Programming is the art of creating innovative solutions in the form of computer programs to solve problems in a variety of fields, from classic mathematical puzzles and problems of everyday life to weather forecasting and finding and understanding new wonders in the universe.
Although programming and coding are often used interchangeably, programming is more than just coding. Coding stands for the part of programming that involves writing computer code.
Programming, on the other hand, is a broader process that also involves methods of coming up with ideas for developing programs and testing of the same, among other things. Check out this detailed coding vs. programming comparison.
Best Programming Books
Programming is one of the most popular professional fields in the world. It offers candidates plenty of learning and earning opportunities. However, it requires constant learning, and what better way to learn than a book!
So, here is our pick of the 10 best programming books to step up your game:
1. Clean Code: A Handbook of Agile Software Craftsmanship
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Author – Robert C. Martin Latest Edition – First Publisher – Prentice Hall Format – Kindle/Paperback
Programming is about honing a craft through years of trial and error. I wish there was a way to save my own hard work by learning from other programmers' mistakes? Fortunately, there is, and it's known to the world as the book Clean Code: A Handbook of Agile Software Craftsmanship, from the legendary Uncle Bob.
Clean code provides valuable insights for code cleanup and software development. It provides comprehensive step-by-step instructions for cleaning, writing, and refactoring code. This programming book is full of practical examples of how and why to write clean code.
After successfully completing the book Clean Code, you will be able to effortlessly implement agile methods, one of the main forms of SDLC, in software development projects . Plus, you'll find yourself a more determined and disciplined programmer than before.
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Authors – Thomas H. Cormen, Charles E. Leiserson, Ronald L. Rivest, Clifford Stein Latest Edition – Third Publisher – MIT Press Format – Hardcover/Paperback
The title of the book is self-explanatory. This is what the title implies, Introduction to Algorithms. Also known as CLRS, a reference to the last name of the author of this book, it dives into a series of algorithms spread across several separate chapters.
All algorithms discussed in Introduction to Algorithms are fully explained. They are presented using pseudocode and can be read by programmers of all skill levels, even those relatively new to programming.
The third edition of Introduction to Algorithms has been completely revised and updated. It adds two new chapters:
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multi-threaded algorithm
Besides that, the latest edition of "Introduction to Algorithms" has added an appendix on matrices and a lot of stuff in chapters focusing on things like recursion (divide and conquer).
3. Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs (SICP)
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Authors – Harold Abelson, Gerald Jay Sussman, Julie Sussman Latest Edition – Secondary Publisher – MIT Press Format – Hardcover/Paperback
Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs, aka SICP, is one of the best books for learning the basics of programming . A foundational course in programming at MIT, SICP is a general-purpose programming book that uses Scheme to illustrate various programming concepts.
Although SCIP is a must-have book for programmers, it is a much better experience to read it after you have thoroughly learned a programming language or two. Of course, the book provides a solid programming foundation and also touches on functional programming.
Completing the book "Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs" was a torment. This book provides a lot of hands-on exercises to help readers win through it.
4. Clean Programmers: Code of Conduct for Professional Programmers
Author – Robert C. Martin Latest Edition – First Publisher – Prentice Hall Format – Kindle/Paperback
Compiled by seasoned software engineer and author Robert C. Martin (aka Uncle Bob), The Clean Coder book covers the practices, techniques, and tools of true software craftsmanship. This book not only tells you how to write clean code, but also how to develop the attitude of a skilled professional programmer.
Clean Coder is the ideal read for those who wish to learn all aspects of being a professional programmer the painstakingly yet productively. It's full of practical advice on everything related to programming, from coding and refactoring to testing.
Clean Coder has helped thousands of developers become more passionate and proficient at their craft. Not buying? Start reading programming books today and see the difference for yourself.
5. Code Completion: A Practical Handbook for Software Construction
Author – Steve McConnell Latest Edition – Secondary Publisher – Microsoft Press Format – Kindle/Paperback
Wondering how to write robust code regardless of programming language architecture? Then consider reading Code Completion: A Practical Handbook for Software Construction. It comprehensively covers all aspects of good code structure.
The book Code Complete is one of the best practical guides to programming. This programming book has no shortage of code examples that thoroughly illustrate the art and science behind software development.
The tried-and-true techniques and strategies explained in the book help programmers and software developers:
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Benefit from collaborative development
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Develop software with minimal complexity
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speed up the commissioning process
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maximize creativity
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Reduce errors and problems
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Refactoring and Evolving Code
Regardless of the reader's level of expertise, the development environment of choice, or the size of the project, Code Completion helps stimulate programming thinking.
