Today you will discover 9 of the best introductory computer science books so you can start coding as soon as possible.
from hardware and virtual machines, from pseudocode to python. we show you the best books to start your computing journey.
You are reading: Best introduction to computer science books
The truth is that a lot of careers fall under the umbrella of computer science:
the basics, the beginner stuff (some might even call it boring stuff!), is something you need to learn.
once you master those fundamentals?
You are ready to work your way up to mastering your particular field.
In this post, you will also discover the features, basics, layout, and more of the books.
let’s figure them out.
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tldr: introductory computer science books🔥 best overall 🔥practical programming: an introduction to computer science using python 3.6💥 best for beginners in computing 💥enlightened computing, 7th edition💸 best value 💸computing principles
introduction to computer science books
1. invitation to computing, 8th edition
We consider invitation to computer science to be a modern classic when it comes to introductory computer science books. a textbook that offers a contemporary overview of computer science, it was not a chore to read (unlike so many other college textbooks). it’s also packed with information.
written by g. michael schneider and judith gersting, this is a non-language specific book that uses an algorithmic approach.
however, there are optional online modules for:
- c++
- java
- python
- c#
- ada
this will help you learn a specific programming language.
In addition to algorithms, you will learn about:
- hardware
- virtual machines
- applications
- software development
and beyond.
In addition, you will learn about more modern concepts such as privacy, drones and cloud computing.
There are many exercises and practice problems to work through invitation to computer science.
There are also 20 online labs.
2. introduction to python for computing and data science
We love this introductory computer science book and highly recommend it.
Introduction to Python for Computer Science and Data Science by Paul and Harvey Deitel is different from our other introductory computer science books.
That’s because it focuses on concepts for beginners in both computer science and data science. so if you’re not interested in data science, this may not be the book for you.
Using real-world data sets, you’ll work through hundreds of examples, exercises, and projects to reinforce Python concepts in computing and data.
In addition, you will work through implementation case studies that will give you practice with python programming.
You will also learn about AI programming, big data, and the cloud.
Because introduction to python for computer science and data science focuses well beyond computer science, it could be one of the most popular introductory computer science books out there. difficult.
but if you’re up for the challenge, this may be the book for you.
3. Python Programming: An Introduction to Computer Science, 3rd Edition
Python Programming: An Introduction to Computer Science by John Zelle is updated for Python 3.
Like invitation to computer science, it is designed to be used as the primary textbook for college-level courses. making it ideal for students who learn best with an academic curriculum.
You will first learn about basic computer skills:
- troubleshooting
- design
- programming
and this is all addressed in the python programming language.
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There are many charts, examples, and practice problems throughout the book.
You’ll also find true/false and multiple choice quizzes.
but don’t expect to get a full python education. rather, you will understand python in the realm of computer troubleshooting.
For anyone looking to break into the world of programming, this is the place to start.
4. enlightened computing, 7th edition
great cover with amazing content. In our opinion, Computer Science Illuminated by Nell Dale and John Lewis is one of the best introductory computer science books for beginners.
Using a language-neutral perspective, you’ll learn about things like:
- hardware
- programming
- operating systems
- applications
- communications
and much more.
You will also learn about cloud computing, big data, system security, and much more.
Do you want to know more? Check out the course Computing: Programming with a Purpose at coursera.
Although the real-world examples are presented in pseudocode, you will find a chapter with introductory lessons on programming languages such as python, javascript, and c++.
5. introduction to computer science
Perry Donham’s
Introduction to Computer Science is a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of computer science.
You will first learn about the history of computing. then you will learn how computers store and use data.
from there, you will learn to:
- write javascript programs
- format a web page
- reduce file sizes
and much more.
In later chapters, you’ll become familiar with computer hardware and learn how computers communicate over networks.
Finally, you’ll learn about privacy and security, e-commerce, and the role of operating systems.
This is one of those introductory computer science books aimed at students without a tech background.
6. Practical Programming: An Introduction to Computer Science Using Python 3.6, 3rd Edition
Practical Programming by Paul Gries, Jennifer Campbell, and Jason Montojo is from the well-known technology publisher The Pragmatic Programmers.
Tens of thousands of students have used it at colleges and universities around the world.
You will learn the basic concepts of computer science, such as:
- design
- algorithms
- testing
- debugging
and you’ll do it all while learning the basics of programming in python 3.6.
You’ll start with the absolute basics, like learning what programming is and how to write a simple hello world program.
then you’ll dive into fundamentals like designing and using functions, methods, and more.
You will also learn about some more complex computing concepts such as:
- object-oriented programming
- databases
- creating a graphical user interface (GUI)
and beyond.
You will learn all this while writing programs to solve real-world problems.
By the end of practical programming, you should feel comfortable writing quality code in python 3.6.
… there is no single book that will teach you everything you need to know about computing… but this book is an amazing springboard in the right direction.
🔥 pragmatic programmers are always publishing killer books. and practical programming is no exception. this is another excellent book that can take you from zero to hero…from knowing absolutely nothing to feeling confident behind the computer keyboard.
7. computer programming for absolute beginners
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Next on our list of introductory computer science books is computer programming for absolute beginners.
written by joakim wassberg, this book is for students with no previous programming experience. teaches you computer science concepts and coding techniques.
This is very much a hands-on introduction to computer science, so you can have fun coding while you learn.
First, you’ll learn the absolute basics of computer software and how to apply the concepts to different programming languages. you will learn this with detailed explanations in pseudocode.
then you will learn how to run code on a computer.
After that, you’ll learn about the different types of applications you can create as a computer programmer. for you to learn about:
- declarations
- variables
- data types
- operators
and more.
As you progress, you’ll learn to control the flow of your programs and reuse code.
Finally, you’ll learn best practices to help you write clean, professional code. In addition, you will explore different programming languages so you can decide which one is best for you.
8. computing principles
Principles of Computer Science by Kevin Hare is one of the best introductory computer science books we could find. updated in 2020, has more than 30% new content, such as:
- boolean and logic gates
- databases
- compression
- information security
and the impacts of computing.
Looking for an advanced computer science course? check out ace ap computer science at educative.io.
but you’ll start by learning the basics, like knowing what an ip address is and how a hard drive stores data.
then you’ll learn some important skills, like designing websites, coding in javascript, and organizing spreadsheets.
Computer Science Principles also contains a javascript appendix where you’ll learn about strings, math objects, documents, and much more.
This book is ideal for advanced students interested in learning the fundamentals of computer science.
9. structure and interpretation of computer programs, 2nd edition
Finally on our list of the best introductory computer science books is structure and interpretation of computer algorithms. we consider this book to be an old school classic.
We also think it’s one of the best introductory computer science books, period.
In this second edition, you’ll find implementations of programming systems, including interpreters and compilers.
Unlike the other books on our list, Structure and Interpretation of Computer Algorithms is intended to mirror a course taught at mit.
you will learn to manage time in different computing models:
- stateful objects
- concurrent programming
- functional programming
- lazy evaluation
and beyond.
Finally, you’ll work on higher-order procedures, such as stream processing.
introduction to computer science books: conclusion
These books are an excellent entry point to computer science.
This area of study can be extremely challenging, but with the help of these books it can be so much easier!
To recap, today we take a look at some of the best introductory computer science books, including:
💥 best overallpractical programming: an introduction to computer science using python 3.6
🚀 Best for Computer Science BeginnersComputer Science Enlightened, 7th Edition
💰 best valuecomputing principles
So whether you’re looking for the best overall, the best for newbies, or the best value, we believe there’s something for every aspiring computer scientist.
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