Programming is the art of creating innovative solutions in the form of computer programs to solve problems that vary across a broad spectrum of fields, ranging from classic math puzzles and everyday life problems to weather forecasting and searching and understanding of novel wonders throughout the cosmos. .
Although programming and coding are often used interchangeably, programming is not just coding. coding represents that part of programming, which involves writing computer code.
You are reading: Best books for coding
Programming, on the other hand, is a broader process that also involves the approach of generating ideas to develop a program, as well as testing it and much more. take a look at this detailed comparison of coding vs programming.
best programming books
Programming is one of the most sought-after professional fields in the world. presents candidates with a plethora of opportunities to learn and earn. however, it requires continuous learning and what better than books to learn!
So, here’s our pick of the top 10 programming books to improve your game:
1. clean code: an agile software craftsmanship manual
Author – Robert C. MartinLatest Edition – FirstPublisher – Prentice HallFormat(s) – Kindle/Paperback
coding is about polishing the craft with years of trial and error. I wish there was a way to save yourself from all the hard work of learning from other programmers’ mistakes. Luckily, it exists, and is known the world over as Clean Code: A Handbook of Agile Software Craftsmanship by the legendary Uncle Bob.
clean code offers valuable insights into code cleanup and software development. has detailed step-by-step explanations on how to clean, write, and refactor code. the programming book has a lot of practical examples on how and why to write clean code.
after successfully completing the clean code book, you will be able to effortlessly implement agile methodology, one of the main forms of sdlc, in your software development projects. In addition, you will discover that you are a more determined and disciplined programmer than before.
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You can buy the book here.
2. introduction to algorithms
Author – Thomas H. Cormen, Charles E. Leiserson, Ronald L. Rivest, Clifford SteinLatest Edition – ThirdPublisher – The MIT PressFormat(s) – Hardcover/Paperback
The name of the book is self explanatory. is what the title suggests, namely an introduction to algorithms. also known as clrs, a reference to the last name of the book’s authors, delves into a variety of algorithms divided into several self-contained chapters.
all the algorithms discussed in the introductory algorithms book are extensively explained. they are presented using pseudocode, readable by programmers of all skill levels, even those relatively new to programming.
The third edition of the introductory algorithms book has been extensively revised and updated. adds two new chapters:
- van emde boas tree
- multithreaded algorithms
On top of that, the latest edition of the introductory algorithms book also adds an appendix on arrays and a sizable addition to the chapter that focuses on recurrence (divide and conquer) and much more.
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You can buy the book here.
3. structure and interpretation of computer programs (sicp)
Author – Harold Abelson, Gerald Jay Sussman, Julie SussmanLatest Edition – SecondPublisher – The MIT PressFormat(s) – Hardcover/Paperback
the structure and interpretation of computer programs, also known as sicp, is one of the best books to learn the fundamentals of programming. Used as a basic programming course at mit, sicp is a generic programming book that uses schematics to illustrate various programming concepts.
Although scip is a must-read for programmers, reading it will be a much better experience after thoroughly learning a programming language or two. Of course, the book offers a solid foundation in programming and also covers functional programming.
completing the book structure and interpretation of computer programs is an ordeal. the book features a host of practical exercises to help readers get through it.
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You can buy the book here.
4. The Clean Coder: A Code of Conduct for Professional Programmers
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Author – Robert C. MartinLatest Edition – FirstPublisher – Prentice HallFormat(s) – Kindle/Paperback
Compiled by experienced software engineer and author Robert C. Martin, AKA Uncle Bob, The Clean Coder’s Book covers the practices, techniques, and tools of true software craftsmanship. the book not only tells you how to write clean code, but also how to develop the attitude of a trained professional programmer.
the clean coder is an ideal read for those looking to learn the aspects of being a professional programmer in a difficult but efficient way. is full of practical advice for all things programming, from coding and refactoring to testing.
the clean coder has helped hundreds of thousands of developers become much more passionate and proficient at their craft. I did not buy it? start reading the programming book today and discover the difference for yourself.
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You can buy the book here.
5. complete code: a practical manual for building software
Author – Steve McConnellLatest Edition – SecondPublisher – Microsoft PressFormat(s) – Kindle/Paperback
Do you want to know how to write robust code regardless of the architecture of a programming language? then consider reading the full code: a practical software building manual. comprehensively covers all aspects of the structure of good code.
The complete codebook is regarded among the best practical programming guides. The programming book has no shortage of code examples that thoroughly illustrate the art and science behind software development.
The tried and tested techniques and strategies explained in the book help programmers and software developers to:
- Benefit from collaborative development
- Develop software with minimal complexity
- Speed up the debugging process
- Maximize creativity
- reduce bugs and problems
- refactor and evolve code
Regardless of readers’ experience level, chosen development environment, or project size, the comprehensive codebook helps stimulate the programming mind.
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You can buy the book here.
