Originally published on February 1, 2021. The original version included two books I don't think are actually so worthwhile. This list is down to two. I think that's a good thing actually.
These are the books I recommend to developers wanting to improve their skills as professional programmers because of high information density, believable premises/examples, and being well edited.
You don't need to read books to improve as a developer but they are unparalleled in quickly helping you gain depth in a subject.
High Performance Browser Networking
If you deal with networks, you would probably benefit from this book. It is a thorough high level introduction to mobile networks, browser network protocols, and fundamentals of networking.
Designing Data-Intensive Applications
If you use a database (including an in-memory array of items you search periodically) or if you build APIs, you would probably benefit from this book. A solid introduction to distributed computing, data transfer, indexing, etc.
That's it!
Generic software books conspicuously not on this list for me:
- Clean Code
- JavaScript the Good Parts
- Design Patterns/Gang of Four
- Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs
- A Philosophy of Software Design
They're not all bad but give nowhere near as much return for the investment of your time.
Four books I recommend to professional developers wanting to improve their craft, and a few I'd nothttps://t.co/1aTrfqZ9bd
— Phil Eaton (@phil_eaton) February 2, 2021