The Top 30 Books That Every Software Engineer Should Own
While there are a variety of innovative techniques that offer you modern ways of learning, the essence of books still remains. You will find a plethora of books at your disposal of different genres. This makes it difficult to get the right ones to help your needs.
When it comes to software development or other technical books, people are generally reluctant to read them. Mostly because of the fast pace technology advances, people fear that books won’t give them the updated knowledge.
However, you will find a variety of options for books when it comes to the larger picture of software development. You can find abundant books with different versions and different topics that will help you in learning new things.
To get you started, here is a list of 30 of the most popular software engineering books. If you are a software engineer, then these should be your top reads and already on your bookshelf. They will help you figure out all the basic details that you need to know along with the complexities. Let’s get started with JavaScript.
Table of Content
- The 7 Most Popular JavaScript Books
- The 5 Most Popular Python Books
- The 5 Most Popular Java Books
- The 10 Most Popular Software Development Books
- Top 3 Most Popular Software Engineering Interview Preparation Books
The 7 Most Popular JavaScript Books
A Smarter Way to Learn JavaScript: The new approach that uses technology to cut your effort in half
Author: Mark Myers
Amazon Rating: 1615
Focused on making sure that you get your JavaScript basics right. No longer do you have to memorize and wrote learn your JavaScript programs. With over 1750 exercises to do, you will be able to learn the right way to use and apply JavaScript. This book enables much more practical learning as opposed to the bookish learning of JavaScript.
Web Design with HTML, CSS, JavaScript and jQuery Set
Author: Jon Duckett
Amazon Rating: 568
If you wish to master the skills of CSS and HTML, then this duo is just for you. It guides you through the basics on how to get a hang of HTML and CSS. This makes it easier for you to move on to JavaScript and JQuery. This set encompasses all the basic information that will enable any beginner to move from HTML and CSS to JavaScript and JQuery.
JavaScript and JQuery: Interactive Front-End Web Development
Author: Jon Duckett
Amazon Rating: 503
If you are new to programming, then this is your go-to guide. You can learn about all the basics of programming through this. It is filled with all the core elements that you need to write your own scripts. Thus, enabling you to step into the field of JavaScript. Once you have understood the basics, this book moves onto a slightly more advanced version, JQuery.
JavaScript: The Good Parts
Author: Douglas Crockford
Amazon Rating: 450
As the name suggests, this book is focused on all the good features of JavaScript instead of the bad ones. It explains to you how reliable and efficient JavaScript by enabling you to write extensible and efficient code. It is best for people who wish to develop applications or websites.
JavaScript: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to LearnJavaScript Programming Step by Step
Author: Ryan Turner
Amazon Rating: 46
This book is the perfect guide for those who don’t know anything about computers and JavaScript. It enables you to understand the basic concepts of the subject with every chapter. You will get to know all the details necessary when it comes to JavaScript. Learn how to work with the computer language with ease using this ultimate guide.
Secrets of the JavaScript Ninja
Author: John Resig
Amazon Rating: 38
Learning only the basics of JavaScript might not be enough for you to be able to code with efficiency. You need a detailed understanding of the system and how to go about programming. This book will turn you into a JavaScript ninja for sure as you will be able to code more effectively. You will get to know a lot of different techniques when it comes to JavaScript, widening your horizon.
Speaking JavaScript: An In-Depth Guide for Programmers
Author: Axel Rauschmayer
Amazon Rating: 30
Starting with a quick guide for beginners, this book dives into a lot of details about JavaScript. You will get the complete know-how of how JavaScript works, from start to end. Not only will you be able to understand core concepts, but you will also be able to apply them. This book takes you to a journey deep into the different layers of JavaScript.
The 5 Most Popular Python Books
Fluent Python: Clear, Concise, and Effective Programming
Author: Luciano Ramalho
Amazon Rating: 116
Learn about all the important features of Python through this book. It focuses on how you can write the most effective code using the right features. This book is all you need to start working on Python 3. It will give you details about the different data structures available and how to put them to effective use.
