The best 17 IT books

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1
IT Books: Coders at Work by Peter Seibel

Coders at Work

Peter Seibel

What's Coders at Work about?

Coders at Work (2009) by Peter Seibel features in-depth interviews with fifteen notable computer programmers, offering insights into their career paths, code writing philosophies, and thoughts on the future of software development. The book provides a valuable glimpse into the minds of individuals who have made significant contributions to the world of coding.

Who should read Coders at Work?

  • Anyone aspiring to become a better software developer or engineer
  • Experienced coders looking for insights and wisdom from industry veterans
  • Individuals curious about the different approaches and mindsets of successful programmers

What's Building Microservices about?

Building Microservices by Sam Newman is a comprehensive guide that explores the principles and best practices for designing, building, and deploying microservice-based applications. It covers topics such as communication between services, data management, testing, and monitoring, providing valuable insights for developers and architects looking to embrace this architectural style.

Who should read Building Microservices?

  • Software developers and architects seeking to understand microservices
  • Technology leaders looking to implement microservice architectures in their organizations
  • Teams working on transitioning from monolithic to microservice-based systems

3
IT Books: Hackers & Painters by Paul Graham

Hackers & Painters

Paul Graham

What's Hackers & Painters about?

Hackers & Painters explores the world of computer programming and its impact on our society. Paul Graham discusses the similarities between hackers and painters, highlighting the creative and problem-solving aspects of both fields. He also delves into the history of programming, the importance of simplicity in design, and the potential for technology to shape our future.

Who should read Hackers & Painters?

  • Individuals with an interest in technology and programming

  • Entrepreneurs looking to understand the intersection of art and technology

  • Creative thinkers who want to explore unconventional approaches to problem-solving


4
IT Books: Clean Architecture by Robert C. Martin

Clean Architecture

Robert C. Martin

What's Clean Architecture about?

Clean Architecture by Robert C. Martin is a must-read for software developers and architects. It delves into the principles and practices of creating clean, maintainable, and scalable software architecture. With real-world examples and practical advice, the book guides readers in designing systems that are flexible and easy to understand, making it an invaluable resource for anyone involved in software development.

Who should read Clean Architecture?

  • Software developers and architects looking to improve their understanding of clean and maintainable architecture

  • Tech leads and engineering managers seeking to create scalable and sustainable software systems

  • Professionals interested in learning best practices for designing and organizing software projects


5
IT Books: HTML and CSS by Jon Duckett

HTML and CSS

Jon Duckett

What's HTML and CSS about?

HTML and CSS by Jon Duckett is a beautifully designed book that introduces the key concepts of HTML and CSS in a visual and easy-to-understand format. With clear explanations and engaging illustrations, this book is perfect for beginners who want to learn how to create and style websites.

Who should read HTML and CSS?

  • Individuals who want to learn the basics of web development

  • Beginners who are interested in creating their own websites

  • Students or professionals looking to enhance their digital skills


6
IT Books: Joel on Software by Joel Spolsky

Joel on Software

Joel Spolsky

What's Joel on Software about?

Joel on Software is a collection of insightful essays by Joel Spolsky, a renowned software developer and co-founder of Trello and Stack Overflow. Through real-world examples and practical advice, Spolsky offers valuable insights into the art of software development, project management, and the tech industry. Whether you're a seasoned developer or a newcomer to the field, this book provides thought-provoking perspectives and actionable tips to help you navigate the world of software.

Who should read Joel on Software?

  • Developers and software engineers looking to improve their skills and knowledge

  • Tech startup founders and entrepreneurs seeking insights into building successful software companies

  • Managers and executives in the technology industry who want to understand the challenges and best practices of software development


7
IT Books: You Can't Do It Alone by Maria Quiban Whitesell

You Can't Do It Alone

Maria Quiban Whitesell

What's You Can't Do It Alone about?

