The best 27 Tech books

Technology is an ever-evolving field that impacts nearly every aspect of our lives. From smartphones to artificial intelligence, understanding the world of tech is crucial. This book list covers a wide range of tech topics, from coding to cybersecurity, to help you navigate this rapidly changing landscape. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or simply looking to stay informed, these books provide valuable insights into the exciting world of technology.

The best 27 Tech books
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1
Tech Books: Cryptonomicon by Neal Stephenson

Cryptonomicon

Neal Stephenson

What's Cryptonomicon about?

Cryptonomicon (1999) is a gripping novel that weaves together two interconnected storylines. Set during World War II and the present day, it delves into the world of code-breaking, cryptography, and the birth of the digital age. With complex characters and intricate plots, Neal Stephenson explores themes of technology, war, and the enduring power of secrets.

Who should read Cryptonomicon?

  • Readers who are intrigued by cryptography, technology, and history
  • Individuals who enjoy complex and intellectually stimulating narratives
  • People who appreciate a fusion of adventure, humor, and thought-provoking ideas in a novel

2
Tech Books: Clean Architecture by Robert C. Martin, Kevlin Henney

Clean Architecture

Robert C. Martin, Kevlin Henney

What's Clean Architecture about?

Clean Architecture by Robert C. Martin is a comprehensive guide to creating software systems with maintainable and scalable architecture. It delves into the principles and patterns that can help developers design clean and efficient code, while also addressing the importance of separating concerns and creating clear boundaries within a system. This book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their software design skills.

Who should read Clean Architecture?

  • Software developers and engineers looking to improve their architecture skills
  • Technical leaders and architects who want to create scalable and maintainable software systems
  • Anyone interested in understanding the principles and patterns behind clean architecture

3
Tech Books: The Cuckoo's Egg by Clifford Stoll

The Cuckoo's Egg

Clifford Stoll

What's The Cuckoo's Egg about?

The Cuckoo's Egg by Clifford Stoll is a gripping true story that takes you inside the world of computer hacking in the 1980s. When Stoll, an astronomer turned systems manager, discovers a 75-cent discrepancy in his department's accounts, he sets off on a hunt to uncover the hacker responsible. What follows is a thrilling tale of espionage, cyber warfare, and the birth of the internet.

Who should read The Cuckoo's Egg?

  • Individuals interested in cybersecurity and computer hacking
  • Professionals working in IT and network security
  • Readers who enjoy true crime stories with a technological twist

4

What's Countdown to Zero Day about?

Countdown to Zero Day by Kim Zetter is a gripping account of the world's first digital weapon, Stuxnet. It delves into the high-stakes cyberwarfare between nations and the potential consequences of such attacks. Zetter provides a detailed analysis of the malware and its impact, offering valuable insights into the vulnerabilities of our interconnected world.

Who should read Countdown to Zero Day?

  • Individuals interested in cybersecurity and digital warfare
  • Professionals working in IT, information security, or government intelligence
  • Readers who enjoy non-fiction narratives that delve into complex and current events

5
Tech Books: Hackers by Steven Levy

Hackers

Steven Levy

What's Hackers about?

Hackers by Steven Levy is a captivating exploration of the early days of the computer revolution. Through interviews and research, Levy delves into the world of the original hackers, uncovering their motivations, ethics, and the impact they had on shaping the digital age. From MIT to Silicon Valley, this book provides a fascinating look at the people who changed the world through their passion for technology.

Who should read Hackers?

  • People interested in the history and culture of computer hackers
  • Individuals curious about the early days of computers and technology
  • Readers who enjoy compelling and narrative non-fiction

6
Tech Books: Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

Ready Player One

Ernest Cline

What's Ready Player One about?

Ready Player One is a science fiction novel by Ernest Cline that takes place in a dystopian future where people escape their reality by immersing themselves in a virtual reality world called the OASIS. When the creator of the OASIS dies, he leaves behind a series of challenges that lead to an Easter egg hidden within the virtual world, and the one who finds it will inherit his fortune. The story follows teenage gamer Wade Watts as he embarks on a thrilling quest filled with 80s pop culture references, friendship, and adventure.

Who should read Ready Player One?

  • Potential readers who enjoy science fiction and gaming
  • Individuals looking for an immersive and imaginative story set in a virtual reality world
  • Those interested in exploring themes of technology, adventure, and the power of nostalgia

7
Tech Books: Pro Git by Ben Straub, Scott Chacon

Pro Git

Ben Straub, Scott Chacon

What's Pro Git about?

