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Discussion on: The 25 most recommended programming books of all-time.

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rodiongork profile image
Rodion Gorkovenko

Well :) Some of these books are really important for developers nowadays (e.g. first third part of "Clean Code").

On the other hand there is no practical sense in reading some others, e.g. "Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs" or "Art of Computer Programming". Really many people recommend them, but very few really read. They use very specific languages for examples and cover many concepts nowadays either outdated or unnecessary. They were hits decades ago, but now more of historical interest, and, being quite tough, would be real waste of time, moreover that what is useful in them is mainly covered in other, more modern books.

The same may be told about most books on algorithms. I really like algorithms (they are my passion), but unless one is looking for CS degree and scientific work, one needs only shallow understanding of time/space complexity nowadays and brief acquaintance with most popular data structures and sort methods. Both of those aren't usually needed for practical tasks in industry (especially in frontend / webdev), but could be easily asked at interviews.

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aleksandrhovhannisyan profile image
Aleksandr Hovhannisyan

Really many people recommend them, but very few really read

This pretty much sums up 90% of the "best books to read" listicles I've come across.

Don't waste your time reading a book if all you're going to do is tell others that you read said book.