I’ve read 40 programming books. Top 5 you must read.

Summary

This video emphasizes the advantages of learning programming through books over online tutorials, arguing that books provide a deeper understanding and build long-term skills. The creator, Sahil, recommends five practical books for aspiring programmers: 'Python Crash Course' for hands-on Python projects, 'Eloquent Javascript' for web development, 'The Pragmatic Programmer' for essential programming principles, 'Clean Code' for improving code quality, and 'Designing Data-Intensive Applications' for system architecture. Sahil stresses the importance of reading and understanding technical materials to develop a successful programming career.

Takeaways

• 📖 The man who does not read has no advantage over the man who cannot read.
• 🎨 Learning programming with books is like creating a painting, layering knowledge over time for deeper understanding.
• ⏩ Online tutorials may give fast results, but books allow for deeper learning and more comprehensive knowledge.
• 📚 Building the habit of reading technical material is essential for a successful programming career, especially for reading documentation.
• 🐍 The book 'Python Crash Course' is recommended for learning Python through building projects like a game, working with APIs, and building a web app.
• 🌐 'Eloquent Javascript' is a great free resource for web development enthusiasts, covering basics to advanced topics like Node.js, and allows you to practice on their website.
• 🔧 'The Pragmatic Programmer' is a timeless classic that provides principles for becoming an effective software developer through practices like 'Code Kata'.
• 🧹 'Clean Code' by Uncle Bob focuses on writing readable and maintainable code and covers essential design principles like the Single Responsibility Principle and DRY.
• 📊 'Designing Data-Intensive Applications' (DDIA) teaches how to build scalable and reliable systems, focusing on real-world applications from companies like Google and Amazon.
• 🧠 Books offer a deeper understanding of programming concepts, while online courses may offer faster results, with recommendations for top programming courses in the video.

Q & A

What is the main argument the speaker presents about learning programming through books vs. online tutorials?

The speaker argues that while online tutorials offer quick and easy results, learning through books provides a deeper, more layered understanding of programming. Books allow for long-term retention and critical thinking, which are essential for a successful programming career.

Why does the speaker believe books offer better learning outcomes for programmers compared to online tutorials?

The speaker believes that books allow for a deeper dive into topics, offering more comprehensive knowledge. They help build critical reading and problem-solving skills, which are crucial when working with documentation in real-world programming environments, where video tutorials won't be available.

What example does the speaker give to explain the difference between learning from books and online tutorials?

The speaker compares learning through online tutorials to taking a picture, where the process is quick and immediate. In contrast, learning from books is likened to painting, where layers are added over time, resulting in more depth and understanding.

What programming project does the speaker mention in the book 'Python Crash Course'?

In 'Python Crash Course,' the speaker mentions a project where you use the pygame package to build an 'Alien Invasion' game. The project includes shooting down an alien fleet and implementing a scoreboard for high scores.

What are the three main projects you can build after completing 'Python Crash Course'?

The three main projects in 'Python Crash Course' are an 'Alien Invasion' game using pygame, a data visualization project using the Github API and Matplotlib, and a web app using Django and Bootstrap, which is then deployed to the cloud.

What does the speaker recommend for those interested in learning JavaScript deeply?

The speaker recommends 'Eloquent JavaScript,' which is available for free online. It covers JavaScript fundamentals, browser interaction with the Document Object Model (DOM), and server-side JavaScript using Node. The book includes exercises and projects such as creating a programming language called 'Egg' and building a pixel art editor.

Why is 'The Pragmatic Programmer' considered a timeless classic?

'The Pragmatic Programmer' is considered timeless because it focuses on fundamental principles of software development like debugging, testing, and automation. These concepts are applicable across various technologies and programming languages, making it relevant even after decades.

What is the concept of 'Code Kata' mentioned in 'The Pragmatic Programmer'?

'Code Kata' refers to the practice of deliberate repetition, similar to martial arts forms, to reinforce programming skills. By regularly practicing coding exercises, programmers can strengthen their understanding of algorithms, data structures, and design patterns.

What is the key message of the book 'Clean Code' by Uncle Bob?

The key message of 'Clean Code' is to teach developers how to write readable, maintainable code. It emphasizes writing self-explanatory code with meaningful names for variables and functions, minimizing the need for excessive comments, and adhering to design principles like the Single Responsibility Principle and DRY (Don't Repeat Yourself).

What advanced programming topic does 'Designing Data-Intensive Applications' cover?

'Designing Data-Intensive Applications' (DDIA) covers the challenges of building scalable and reliable systems. It discusses when to use relational vs. NoSQL databases, how to distribute data across multiple machines, and provides real-world examples from companies like Google and Amazon to illustrate key trade-offs in building large-scale applications.