The 8 Best Programing Languages and Tools Books
Book Raider'In the world of programming, hoarding books isn't considered an obsessive-compulsive disorder but rather an intellectual merit badge. You can't have too many, right? Well, if you’re as nerdy as Bill Gates (oh yes, we’re throwing big shots here), your bookshelves are probably bending under the weight of so many programming books. But do you remember the last time you actually picked one up?
Well, it's time to wipe off the dust and embark on an adventure through the tales of for loops and curly braces. This post will help you declutter your bookshelf, keep the cream of the crop and perhaps, sprinkle a few newbies into the collection. We've compiled a list of the crème de la crème programming and tools books. If you're going to be a geek, you might as well be an enlightened one, right?
Refactoring: Improving the Design of Existing Code
by Martin Fowler
Why Refactoring: Improving the Design of Existing Code is on this list: Refactoring is the ultimate handbook for modifying and tweaking software code to achieve optimal efficiency, a must-have knowledge for any serious programmer or software engineer.
This book unravels the art and science of making ugly, clunky code elegant and efficient. It's filled with practical examples and excellent techniques. What's more, it comes from the mind of legendary programmer and author Martin Fowler, so it's like getting a personal training from a master craftsman on how to turn your code from a mess into a masterpiece.
What readers like: Readers totally love the clear and straightforward guidelines that Fowler provides, as well as the sprinkling of humor that makes this highly technical tome a bit more digestible. They find that not only does it improve their code, but it also makes them think more deeply about their approach to programming. It's like improving your cooking skills, but for software and without the risk of a kitchen fire.
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Clean Code: A Handbook of Agile Software Craftsmanship
by Robert C. Martin
Why Clean Code: A Handbook of Agile Software Craftsmanship is on this list: Ever spilled coffee on your keyboard because of spaghetti code? This book is a blast from the future, turning you into a coding ninja able to slice through the code spaghetti, replacing it with clean, readable and maintainable software.
Don't let the fancy talk about agile software craftsmanship throw you off. Basically, this book talks about cleaning up your coding mess. It encourages you to take a 'boy scout' approach, leaving the code cleaner than you found it. Packed with practical advice about refactoring, creating meaningful names and functions, error handling, and object-oriented programming, it's a go-to guide for any programmer aiming to write better, faster, and less bug-ridden code.
What readers like: Readers love the hands-on approach from Uncle Bob, with real examples, code reviews and lots of 'don'ts'. It's like having an experienced programming mentor guiding you, without the overwhelming technical jargon. Humor isn't left behind either, making heavy topics digestible. So, if you're ready to toss out those noodles and embrace clean coding, this book should definitely be on your 'to-read' pile.
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The C Programming Language
by Brian Kernighan, Dennis Ritchie
Why The C Programming Language is on this list: You can’t really talk about programming languages and tools without reverently whispering the name 'C'. And when it comes to books about C, this one's The Godfather.
Written by the very guys who created C, this book takes you behind the scenes for a tour of the language in depth. You'll get to see how the language was designed, why it works the way it does, and how to use it gracefully. Picture it like a backstage pass to a rock concert, but instead of smashing guitars, we're talking about smashing bugs.
What readers like: Readers love the clear, concise way the book lays out complex concepts. They also appreciate the way it gets you rolling up your sleeves and coding right away. It's like a learning workout for your brain - a bit challenging sometimes, but you'll definitely feel mighty proud of your new coding muscles.
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Deep Learning
by Yoshua Bengio, Aaron Courville
Why Deep Learning is on this list: Deep learning is a subset of machine learning in AI that has networks which are capable of learning from data that is unstructured or unlabeled. It's also one of the most promising and sought-after aspects of programming languages and tools. So, if you're serious about programming, this book is a must.
Written by world-renowned experts in the field, this book is an engaging deep dive into the cutting-edge world of Deep Learning and Artificial Intelligence. It takes a comprehensive approach, delving into the mathematics and practical applications of the technology and explaining the theory behind it all in a simple, easy-to-grasp manner. And in case you're wondering, it's not as terrifying as it sounds. Pinky promise.
