The best 23 Programming books

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1
Programming 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


2
Programming 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

What's Advanced Programming in the UNIX Environment about?

Advanced Programming in the UNIX Environment by W. Richard Stevens is a comprehensive guide for experienced programmers looking to deepen their understanding of UNIX programming. It covers topics such as file I/O, system calls, processes, signals, and interprocess communication, providing detailed explanations and code examples. This book is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to master UNIX system programming.

Who should read Advanced Programming in the UNIX Environment?

  • Experienced programmers who want to deepen their understanding of UNIX systems

  • Software engineers working on UNIX-based applications

  • System administrators looking to improve their scripting and automation skills


5
Programming Books: C# in Depth by Jon Skeet

C# in Depth

Jon Skeet

What's C# in Depth about?

C# in Depth by Jon Skeet is a comprehensive guide to the C# programming language. It delves into advanced topics and explores the inner workings of C#, making it an essential resource for experienced developers. The book covers everything from language features to best practices, providing deep insights and practical examples along the way.

Who should read C# in Depth?

  • Developers who want to deepen their understanding of C# and its advanced features

  • Experienced C# programmers looking to stay up-to-date with the latest language enhancements

  • Those who want to improve their coding skills and write more efficient, maintainable, and elegant C# code


6
Programming Books: Effective Modern C++ by Scott Meyers

Effective Modern C++

Scott Meyers

What's Effective Modern C++ about?

Effective Modern C++ by Scott Meyers is a comprehensive guide to using C++11 and C++14 effectively. It covers a wide range of topics including type deduction, smart pointers, move semantics, and concurrency support. The book provides practical advice and real-world examples to help C++ developers write cleaner, safer, and more efficient code in the modern C++ era.

Who should read Effective Modern C++?

  • Software developers and engineers looking to upgrade their C++ skills to the modern standards

  • Professionals who want to write efficient, maintainable, and portable code using C++11 and C++14

  • Readers who appreciate practical examples and real-world insights to improve their programming practices


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


8
Programming Books: Game Programming Patterns by Robert Nystrom

What's Game Programming Patterns about?

Game Programming Patterns by Robert Nystrom is a must-read for game developers. It offers insightful explanations and practical examples of common design patterns used in game development. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced programmer, this book will help you improve your code organization and create more efficient and flexible game systems.

Who should read Game Programming Patterns?

  • Game developers who want to improve their code architecture and design

  • Programmers looking to learn best practices for game development

  • Students or professionals interested in understanding common patterns used in game programming


9

What's The Art of Unit Testing about?

The Art of Unit Testing by Roy Osherove provides a comprehensive guide to writing effective unit tests. It covers topics such as test-driven development, test doubles, and best practices for writing maintainable and reliable unit tests. This book is a valuable resource for developers looking to improve their testing skills and create high-quality software.

Who should read The Art of Unit Testing?

  • Software developers who want to improve their unit testing skills

  • Quality assurance professionals who want to understand the principles of unit testing

  • Managers and team leads who want to promote a culture of testing within their teams


10
Programming Books: Types and Programming Languages by Benjamin C. Pierce

What's Types and Programming Languages about?

Types and Programming Languages by Benjamin C. Pierce is a comprehensive exploration of the fundamental concepts and principles behind programming languages and their type systems. It delves into the theory of types, their role in programming language design, and how they contribute to the safety and reliability of software. The book also covers a wide range of programming paradigms and languages, making it an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the core principles of programming.

Who should read Types and Programming Languages?

  • Computer science students and professionals looking to deepen their understanding of programming languages and type systems

  • Software developers and language designers interested in creating more robust and expressive programming languages

  • Academics and researchers in the field of programming language theory and formal methods


11
Programming Books: The Art of UNIX Programming by Eric S. Raymond

What's The Art of UNIX Programming about?

The Art of UNIX Programming by Eric S. Raymond delves into the principles and practices of the UNIX philosophy and how they influence software design. It offers valuable insights for programmers and developers on creating elegant, efficient, and maintainable code. Through real-world examples and historical context, the book showcases the artistry and craftsmanship behind UNIX programming.

Who should read The Art of UNIX Programming?

  • Software developers and programmers who want to deepen their understanding of UNIX

  • Professionals looking to improve their coding skills and learn from UNIX design principles

  • Individuals interested in the history and philosophy behind UNIX and its impact on modern computing


12
Programming 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


13
Programming 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


What's The Linux Programming Interface about?

