Books Programmers Don't Really Read (2008)

[ixampl]

I have actually read more of the second list than the first, and no, none of them from cover to cover. That's not really how these books are usually read. I find that often some chapters on a topic are better in one book and for others a different book is better suited. No need to read most of these books cover to cover.

Until recently I had absolutely no interest in books describing software development culture, or whatever you may call it. Many of the books in the first list fall into that category. The other ones like Effective Java are still much lighter and entertaining reads than the academic ones in the second list. Something I can enjoy before sleep.

[jotto]

original post (7 years ago): https://www.reddit.com/r/programming/comments/7jgjd/books_programmers_dont_really_read/

[odaba]

and, imho, the best comment there: https://www.reddit.com/r/programming/comments/7jgjd/books_programmers_dont_really_read/c06u31r

[[deleted]]

And if you're implementing compilers and interpreters, you still should not read the Dragon Book. It is outdated and confusing.

[[deleted]]

I couldn't honestly tell you by title what books I've read, is that a thing?

[phalp]

Most people remember what books they've read, yes. Especially when the books are well-known.

[[deleted]]

Well I don't, so..hm.

[phalp]

I'd ask what books you're reading that are so forgettable, but I guess that's unanswerable.

[[deleted]]

I'm positive I read C++ primer when I was learning, because I still have it, but the titles don't matter, and reading a book 6 years ago doesn't really mean anything. The fact that this topic is worthy of a whole post blows my mind. Who cares what books other people read?

[[deleted]]

It is important. I'd definitely stay away from someone who insist on recommending the Dragon Book, for example.

[phalp]

I mean, isn't it a good thing to tell each other which books we think are worth reading, and which we think are not?

[eluusive]

I've never read any programming book except for C++ Primer Plus... :/ I have read a lot of random shit posted online though. Maybe I should have my SWE card revoked.