6. Design Patterns: Elements of Reusable Object-Oriented Software
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Utor – Erich Gamma, Richard Helm, Ralph Johnson, John Frissard, Grady Butch (Foreword) Latest Edition – First Publisher – Addison-Wesley Professional Format – Hardcover/Kindle/Paperback
Don't you know what a software design pattern is? Design Patterns: Elements of Reusable Object-Oriented Software is one of the definitive works on the subject. Yes, it's not an easy process to read.
If you don't have a good grasp of UML, you might find it difficult to absorb some of the information and examples compiled in programming books. However, that won't stop you from admiring the beauty of the narrative in Design Patterns, a book that is both simple and informative.
The book "Design Patterns" thoroughly explains 23 software design patterns that help software developers and designers make better, more elegant, and more flexible software. This book discusses a large number of concise and clear solutions to common software design problems.
Even if you know what software design patterns are, you must add the book Design Patterns: Elements of Reusable Object-Oriented Software to your library to further refine your understanding of the subject and get a quick reference when you need it.
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Authors – Andrew Hunter, David Thomas Latest Edition – Second Edition (20th Anniversary Edition) Publisher – Addison-Wesley Professional Format – Audiobook (Audio)/Hardcover/Kindle
Since it was created in 1999 by its authors to help their clients develop better software, The Pragmatic Programmer has managed to become one of the most respected programming books. This book is for every programmer who wants to go beyond becoming a proficient software developer and a full-fledged programmer.
No matter how many times you read The Practical Programmer, there is something new to learn each time you read it. This creative use of classic and modern anecdotes, engaging analogies, and thought-provoking examples makes learning each section fun and entertaining.
Pragmatic Programmer covers not only comprehensive programming and software development topics, but also topics that are not standardized in programming books, such as career development and personal responsibility when developing software.
8. Head First Design Patterns: A Brain-Friendly Guide
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Authors – Eric Freeman, Burt Bates, Kathy Serra, Elizabeth Robson Latest Edition – First Publisher – O'Reilly Media Format – Kindle/Paperback
The Head First series of books is known for its innovative way of breaking down complex topics into simpler, understandable units. "Brain-First Design Patterns: A Brain-Friendly Guide" is based on this tried-and-true formula.
In the book Head First Design Patterns there are plenty of illustrative and brain stimulating examples that will make learning both efficient and fun. Unlike other text-heavy programming books, this book comes in an engaging, visually rich format.
The book "Head First Design Patterns" effortlessly explains several software design patterns that skilled software developers and programmers from around the world use to build elegant, fully functional, flexible, and reusable software.
9. Refactoring: Improving the design of existing code
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Author – Martin Fowler Latest Edition – Secondary Publisher – Addison-Wesley Professional Format – Hardcover/Kindle
Refactoring is an important programming concept for understanding the low-level aspects of writing clean, robust code. Refactoring: Improving the Design of Existing Codebooks by Martin Fowler covers all the major refactorings that any skilled programmer must know.
Learning the best ways to refactor a codebase can allow programmers to improve code maintenance throughout the process, or at least keep it from rotting. The latest version of the refactoring has JS code samples and an example demonstrating classless refactoring.
What is refactoring? Why refactor code? How to identify code that needs refactoring? All of these and several other important issues related to code refactoring are thoroughly explained in Refactoring: Improving the Design of Existing Code Playbook.
By successfully completing Fowler's Refactoring book, readers will be able to:
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Build comprehensive tests for refactoring
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explore refactoring
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Identify trade-offs and issues when refactoring
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Quickly apply refactorings to programs to make them easier to understand and modify
10. The Art of Computer Programming, Volumes 1-4
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Author – Donald E. Knuth Latest Edition – First Publisher – Addison-Wesley Professional Format – Hardcover
Unlike the other entries on this list of the ten best programming books, The Art of Computer Programming is not just one book; instead, it is a series of 4 books, namely:
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Volume 1: Basic Algorithms
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Volume 2: Seminumerical Algorithms
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Volume 3: Sorting and Searching
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Volume 4A: Combinatorial Algorithms
Although primarily intended as a reference, The Art of Computer Programming has acquired a cult following of committed programmers who are always ready to push their limits. The programming series explores the field of computer science algorithms in more depth and is not an easy read. In his review of the series, Bill Gates noted:
"If you think you're a good programmer...read [Kartner's] The Art of Computer Programming...if you can read the whole thing, you should send me a resume.
Donald E. Knuth, author of the "The Art of Computer Programming" series, was the recipient of the 1974 ACM Turing Award, known as the Nobel Prize in Computing. A word of warning before starting the programming book series; heavy math ahead!
Summarize
This concludes our review of the 10 best programming books list. While books are one of the best ways to learn programming, there are other ways to enhance your learning such as online tutorials, seminars, web articles, video courses, and more.
You should be constantly improving your skills and finding and learning new and better ways to do what you already do as a programmer/software developer. Only those who escalate over time will remain relevant in the modern environment, where change is surprisingly fast and hard to pin down. May all go well with you!