We still think the best place to start learning about XP is Extreme Programming Explained: Embrace Change by Kent Beck. We think the entire book is worth a read, but we understand many people don't have time to read what they should. However, a certain minimal amount of XP should be understood by all software developers, regardless of the amount of XP they will actually follow.

We therefore strongly recommend reading the following pages from Extreme Programming Explained.

• Preface – Enough, pp xviii – xix
• Chapter 4 – Four Variables, pp 15-19
• Chapter 6 – Learning to Drive, pp 27-28
• Chapter 10 – A Quick Overview
  • The Planning Game, pg 55
  • Refactoring, pg 58
  • 40 Hour Week, pg 60
• Chapter 12 – Management Strategy, pp 71-76
• Chapter 14 – Splitting Business and Technical Responsibility, pp 81-84
• Chapter 15 – Planning Strategy, pp 85-96