The Linux Programming Interface by Michael Kerrisk is a comprehensive guide to the Linux system programming interface. It covers a wide range of topics including file I/O, processes, memory allocation, system calls, and more. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced programmer, this book provides in-depth explanations and practical examples to help you master Linux programming.

Who should read The Linux Programming Interface?

  • Experienced programmers who want to deepen their understanding of the Linux programming interface

  • Software developers looking to build high-performance and efficient applications on Linux

  • System administrators who want to automate tasks and create custom tools using shell scripting and system programming


15
Programming 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


16
Programming Books: Practical Vim by Drew Neil

Practical Vim

Drew Neil

What's Practical Vim about?

Practical Vim by Drew Neil is a comprehensive guide to using the Vim text editor more effectively. It provides practical tips and techniques to improve your editing skills, navigate files, and automate repetitive tasks. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced user, this book will help you become a more efficient Vim user.

Who should read Practical Vim?

  • Software developers and programmers who want to improve their efficiency and productivity

  • Individuals who are new to Vim and want to learn how to use it effectively

  • Experienced Vim users who want to deepen their understanding and discover advanced techniques


17
Programming Books: You Don't Know JS by Kyle Simpson

You Don't Know JS

Kyle Simpson

What's You Don't Know JS about?

You Don't Know JS by Kyle Simpson is a comprehensive book series that takes a deep dive into the inner workings of JavaScript. It explores the core concepts, challenges misconceptions, and provides valuable insights for both novice and experienced developers. Each book in the series focuses on a specific aspect of JavaScript, making it an essential resource for anyone looking to master the language.

Who should read You Don't Know JS?

  • Developers who want to deepen their understanding of JavaScript

  • Those who are looking to master advanced concepts and best practices in JavaScript

  • Individuals who want to improve their problem-solving skills and write more efficient code


What's The Self-Taught Programmer about?

The Self-Taught Programmer by Cory Althoff is a comprehensive guide for aspiring programmers who want to learn coding on their own. The book covers essential programming concepts, languages, and tools, providing practical examples and exercises to help readers build their skills. Whether you're a beginner or have some coding experience, this book offers valuable insights and resources to help you become a proficient self-taught programmer.

Who should read The Self-Taught Programmer?

  • Individuals who want to learn programming on their own without formal education

  • Aspiring software developers looking to build a strong foundation in coding

  • Self-motivated learners who are willing to put in the time and effort to master programming skills


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

20
Programming 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


21
Programming 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


22
Programming 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

23
Programming Books: Rapid Development by Steve McConnell

Rapid Development

Steve McConnell

What's Rapid Development about?

Rapid Development by Steve McConnell is a comprehensive guide to accelerating the software development process. Filled with practical advice and real-world examples, this book offers valuable insights into managing time, resources, and quality to deliver high-quality software in a shorter time frame. Whether you're a developer, project manager, or stakeholder, this book provides essential strategies for achieving rapid and efficient development.

Who should read Rapid Development?

  • Software development project managers and team leaders looking to accelerate their development process
  • Developers and engineers seeking practical techniques to improve their productivity
  • Professionals interested in understanding the challenges and best practices of rapid software development

Related Topics

Programming Books
 FAQs 

What's the best Programming book to read?

While choosing just one book about a topic is always tough, many people regard Clean Architecture as the ultimate read on Programming.

What are the Top 10 Programming books?

Blinkist curators have picked the following:
  • Clean Architecture by Robert C. Martin
  • Coders at Work by Peter Seibel
  • Building Microservices by Sam Newman
  • Advanced Programming in the UNIX Environment by W. Richard Stevens
  • C# in Depth by Jon Skeet
  • Effective Modern C++ by Scott Meyers
  • Designing Data-Intensive Applications by Martin Kleppmann
  • Game Programming Patterns by Robert Nystrom
  • The Art of Unit Testing by Roy Osherove
  • Types and Programming Languages by Benjamin C. Pierce

Who are the top Programming book authors?

When it comes to Programming, these are the authors who stand out as some of the most influential:
  • Robert C. Martin
  • Peter Seibel
  • Sam Newman
  • W. Richard Stevens
  • Jon Skeet