Python Programming: An Introduction to Computer Science
Author: John Zelle
Amazon Rating: 107
With every edition, this book reflects all the modifications necessary for you to keep up with changing technologies. This book gives you a basic understanding of what computer science is all about. It focuses on how important it is for beginners to learn Python as their first programming language rather than others.
Python Cookbook
Author: David Beazley
Amazon Rating: 107
Want to learn the most modern tools of programming? Then this book is the right tool for you. Dive into the concepts that you need to understand for Python 3 using this book. You will get to go over a variety of practical topics that will help you upgrade your coding skills. Filled with a variety of coding samples that you can practice and figure out how it works.
Learn Python 3 the Hard Way: A Very Simple Introduction to the Terrifyingly Beautiful World of Computers and Code (Zed Shaw’s Hard Way Series)
Author: Zed A. Shaw
Amazon Rating: 82
Learn how to install and completely set up a Python 3 environment, write, fix, and break code. You will be able to get a grip on the computer language by following through 52 amazing exercises. With the samples provided, you will be able to work on coding endlessly until you perfect it. This book proves to be a great and effective way to grasp the Python 3 concepts.
Python Crash Course, 2nd Edition: A Hands-On, Project-Based Introduction to Programming
Author: Eric Matthes
Amazon Rating: 76
This crash course is mainly for beginners who wish to learn the core concepts of Python. It goes over multiple features such as Django, matplotlib and plotly, and more. Considering it is a crash course, it is a bit quicker to jump into the concepts rather than easing you into them.
The 5 Most Popular Java Books
Head First Java
Author: Kathy Sierra
Amazon Rating: 671
Learning a computer language is often considered extremely difficult. But this book enables a much more interactive and fun way of you learning Java. You will find a variety of visuals, puzzles, and more to entice you into learning the computer language. This book is unlike any other as it guides you alongside many visual, thus allowing you to learn better.
Head First Design Patterns: A Brain-Friendly Guide
Author: Eric Freeman
Amazon Rating: 594
You will easily be able to learn how to develop object-oriented software. These different design patterns will make code easy to reuse and allow you to develop software that can be scalable. Learn how to add various objects without having to deal with issues of the old ones. Once you are done with this book you will able to write great and effective software.
Clean Code: A Handbook of Agile Software Craftsmanship (Robert C. Martin)
Author: Robert C. Martin
Amazon Rating: 509
This book entails a lot of work for you. You will go through a lot of code and different practices and be able to write clean code yourself at the end. Learn how to differentiate between good and bad code is key to be able to write clean code. You will understand the basics of writing clean code, patterns and then eventually practising writing clean code.
Effective Java
Author: Joshua Bloch
Amazon Rating: 227
With this book, you will be able to understand how to write clean and efficient Java code. Not only will you be able to write effective code, but also learn the best practices for reusable code. This book has 78 Java guidelines. These will enable you to write the right code and give you all the solutions you require.
Java Concurrency in Practice
Author: Brian Goetz
Amazon Rating: 187
Java 5.0 and Java 6 have got new features of concurrency embedded in them. This book will allow you to go through the details of these features and understand how they work. You will get the basic know-how of concurrency and how to use it in Java. It is not something that only professionals must go over, it is useful for beginners as well.
The 10 Most Popular Software Development Books
HTML and CSS: Design and Build Websites
Author: Jon Duckett
Amazon Rating: 1177
With the increased number of people wanting to learn HTML and CSS, this book is a perfect choice. With all the basics regarding the two front-end languages, you’ll be able to learn the different variations they have to offer. This simple book is presented in an extremely simple and engaging way, allowing you to learn front-end development better.
Design patterns: elements of reusable object-oriented software
Author: Erich Gamma
Amazon Rating: 467
This book ensures that you learn everything there is about how to develop software with an object-oriented language. It covers 23 different patterns that you can practice and learn how to create more flexible designs. This author’s dive into explaining the patterns and how you can put them to use while developing your software.
Don’t Make Me Think, Revisited: A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability (Voices That Matter)
Author: Steve Krug
Amazon Rating: 401
This book is entirely practical and teaches web developers and designers a great way to build user interfaces. You will understand all the details of navigation and information design through this book. The author puts the information out in a very simple manner that is easy for everyone to understand. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced web developer, this book is for everyone.