What readers like: Readers love 'Deep Learning' for a bunch of reasons. They love how it carefully explains complex topics, without making you feel like you're drowning in a sea of jargon. It's a pretty heavy read, but hey, nobody said changing the world was going to be easy. They also appreciate the uniquely knowledgeable yet down-to-earth approach of the authors. Plus, the practical examples help to apply the theory to real life, making it awesome for everyone from budding nerds to long-time pros.
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Hands-On Machine Learning with Scikit-Learn, Keras, and TensorFlow
by Aurélien Géron
Why Hands-On Machine Learning with Scikit-Learn, Keras, and TensorFlow is on this list: Craving to make sense of the messed-up pile of data you have? Yeah, this book is your saving grace. It takes you deep into the world of machine learning, with three major languages and tools that are all the rage these days.
This book is a practical, hands-on tour into Machine Learning. Sink your teeth into Python, Scikit-Learn, Keras, and TensorFlow with Aurélien Géron as your witty guide. You'll start by getting a handle on the key fundamentals and soon you'll be frolicking through different ML landscapes - from neural nets to support vector machines.
What readers like: Readers love the book's practical approach, breaking down complex concepts into brain-friendly bits. Géron's jovial way of speaking ML is just the cherry on top. It feels more like you're lingering over a coffee chat with a buddy than tackling the 'big, scary' machine learning. But by the end, you'll find that you're not just a tourist you've actually settled down. Ready for the journey?
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Core Java Volume I--Fundamentals
by Cay S. Horstmann
Why Core Java Volume I--Fundamentals is on this list: Few things in life are as fundamental as the fundamentals, and that's doubly true for Java. Thankfully, this book offers a hefty dose of exactly that. It's a real gem for anyone interested in the programming language.
This book provides an in-depth look at the basics of Java. As the title suggests, it covers the core principles, leaving no stone unturned. It's designed to help you get on the fast-track to becoming a proficient Java programmer. And honestly, who doesn't like a good fast track?
What readers like: Readers have praised this book for its direct approach. They appreciate how it sticks to the point and love its clear explanations- no beating around the bush. Many have found that it makes complex concepts seem quite approachable, like bumping into a stranger and suddenly finding out you have a lot in common...except here, the stranger is Java and the common interest is programming.
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Building Microservices: Designing Fine-Grained Systems
by Sam Newman
Why Building Microservices: Designing Fine-Grained Systems is on this list: As our programming environment evolves, so does the need for more robust systems. And if there's one word buzzing around in the world of tech, it's Microservices. So, it's a no-brainer that a book all about building these tiny mighty warriors of code would be on our list of top-notch reads.
This isn't a typical dry read filled with endless equations. Instead, Sam Newman introduces you to the concept of Microservices in a welcoming way. You get to see why these little services perform better and even explore the fascinating challenges they present. You’ll also dive into the core principles of designing and building successful Microservices.
What readers like: Readers have been pretty smitten with how Newman presents such an intimidating topic in a way the everyday Joe can understand. It's not just for the seasoned coders but also the rookies wanting to get their feet wet in Microservices. Plus, anyone who’s read this book will tell you that it's the practical examples that make absorbing the knowledge a whole lot easier. Sounds like Newman really nailed it!
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CSS: The Definitive Guide
by Eric A. Meyer, Estelle Weyl
Why CSS: The Definitive Guide is on this list: This book is one of the best resources for anyone looking to garner an in-depth understanding of CSS. It's a vital tool in the web developer's toolkit, which is why it fits snugly into our list.
CSS: The Definitive Guide' takes you on an enlightening journey through the various aspects of CSS, helping you understand the nitty-gritty of this essential programming language. It's perfect for both beginners looking to learn CSS from scratch, and seasoned developers seeking to expand their knowledge and master some of the language's more intricate nuances.
What readers like: Readers love the well-structured content and clear, digestible explanations. They praise Eric and Estelle's knack for turning complex concepts into palatable, bite-sized nuggets of wisdom. Furthermore, the inclusion of practical application examples has been lauded for helping readers to anchor their new knowledge and kick their CSS skills into the stratosphere.
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