You Can't Do It Alone by Maria Quiban Whitesell is a heartfelt memoir that offers practical advice and emotional support for anyone facing a difficult life challenge. Through her own personal story of loss and resilience, Whitesell reminds us that it's okay to ask for help and lean on others during tough times. With warmth and honesty, she shows that we are stronger when we come together.

Who should read You Can't Do It Alone?

  • Individuals who are dealing with the loss of a loved one

  • People who are seeking guidance on navigating grief and finding support

  • Those who want to understand the process of healing and moving forward after a significant loss


8
IT Books: How Linux Works by Brian Ward

How Linux Works

Brian Ward

What's How Linux Works about?

How Linux Works by Brian Ward is a comprehensive guide that delves into the inner workings of the Linux operating system. It provides a clear and detailed explanation of the components and processes that make Linux function, making it an essential read for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of this powerful and versatile platform.

Who should read How Linux Works?

  • Individuals who want to deepen their understanding of the Linux operating system

  • Professionals working in IT or software development who use Linux in their daily work

  • Students or educators looking to expand their knowledge of computer science and operating systems


What's A River Runs Through it and Other Stories about?

A River Runs Through It and Other Stories is a collection of semi-autobiographical stories by Norman Maclean. Set in the early 20th century, the book explores themes of family, nature, and the passage of time. The title story follows two brothers and their love for fly-fishing, while the other stories delve into Maclean's experiences growing up in rural Montana. With lyrical prose and profound insights, this book offers a captivating glimpse into the human experience.

Who should read A River Runs Through it and Other Stories?

  • Readers who enjoy timeless and beautifully written stories

  • People who appreciate nature and outdoor activities, particularly fly fishing

  • Those interested in exploring themes of family, love, and the passage of time


10
IT Books: Computer Networks by Andrew S. Tanenbaum

Computer Networks

Andrew S. Tanenbaum

What's Computer Networks about?

Computer Networks by Andrew S. Tanenbaum provides a comprehensive introduction to the field of computer networking. It covers the fundamental concepts and principles of networking, including the different types of networks, network protocols, and network architecture. The book also delves into more advanced topics such as network security and wireless networking. With clear explanations and real-world examples, it is a valuable resource for students and professionals alike.

Who should read Computer Networks?

  • Students studying computer science or networking

  • Professionals working in the field of IT or network administration

  • Anyone interested in understanding the fundamentals of how computer networks operate


11
IT Books: Refactoring to Patterns by Joshua Kerievsky

Refactoring to Patterns

Joshua Kerievsky

What's Refactoring to Patterns about?

Refactoring to Patterns by Joshua Kerievsky is a practical guide that demonstrates how to apply design patterns to refactor existing code. It provides real-world examples and step-by-step instructions to help software developers improve the design, maintainability, and extensibility of their codebase. By combining the concepts of refactoring and design patterns, this book offers valuable insights for creating high-quality software.

Who should read Refactoring to Patterns?

  • Software developers and engineers who want to improve their code design and architecture

  • Professionals looking to understand how to apply design patterns in a practical and incremental manner

  • Individuals interested in learning about refactoring techniques and their application to real-world software projects


12
IT Books: Release It! by Michael T. Nygard

Release It!

Michael T. Nygard

What's Release It! about?

Release It! by Michael T. Nygard is a must-read for anyone working in software development or operations. It offers valuable insights and practical advice on designing and deploying resilient, scalable, and maintainable software systems. Through real-world examples and case studies, Nygard highlights common pitfalls and best practices, ultimately guiding readers towards building more robust and reliable applications.

Who should read Release It!?

  • Software developers who want to create resilient and reliable systems
  • DevOps engineers striving to improve the stability of their deployments
  • Technical leaders looking to minimize the impact of software failures on their business

What's Growing Object-Oriented Software, Guided by Tests about?

