Introduction to algorithms[1] is a great book to improve how you think about code and the way you implement your solutions. Even if you are a seasoned programmer you'll find it useful.
Ask HN: What language-agnostic programming books should I read?
61–70 of 344 posts
Re: Ask HN: What language-agnostic programming books should I read?
#62An Introduction to General Systems Thinking. Gerald Weinberg. This book, now over 40 years old, addresses the 'core within the core' of the reality of systems. Unbelievably good, with a very light-hearted tone.
Why this was downvoted?
Re: Ask HN: What language-agnostic programming books should I read?
#63I think "The Practice of Programming" was and is very good.
https://www.amazon.com/Practice-Programming-Addison-Wesley-P...
Re: Ask HN: What language-agnostic programming books should I read?
#64"The Pragmatic Programmer" by Andy Hunt and Dave Thomas
Re: Ask HN: What language-agnostic programming books should I read?
#65[deleted]
Re: Ask HN: What language-agnostic programming books should I read?
#66* Mythical Man Month
* Pragmatic Programmer
* Code Complete
Re: Ask HN: What language-agnostic programming books should I read?
#67Check reading lists in https://www.joelonsoftware.com/
Re: Ask HN: What language-agnostic programming books should I read?
#68Not a book per say, but "Out of The Tar Pit" by Moseley and Marks is definitely a must-read.
Abstract:
``` Complexity is the single major difficulty in the successful development of large-scale software systems. Following Brooks we distinguish accidental from essential difficulty, but disagree with his premise that most complexity remaining in contemporary systems is essential. We identify common causes of complexity and discuss general approaches which can be taken to eliminate them where they are accidental in nature. To make things more concrete we then give an outline for a potential complexity-minimizing approach based on functional programming and Codd’s relational model of data. ```
Re: Ask HN: What language-agnostic programming books should I read?
#69Its odd that no one mentioned it but head first into design patterns is a great/light book on design patterns....
Re: Ask HN: What language-agnostic programming books should I read?
#70"Types and Programming Languages" (aka "tapl")
Although the OP seems to be asking for "engineering" not "programming" books, I'm going to second this. Benjamin Pierce's "Types and Programming Languages" will help you get down to what programming is really about. If you are not familiar with lambda calculus and its notation, it may be rough going at first. But lambda calculus is VERY simple, and Pierce takes you through it. The book progresses methodically to the concepts found in most common programming languages.
This is one of the few truly language agnostic books on programming. SICP is close, but it is limited in relevance at times due to the limitations of a particular language (Scheme).