Pro Git (2014) provides a comprehensive overview of the distributed version control system Git. Written by Scott Chacon and Ben Straub, this book offers clear explanations and practical examples to help both beginners and experienced developers understand and utilize Git for efficient and collaborative code management.

Who should read Pro Git?

  • Software developers or anyone working on collaborative coding projects
  • Tech-savvy individuals looking to understand and master Git version control
  • Those seeking an in-depth guide to managing and tracking changes in their codebase

8
Tech Books: Extreme Programming Explained by Kent Beck, Cynthia Andres

Extreme Programming Explained

Kent Beck, Cynthia Andres

What's Extreme Programming Explained about?

ions like Test-Driven Development, Pair Programming, Continuous Integration, and more. Beck explains the principles, practices, and benefits of Extreme Programming in a clear and practical manner, making it a must-read for anyone interested in agile software development.```

Who should read Extreme Programming Explained?

complex and simple, with the profound simplicity being the hardest part. In short, this book is a beacon for software development, a light at the end of the tunnel, a way to build better software, faster.”― Linda Rising, Independent consultant


9
Tech Books: Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

Ender's Game

Orson Scott Card

What's Ender's Game about?

Ender's Game (1985) is a science fiction novel that follows the story of a young boy, Ender Wiggin, who is recruited into a prestigious military academy in space. Trained to lead Earth's defense against an alien race, Ender must navigate complex simulations and intense challenges that test his strategic genius. As the fate of humanity hangs in the balance, Ender prepares for a final battle that will determine the outcome of the war.

Who should read Ender's Game?

  • Science fiction enthusiasts looking for a thought-provoking and intellectually stimulating read
  • Readers interested in exploring themes of war, morality, and the consequences of one's actions
  • Individuals who enjoy stories with complex and multi-layered characters

10
Tech Books: Clean Code by Robert C. Martin, Dean Wampler

Clean Code

Robert C. Martin, Dean Wampler

What's Clean Code about?

'Clean Code' by Robert C. Martin is a must-read for any programmer looking to improve their coding skills. The book offers practical advice and real-world examples on how to write clean, maintainable, and efficient code. Martin covers topics such as naming conventions, code structure, and best practices, providing valuable insights that can help developers elevate their coding standards.

Who should read Clean Code?

  • Software developers who want to improve the quality of their code
  • Programmers looking to enhance their understanding of clean coding principles
  • Tech leads and engineering managers who want to instill best practices within their teams

11
Tech Books: Gödel, Escher, Bach by Douglas R. Hofstadter

Gödel, Escher, Bach

Douglas R. Hofstadter

What's Gödel, Escher, Bach about?

Gödel, Escher, Bach is a Pulitzer Prize-winning book by Douglas Hofstadter that explores the interconnectedness of mathematics, art, and music. Through an engaging blend of analogies, puzzles, and thought experiments, Hofstadter delves into the works of mathematician Kurt Gödel, artist M.C. Escher, and composer Johann Sebastian Bach to unravel the mysteries of human cognition and the nature of self-reference.

Who should read Gödel, Escher, Bach?

  • Readers who are curious about the nature of human consciousness and creativity
  • Individuals interested in exploring the intersection of art, music, mathematics, and technology
  • People who enjoy thought-provoking, intellectually stimulating, and mind-expanding literature

12
Tech Books: Refactoring by Martin Fowler

Refactoring

Martin Fowler

What's Refactoring about?

Refactoring by Martin Fowler is a classic book that introduces the concept of refactoring and provides practical techniques for improving the design and maintainability of code. It offers valuable insights and real-world examples to help developers understand when and how to refactor their code effectively.

Who should read Refactoring?

  • Software developers and programmers looking to improve their coding skills
  • Technical team leads and managers responsible for maintaining code quality and efficiency
  • Students and educators in computer science or software engineering

13
Tech Books: Masters of Doom by David Kushner

Masters of Doom

David Kushner

What's Masters of Doom about?

Masters of Doom by David Kushner is a gripping account of the rise of the video game industry and the two men who revolutionized it. Focusing on the lives of John Carmack and John Romero, the book delves into their intense passion for creating games, their groundbreaking work at id Software, and the eventual rift that led to their downfall. It's a fascinating exploration of friendship, rivalry, and the power of innovation.

Who should read Masters of Doom?

  • Readers who are interested in the history of the video game industry
  • Those curious about the creative process behind popular games like Doom and Quake
  • People who enjoy biographies of innovative and influential individuals

14

What's Domain-Driven Design about?

