If you are looking to add a new artistic skill to your multiple skills, consider learning to code. The job of software engineer is one of the most desirable, and best-paid jobs today, and despite the presence of many free online courses - offered by well-known websites such as Harvard University and Khan Academy (one of Bill Gates' favorite platforms) - learning to program exclusively online It can be a challenge.
In some cases, there are more profound concepts that require extensive reading to understand them. This is where specialized books on programming can be useful.
Vivek Ravisankar, CEO and co-founder of HackerRank, a site that provides technical tests and remote interviews to employing software developers for large companies, says that before earning his bachelor’s degree in computer science, he taught himself the basics of programming, in part, through YouTube and books.
In addition to establishing the Hacker Rank which raised more than $ 60 million in funding and became an integrated platform for many companies that employ software engineers, Ravisankar also worked as an Amazon programmer.
Below are Ravisankar's top picks for books he has read.
“Python Programming: An Introduction to Computer Science” Posted by John Zell
This book (Python Programming: An Introduction to Computer Science) is for beginners, because it is meant to be a textbook for a college-level introductory course in software engineering. Python, one of the most popular programming languages in the world, is used to teach readers.
"Although it is a textbook, Python programming is easy to read. With a number of exercises you can do, it deserves to be allotted time," Ravisankar said.
“Clean Code: A Handbook about Agile Software Professionalism” Posted by Robert Martin
Ravisankar said the "Clean Code: A Handbook of Agile Software Craftsmanship" is ideal for anyone with a basic understanding of software engineering and looking to move from writing messy code to clean and rational code, something that programming and technology companies are increasingly looking for.
He also stated, "Real quality comes from clean code. There is a growing movement in the software development world to go beyond mere coding without formatting."
Martin's book provides clear examples of how to transform your code by changing the way you think.
“Code: the hidden language of computer hardware and software” Posted by Charles Petzold
Ravisankar said if you work in technology, or if you are interested in remote technology, you should read a book: "Code: The Hidden Language of Computer Hardware and Software". This book is not about teaching readers how to code, but rather building your knowledge of how technology works. From electrical circuits and Morse code to software code development, the teachers of this book read how it can make you value technology so much more.
"You don't need to write a line of code to understand the contents of this book, and get a deep appreciation of what really happens every time you use a laptop or smartphone," said Ravisankar.
"The Complete Code: A Practical Guide to Building Programs, Second Edition" by Steve McConnell
Young developers will find how useful this classic book ("Code Complete: A Practical Handbook of Software Construction, Second Edition" by Steve McConnell) is in learning to build their understanding of software development. Ravisankar described this book as "one of the most comprehensive introduction to programming."
He also said, "Simplicity is a common theme throughout the book, and he is right about it. Software development is hugely complicated, but the best symbol often comes from the search for simplicity, and it is very easy for complexity to become a killer."
“Realistic Programmer: Your Journey to Professorship” Posted by Andrew Hunt and David Thomas
"The Pragmatic Programmer: Your Journey to Mastery" by Andrew Hunt and David Thomas provides an overview of a good programmer concept, whether you are an independent or someone who hopes to take on an administrative role in software engineering. Ravisankar described the book as "one of the best books you can find."
"The authors go beyond talking about what you must do, and they provide a comprehensive guide on how to change your approach. It is full of high-level concepts that will improve any development environment, and they are all connected in a very direct way," he explains.