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Ask HN: What books do you keep on your desk?

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Re: Ask HN: What books do you keep on your desk?

#91

Post by danesparza »

meifun wrote: post #20

A few Stroustrup books. A few Chinese language books (to help communicate with co-workers) A few Algorithmic Trading related books as well as a few math books. And, laugh if you wish, a few Buddhism books to help remind myself patience, no negative energy, etc. If I am feeling frustrated I can read a few quick thoughts.

Not laughing at the Buddhism books. That's actually a great suggestion!

Re: Ask HN: What books do you keep on your desk?

#94

Post by ams6110 »

falcolas wrote: post #24

Programming Python from O'Reilly. It helps lift my monitor nicely. Honestly, I've yet to find a physical book that has proven to be a useful reference in the long run. Programming languages just change too quickly; it's the web or the code. As for more meta-programming/business/interpersonal books, the few that I've read are not ones I've ever had any real desire to go back to.

For real study, I find books better than online references, even if many do go out of date quite quickly these days. Something about printed words on paper that helps with focus. Online references are great for quick questions, but when I want to take some time to understand something in depth, I always prefer a book, or if one is not available, I will print the online material for study.

Re: Ask HN: What books do you keep on your desk?

#95

Post by vollmond »

gradyj wrote: post #70

- Programming Interviews Exposed - Head First Design Patterns - Clean Code I'm a junior in my first job and I've had these books in my personal library for a while now. Incredible helpful

After Clean Code, also check out The Clean Coder. Less technical, more career/project focused.

There's also Clean Architecture, but I haven't read that one yet.

Re: Ask HN: What books do you keep on your desk?

#96

Post by jasonkostempski »

falcolas wrote: post #24

Programming Python from O'Reilly. It helps lift my monitor nicely. Honestly, I've yet to find a physical book that has proven to be a useful reference in the long run. Programming languages just change too quickly; it's the web or the code. As for more meta-programming/business/interpersonal books, the few that I've read are not ones I've ever had any real desire to go back to.

"I've yet to find a physical book that has proven to be a useful reference in the long run"

Me either, but how else do you signal to other programmers how knowledgeable and well-rounded you are in the field?

Re: Ask HN: What books do you keep on your desk?

#97

Post by idubrov »

1. Digital Design and Computer Architecture: ARM Edition

2. The Evolution of Cooperation: Revised Edition

3. The Ego Tunnel: The Science of the Mind and the Myth of the Self

(in backpack until I finish it). The Lucifer Effect: Understanding How Good People Turn Evil

Re: Ask HN: What books do you keep on your desk?

#98

Post by AKdeBerg »

tcopeland wrote: post #83
AKdeBerg wrote: post #80

"The Power of Habit" by Charles Duhigg.....I have other good books too but this one is an asset...Every desk should have it

Interesting, that's on the Army Advanced Situational Awareness reading list ( http://www.benning.army.mil/armor/316thCav/ASA/ReadingList.h... ).

The link is not working for me :(

Re: Ask HN: What books do you keep on your desk?

#100

Post by jjdredd »

justuseapen wrote: post #21
Yahivin wrote: post #10

Right now: Modern Man in Search of a Soul, C. G. Jung

Just finished that! So good. Jung was a genius. Coincidentally, I have The Undiscovered Self sitting on my desk at this moment.

Just recently tried reading that. Unfortunately it was too hard for me. Could be because of that the book seemed too vague.
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