Domain-Driven Design by Eric Evans is a comprehensive guide that explores the principles and practices of building complex software systems. It offers valuable insights into how to align software design with the domain it serves, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between domain experts and developers. This book is a must-read for anyone involved in software development.

Who should read Domain-Driven Design?

  • Software developers looking to improve their design skills
  • Team leads and architects who want to align software with business goals
  • Professionals interested in domain modeling and its application in software development

What's Test Driven Development about?

Test Driven Development by Kent Beck is a groundbreaking book that introduces the concept of writing tests before writing code. It provides an in-depth explanation of the TDD process, its benefits, and practical examples to help developers master this approach. Through this book, Beck challenges traditional development practices and offers a new perspective on building high-quality software through test automation.

Who should read Test Driven Development?

  • Software developers looking to improve their coding practices
  • Teams or organizations seeking to implement test-driven development
  • Professionals interested in understanding the benefits of writing tests before code

16
Tech 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


18
Tech 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

19
Tech Books: In the Plex by Steven Levy

In the Plex

Steven Levy

What's In the Plex about?

In the Plex by Steven Levy takes readers inside the world of Google, revealing the untold story of how this tech giant operates. With unprecedented access and extensive research, Levy provides a fascinating account of the company's history, culture, and innovation. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a global powerhouse, this book offers insights into the inner workings of one of the most influential companies of our time.

Who should read In the Plex?

  • Individuals curious about the inner workings and culture of Google
  • Entrepreneurs and business leaders seeking insights into innovation and disruption
  • Technology enthusiasts interested in the history and future of the internet

20
Tech 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


21

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 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

23
Tech 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


24
Tech 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

25
Tech Books: The Cathedral & the Bazaar by Eric S. Raymond

What's The Cathedral & the Bazaar about?

The Cathedral & the Bazaar (1999) by Eric S. Raymond explores the world of open-source software development. Through insightful essays and case studies, Raymond discusses the advantages of the decentralized, collaborative approach of the bazaar compared to the traditional, closed model of the cathedral. This book offers valuable lessons for anyone interested in the power of community-driven innovation.

Who should read The Cathedral & the Bazaar?

  • Individuals with an interest in open source software
  • Tech enthusiasts who want to understand the collaborative nature of software development
  • Business professionals looking to leverage the principles of open source for their organizations

26
Tech Books: Hand Dryers by Samuel Ryde

Hand Dryers

Samuel Ryde

What's Hand Dryers about?

Hand Dryers by Samuel Ryde is a captivating exploration of a mundane object we encounter in public restrooms. Through stunning photography and insightful commentary, Ryde sheds light on the history, design, and cultural significance of hand dryers. This book will make you see these everyday machines in a whole new light.

Who should read Hand Dryers?

  • Industrial designers and engineers looking for inspiration

  • Architecture and interior design enthusiasts seeking unique design elements

  • Curious individuals interested in the overlooked beauty of everyday objects


27
Tech Books: HVAC Design Sourcebook by W. Larsen Angel

HVAC Design Sourcebook

W. Larsen Angel

What's HVAC Design Sourcebook about?

HVAC Design Sourcebook by W. Larsen Angel provides a comprehensive guide to designing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems for buildings. It covers the fundamental principles, calculations, and best practices for creating efficient and effective HVAC systems. Whether you're a student or a professional in the field, this book is a valuable resource for understanding and implementing HVAC design.

Who should read HVAC Design Sourcebook?

  • Students and professionals in the field of HVAC design and engineering

  • Architects and building designers looking to understand HVAC system integration

  • Facility managers and maintenance personnel seeking insights into efficient HVAC system operation


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 FAQs 

What's the best Tech book to read?

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

What are the Top 10 Tech books?

Blinkist curators have picked the following:
  • Cryptonomicon by Neal Stephenson
  • Clean Architecture by Robert C. Martin, Kevlin Henney
  • The Cuckoo's Egg by Clifford Stoll
  • Countdown to Zero Day by Kim Zetter
  • Hackers by Steven Levy
  • Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
  • Pro Git by Ben Straub, Scott Chacon
  • Extreme Programming Explained by Kent Beck, Cynthia Andres
  • Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
  • Clean Code by Robert C. Martin, Dean Wampler

Who are the top Tech book authors?

When it comes to Tech, these are the authors who stand out as some of the most influential:
  • Neal Stephenson
  • Robert C. Martin, Kevlin Henney
  • Clifford Stoll
  • Kim Zetter
  • Steven Levy