency, lead time, change failure rate, time to restore) predict delivery performance — now known as DORA metrics.
- High software delivery performance correlates with better overall business outcomes.
- Technical practices like continuous delivery and trunk-based development drive speed and stability together.
- Culture (trust, psychological safety) measurably affects performance.
- Leadership behavior significantly shapes team outcomes.
Best For
CTOs and engineering leaders wanting data-backed practices to improve software delivery speed and quality.
Reference
Accelerate: The Science of Lean Software and DevOps — publisher / official page. Summary adapted from the Awesome Startup Books collection.
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