Handbook
The Software Handbook is our printed guide to how software is structured, built and shipped. Plain English, no code required, written by the people who build it every day.
Orders are taken by email for now. We'll reply with a secure card payment link and confirm your delivery date. Dispatched from London within 3 working days. UK delivery only for now. 14-day returns.
Who it's for.
Anyone who has to make decisions about software without writing it themselves.
Founders
Planning a product and want to understand the moving parts before spending money on them.
Business owners
About to hire a developer or agency and want to ask the right questions and spot a bad quote.
Teams
Marketing, operations and product people who work alongside engineers every day.
What's inside.
Twelve short chapters that take you from "what is a server?" to planning and running a real project, plus a glossary you'll keep coming back to.
- What software is made ofCode, data and the people using it.
- Front end and back endWhat runs in the browser, what runs on the server, and why it matters.
- How the web worksDomains, DNS, HTTPS and what happens when you type an address.
- Data and databasesTables, records and keeping information safe and consistent.
- APIs and integrationsHow separate systems talk to each other.
- ArchitectureOne codebase or many, and when the choice actually matters.
- Hosting and deploymentServers, the cloud and getting changes live safely.
- Security basicsPasswords, permissions, backups and the common mistakes.
- AI in softwareWhat today's AI can do inside a product, and what it can't.
- Planning a projectScope, budgets, timelines and writing a good brief.
- Working with developersQuotes, contracts, feedback and owning your code.
- After launchMaintenance, updates and knowing when to rebuild.
Details.
- Format
- Paperback
- Size
- A5 (148 × 210 mm)
- Contents
- 12 chapters and a glossary
- Published by
- Celsa Technologies Ltd, London
- Price
- £24. Printed books are zero-rated for VAT in the UK.
- Delivery
- £3.50 to any UK address. Dispatched within 3 working days by Royal Mail, usually arriving 2 to 4 working days later.
- Returns
- Change your mind within 14 days of delivery and send it back for a full refund of the book price. Damaged or faulty copies are replaced or refunded in full. See our refund policy.
Questions.
Something else? Email hello@celsatechnologies.co.uk
Do I need to know how to code?
No. The handbook explains ideas, not syntax. There's no code to type and no setup. If you can use a spreadsheet, you can follow it.
Can I order copies for my team?
Yes. For five or more copies, email us with the number you need and your delivery address and we'll send a quote with discounted delivery.
How do I pay?
By card. Payments are processed securely by our payment provider; we never see or store your card details.
What if it arrives damaged?
Email us a photo within 30 days of delivery and we'll send a replacement or refund you in full, including delivery. You won't need to send the damaged copy back.
Read it, then build it.
When you're ready to turn an idea into something real, we build websites and software from £450.