At WATA Factory, we’re convinced that the way to improve is to keep learning: read, dive into challenges, face them head-on, and feed your mind with what excites you. Study, experiment, make mistakes, get back up, and keep moving forward — that’s our philosophy.
That’s why we’ve created our own library at the office — our little corner of knowledge. It’s filled with carefully selected books that everyone on the team can dip into at any time: for inspiration, and to keep growing a little bit every day. And just like every year, we like to kick things off by recommending some of these hidden gems — titles we believe will stay with us throughout the year and have the power to change the way we think and work.
For 2026, we’ve picked four favourites. It wasn’t easy, but these have won over both our hearts and our minds. They’re books that don’t just teach you how to code — they make you rethink how you think, and how you solve problems.
These books aren’t just recommendations. They’re travel companions: ready to inspire you, challenge you, and prepare you for whatever 2026 throws your way.
1. Head First Design Patterns – Eric Freeman, Elisabeth Robson, Bert Bates & Kathy Sierra
If you still think design patterns are complicated or boring, this book will change your mind. Head First Design Patterns makes concepts that normally intimidate into something clear, visual, and fun. With diagrams, analogies, and hands-on exercises, you’ll understand patterns like Singleton, Observer, or Factory without the headache.
Why we love it
Because it’s effective and fun. You don’t just read theory — you apply it. It makes you think like a software designer and prepares you to write clean, reusable, elegant code. And the way it explains concepts means we remember them and use them in our daily work without effort.
Who it’s for
- Junior developers who want to learn patterns without feeling overwhelmed.
- Professionals looking to improve the quality and maintainability of their projects.
- Teams seeking practical, effective solutions to common design problems.
2. Unit Testing: Principles, Practices, and Patterns – Vladimir Khorikov
Unit tests are not optional if you want to deliver quality software. Vladimir Khorikov guides us in writing effective tests that don’t just catch bugs, but also improve code design from day one. He teaches us to see testing as an integral part of development, avoiding issues that normally surface far too late.
Why we love it
Because it doesn’t just teach you how to test — it shows you how to make your code more robust and maintainable while testing it. His pragmatic, realistic approach is perfect for professional teams who want to improve reliability without losing speed or quality.
Who it’s for
- Developers who want to deliver safer, higher-quality code.
- Teams that want to integrate testing from the start, not as an afterthought.
- Professionals who want to understand how well-designed tests raise the quality of their entire software.
3. JIRA Development Cookbook – Jobin Kuruvilla
If you work in IT, you know JIRA can be your best friend… or your worst nightmare. This book is the ultimate practical guide to getting the most out of it. Kuruvilla explains how to customise JIRA, automate processes, use plugins, and build workflows that really work for complex projects.
Why we love it
Because it’s straight to the point, practical, and applicable from day one. No unnecessary theory — just clear recipes that boost productivity and optimise task, issue, and sprint management. It teaches tricks and best practices that would otherwise take years of trial and error to discover.
Who it’s for
- Developers and admins who use JIRA daily and want to make the most of it.
- Teams looking to save time and reduce errors in project management.
- Professionals who want to master the tool and improve team efficiency.
4. The Pragmatic Programmer – David Thomas & Andrew Hunt
A classic that never goes out of style. The Pragmatic Programmer isn’t just a technical manual, it’s a manifesto on how to be a well-rounded software professional — one who cares about quality, efficiency, and continuous improvement. Its advice on best practices, communication, and problem-solving is as useful today as when it was first published.
Why we love it
Because it makes you think and rethink how you work. You don’t just code — you learn to make smart decisions, anticipate problems, and continuously improve. It’s a book that stays with you throughout your career, and one you always take something new from.
Who it’s for
- Developers who want to grow and professionalise their careers.
- Professionals seeking to work more strategically and efficiently.
- Teams wanting to set clear, sustainable quality standards.
Learning at WATA Factory: beyond the everyday
At WATA Factory, we don’t just deliver projects to the highest quality standards — we build teams that grow more professional every day. Every challenge we take on pushes us to give our best, and every challenge we overcome proves that there’s always another step forward.
We believe talent grows with curiosity and continuous learning. That’s why we have our internal library, full of technical and professional development books, always close at hand. We’re not satisfied with doing good work: we want to be the best. Learning together and staying up to date is our way of offering true excellence to our clients.
If you’re passionate about software development and want to join a team that doesn’t settle for the easy path, WATA Factory is waiting for you.