Growing Object-Oriented Software, Guided by Tests (2009) by Steve Freeman and Nat Pryce is a comprehensive guide to test-driven development (TDD) and its application in building robust, maintainable software. Through practical examples and insightful explanations, the book demonstrates how TDD can drive the design and development of object-oriented systems, leading to higher quality code and faster delivery.

Who should read Growing Object-Oriented Software, Guided by Tests?

  • Software developers looking to improve their object-oriented programming skills
  • Teams interested in incorporating test-driven development (TDD) into their workflow
  • Professionals who want to understand how to grow and evolve software systems through effective testing

14
IT Books: Pro Git by Scott Chacon

Pro Git

Scott Chacon

What's Pro Git about?

Pro Git by Scott Chacon is a comprehensive guide to the Git version control system. It covers everything from the basics of Git to advanced topics such as branching and merging, rebasing, and more. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced developer, this book will help you understand and master Git.

Who should read Pro Git?

  • Developers and programmers who want to improve their understanding and usage of Git

  • Individuals and teams working on software projects that require version control

  • Professionals looking to streamline their workflow and collaboration with others using Git


What's Designing Data-Intensive Applications about?

Designing Data-Intensive Applications by Martin Kleppmann delves into the world of data systems and explores the principles, techniques, and best practices for building scalable and reliable applications. From databases and data storage to data processing and messaging systems, this book provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and trade-offs involved in designing data-intensive applications. Whether you're a software engineer, data architect, or anyone working with data, this book offers valuable insights to help you make informed decisions and tackle real-world problems.

Who should read Designing Data-Intensive Applications?

  • Software engineers and architects who want to deepen their understanding of data-intensive applications

  • Developers who are building or maintaining systems that handle large volumes of data

  • Technical leaders who need to make informed decisions about technology choices for their projects


What's The Inmates are Running the Asylum about?

The Inmates are Running the Asylum by Alan Cooper addresses the issue of poorly designed software and technology products. Cooper argues that the people responsible for creating these products often prioritize technical features over user experience, resulting in frustrating and inefficient systems. He offers insights and solutions for putting the user back at the center of design, ultimately advocating for a more human-centered approach to technology.

Who should read The Inmates are Running the Asylum?

  • Software developers and designers seeking to improve user experience

  • Business leaders looking to understand the impact of technology on their products

  • Anyone frustrated with poorly designed and difficult-to-use technology


17
IT Books: Software Estimation by Steve McConnell

Software Estimation

Steve McConnell

What's Software Estimation about?

Software Estimation by Steve McConnell is a comprehensive guide that provides practical techniques and best practices for estimating software projects. Drawing from real-world examples and research, McConnell offers valuable insights into the challenges of software estimation and provides strategies to improve accuracy and reliability. Whether you're a developer, project manager, or stakeholder, this book will help you make better decisions and achieve successful project outcomes.

Who should read Software Estimation?

  • Individuals involved in software development and project management
  • Software engineers, architects, and developers seeking to improve their estimation skills
  • Team leaders and managers looking to create more accurate project plans and schedules

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 FAQs 

What's the best IT book to read?

While choosing just one book about a topic is always tough, many people regard Coders at Work as the ultimate read on IT.

What are the Top 10 IT books?

Blinkist curators have picked the following:
  • Coders at Work by Peter Seibel
  • Building Microservices by Sam Newman
  • Hackers & Painters by Paul Graham
  • Clean Architecture by Robert C. Martin
  • HTML and CSS by Jon Duckett
  • Joel on Software by Joel Spolsky
  • You Can't Do It Alone by Maria Quiban Whitesell
  • How Linux Works by Brian Ward
  • A River Runs Through it and Other Stories by Norman Maclean
  • Computer Networks by Andrew S. Tanenbaum

Who are the top IT book authors?

When it comes to IT, these are the authors who stand out as some of the most influential:
  • Peter Seibel
  • Sam Newman
  • Paul Graham
  • Robert C. Martin
  • Jon Duckett