Books aren’t the typical source of information for coders. In fact, there are many who would say that you don’t need books to learn how to code. And to be honest, they’d be right – you don’t need a book to learn how to code efficiently.
However, if you’re completely new to coding, then you will definitely need to spend some time learning syntax, and learning how to read the language. And whilst you can find this information online, there are many great books out there to get started with as well. So, let’s look at some of the best coding books you can currently buy if you’re trying to become a programmer.
Best Coding Books
There are many different areas of coding that you can consider when you’re trying to learn. If you’re not sure where to start, then I’ve listed a few general coding books which you should probably read before you truly get started with your coding career.
Best General Coding Books
But How Do it Know? by J Clarke Scott
For those just getting stared with learning code, then there are a few basics books that I would suggest reading as a foundation for what you’re going to learn. There are none better than But How Do It Know?, which helps to make the complex subject of coding much easier to understand for beginners.
Code by Charles Petzold
For those looking for an entry point into basic computing code, then this book is a great place to start. However, you must have a serious interest in the topic, as Petzold spares no prisoners and it isn’t the easiest of reads if you aren’t familiar with some coding language. This book has it’s 2 decades anniversary in 2020, but it’s still relevant today.
Programming for Beginners by MG Martin
If you want to cover several different areas within coding within one short series of books, then you’ll want to look at Programming for Beginners. In this series, of books, you cover HTML, CSS, Java, Javascript, PHP and Swift. It’s a good place to start for people who want a brief introduction into these topics.
Best Books to Learn HTML
HTML and CSS: Design and Build Websites by Jon Duckett
For those looking for an easy introduction into HTML and CSS, then this is definitely one of the most commonly recommended books. It provides a great place to get your feet wet if you don’t have any experience in coding whatsoever, and you’re interested in becoming a web developer.
HTML 101 by Jo Foster
Another good foundation for those looking to learn HTML is HTML 101 by Jo Foster. If you’re just getting started with HTML and learning to code, then this is an ideal place for you to start off.
HTML5 for Masterminds by JD Gauchat
If you’re looking for a book to make things easy to digest, then this is definitely one of the most broken down and easily understood books on coding that you can find. Gauchat makes it very easy to understand the language, and it’s another great starter book for beginners.
Best Books to Learn CSS
CSS: The Definitive Guide by Eric Meyer and Estelle Weyl
Many people know about Meyer’s books already, as he’s an esteemed author within the coding circle. This book has been updated several times, and it’s become easier to read and more detailed upon each different version. Like you might expect from a CSS specific book, this isn’t for beginners.
CSS Secrets by Lea Verou
For those looking for a more practical guide to CSS, then it’s worth looking at this book by Lea Verou. This book is quite simple, and just gives great examples of what you can do with code, and how to solve certain problems. It’s good for those that have already started their coding journey, and it’s filled with coding experience that you can only get from years of doing things yourself.
CSS: The Missing Manual by David Sawyer McFarland
The Missing Manual series is an awesome series of coding books, and one of it’s best is this manual to CSS. You’re guaranteed to pick up a lot from this manual, whether you’re a beginner or you have more experience in CSS. It can help you to learn things quickly with it’s broken down layout, and it’s a must have for any coder.
Best Books to Learn Javascript
You Don’t Know JS Series by Kyle Simpson
Some of the most well known books about javascript are part of the You Don’t Know JS series by Kyle Simpson. There are 6 different books in this series, and they’re all pretty good for those looking to learn javascript. YDKJ: Up and Going is the best starting point for beginners.
A Smarter Way to Learn Javascript by Mark Myers
Mark Myers actually created this book because years ago, he was looking to learn Javascript and there wasn’t enough resources out there. This is undoubtedly one of the best books that you can start with if you’re looking to learn Javascript and it really covers the basics so you won’t be confused.
Javascript: The Good Parts by Douglas Crockford
If you’re looking for a relatively short read to help you get to grips with the basics of Javascript, then this is the perfect book. It helps to break things down into concise, easy to read chunks. Bear in mind that Crockford projects a lot of his own opinions in this book, which you may or may not agree with.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are just a few of the best coding books out there that you’ll want to consider if you’re looking to get started as a programmer. There are many more books out there for this, and these are really just a select few from hundreds of great books to learn about coding.