The Pragmatic Programmer: your journey to mastery, 20th Anniversary Edition (2nd Edition)
Author: Andrew Hunt
Amazon Rating: 380
You will learn about the very importance of software programming while focusing on different aspects. From understanding what your personal responsibility is along with all the technical details, this book is great for everyone. With its ability to evoke your joy for coding, you will surely get back to it again.
Code Complete: A Practical Handbook of Software Construction
Author: Steve McConnell
Amazon Rating: 335
This book enables programmers to write better and effective code. With over a hundred samples to practice from, you will surely end up perfecting your skills. It will enable you to learn the various tools and techniques that you can use to become a better programmer.
Refactoring: Improving the Design of Existing Code (Object Technology Series)
Author: Martin Fowler
Amazon Rating: 210
With Java language being a little difficult to comprehend at times, this book is here to solve many issues. While refactoring isn’t exactly an easy task when it comes to programming, it can be made easier. This book guides you using steps to ensure how to apply 74 different refactoring techniques. These instructions are not only for Java users but can also be used in any object-oriented programming language.
Clean Architecture: A Craftsman’s Guide to Software Structure and Design (Robert C. Martin Series)
Author: Robert C. Martin
Amazon Rating: 94
Learn how to create a clean software by undergoing various challenges presented in this book. You will not be given a straightforward solution for your clean architecture. Instead, you will be faced with challenges to understand the principles much better. This book is more suitable for advanced users who wish to excel in designing better software architecture.
Learning PHP, MySQL & JavaScript: With jQuery, CSS & HTML5 (Learning Php, Mysql, Javascript, Css& Html5)
Author: Robin Nixon
Amazon Rating: 90
Learn how to create interactive websites, even if you have a very basic understanding of what HTML and JavaScript is. Go over different technologies such as PHP, MySQL, and JavaScript using this book. These will help you face the concept of web developing and enable you to utilize these technologies together.
High Performance Browser Networking: What every web developer should know about networking and web performance
Author: Ilya Grigorik
Amazon Rating: 41
This book is essential for every web developer. It enables you to build effective web applications that are fast and reliable. You will be able to understand concepts that will allow you to create optimal web applications. Learn about the requirements of wireless and mobile networks for optimization, and much more.
Getting MEAN with Mongo, Express, Angular, and Node
Author: Simon Holmes
Amazon Rating: 35
This step-by-step guide helps you to develop web applications using the MEAN stack. Following the steps of Mongo, Express, Angular, and Node, you will be able to learn about the technology used in the stack. You will come across various practices that will enable you to become more efficient and create applications that are reusable.
Top 3 Most Popular Software Engineering Interview Preparation Books
Cracking the Coding Interview, 6th Edition: 189 Programming Questions and Solutions
Author: Gayle Laakmann McDowell
Amazon Rating: 685
This book uncovers all you need to know about acing all sorts of coding questions asked during interviews. It can be difficult to answer on the spot, but this book will make things easier for you. You will find 189 programming questions in this book along with the solutions. There are also hints provided alongside the questions to give you the real feel of an interview.
The Algorithm Design Manual
Author: Steven S Skiena
Amazon Rating: 181
This book is all you need to perfect your algorithm design. It can be used by both, student and professionals to meet their algorithm needs. You will find this book very useful at every step of your career. It gives you an in-depth review on how you can solve different problems when it comes to algorithms. The book is written in a friendly tone, thus making readers enjoy every detail of it much better.
Programming Interviews Exposed: Secrets to Landing Your Next Job
Author: John Mongan
Amazon Rating: 111
If you want to be on top of your game when it comes to your interviews, then this book is for you. It goes over different hiring processes and addresses all the relevant information you need to know. It will enable you to ace your programming interviews by equipping you with the right information to succeed. With all the main concepts covered, you will be able to walk into your interview with a positive attitude.
All of these books are sure to help you with your software engineering career. From understanding the principles to practical implementation, these books will teach you much more than you could ever imagine. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, you will find these books useful to fulfil your aspirations. Not only do they make sure that you have the right information about the subject, they do much more. You will also be able to understand how to go about your interviews as you will be better equipped and prepared.