6. design patterns: reusable object-oriented software elements
A
uthor – Erich Gamma, Richard Helm, Ralph Johnson, John Vlissides, Grady Booch (Foreword)Latest Edition – FirstPublisher – Addison-Wesley ProfessionalFormat(s) – Hardcover/Kindle/Paperback
Don’t know what software design patterns are? Design Patterns: Reusable Object-Oriented Software Elements is one of the authoritative tomes on the subject. and yes, it’s not an easy read.
If you don’t have a good understanding of the UML, you may find it difficult to ingest some of the information and examples collected in the programming book. That, however, won’t stop you from appreciating the beauty of the storytelling in the easy and informative design pattern book.
The Design Patterns Book comprehensively explains 23 software design patterns that help software developers and designers create better, more elegant, and more flexible software. the book discusses a large number of concise and simple solutions to common software design problems.
Even if you know what software design patterns are, you should add the Design Patterns: Elements of Reusable Object-Oriented Software book to your library to further refine your understanding of the topic and have a quick reference when the need arises. .
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You can buy the book here.
7. the pragmatic programmer
Author – Andrew Hunt, David ThomasLatest Edition – Second (20th Anniversary Edition)Publisher – Addison-Wesley ProfessionalFormat(s) – Audiobook (audible)/Hardcover/Kindle
Since its creation in 1999 by its authors to help their clientele develop better software, The Pragmatic Programmer has gone on to become one of the most revered programming books. this book is for all coders looking to transcend to become expert software developers and full-fledged programmers.
no matter how many times you read the pragmatic programmer, there is something new to learn in each reading. It’s the creative use of classic and modern anecdotes, fascinating analogies, and thought-provoking examples that makes learning each section interesting and fun.
The Pragmatic Programmer covers not only a wide range of programming and software development topics, but also topics that are not the norm for programming books, such as professional development and personal responsibility during software development.
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You can buy the book here.
8. head first design patterns: a brain-friendly guide
Author – Eric Freeman, Bert Bates, Kathy Sierra, Elisabeth RobsonLatest Edition – FirstPublisher – O’Reilly MediaFormat(s) – Kindle/Paperback
The first series of books is known for its innovative way of breaking down complex topics into simpler, easier-to-understand units. Head First Design Patterns: A brain-friendly guide is compiled based on this tried and tested formula.
There are plenty of illustrative and brain-stimulating examples in the head first design patterns book that will make learning efficient and fun at the same time. Unlike other text-heavy programming books, this book features a visually rich, thought-provoking format.
The Head First Design Patterns book effortlessly explains the various software design patterns used by competent programmers and software developers around the world to create elegant, fully functional, flexible, and reusable software.
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You can buy the book here.
9. refactoring: improving the design of existing code
Author – Martin FowlerLatest Edition – SecondPublisher – Addison-Wesley ProfessionalFormat(s) – Hardcover/Kindle
Refactoring is a vital programming concept to understand the underlying aspects of writing strong, clean code. martin fowler refactoring: improving the design of the existing codebook covers all the major refactorings that any expert programmer should know about.
Learning the best approaches to refactoring the code base allows a programmer to better maintain the code over time, or prevent it from rotting, at the very least. the latest refactoring edition features js code samples and examples demonstrating classless refactoring.
what is refactoring? why refactor the code? how to recognize code that requires refactoring? All of these and several other important questions related to code refactoring are covered in detail in Refactoring: Improving the Design of the Existing Codebook.
Upon successful completion of fowler’s refactoring book, the reader will be able to:
- create comprehensive tests for refactorings
- explore refactorings
- identify tradeoffs and problems during refactoring
- quickly apply refactoring to a program to do is easier to understand and modify
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You can buy the book here.
10. the art of computer programming, volumes 1-4
Author – Donald E. KnuthLatest Edition – FirstPublisher – Addison-Wesley ProfessionalFormat(s) – Hardcover
Unlike other entries on the top ten programming books list, The Art of Computer Programming isn’t just a book; instead, it is a series of 4 books, namely:
- volume 1: fundamental algorithms
- volume 2: semi-numeric algorithms
- volume 3: sorting and searching
- volume 4a: combinatorial algorithms
Although written primarily as a reference, the art of computer programming has gained a cult following of determined programmers who are always willing to push their limits. the programming book series delves into the realm of computer algorithms and is not an easy read. bill gates reviewed this series of books saying:
“if you think you’re an excellent programmer… read [knuth’s] art of computer programming… you should send me a resume if you can read the whole thing.”
donald e. Knuth, the author of The Art of Computer Programming series, received the ACM A.M. Turing Award in 1974, known as the Nobel Prize in Computer Science. A word of warning before we begin the programming book series; heavy math ahead!
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You can buy the book here.
summary
With that, we have completed our opinion on the list of the 10 best programming books. Although books are one of the best ways to learn programming, there are also other means to reinforce your learning, such as online tutorials, webinars, web articles, video lessons, and many more.
You must continually update your skills and be on the lookout for finding and learning new and better ways to do something you already do as a programmer/software developer. only those that continue to update over time will remain relevant in the modern landscape, where change is startlingly fast and hard to pin down. all the best!
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