10 Best Software Development Books To Read

The software development process is complex and challenging to understand if unfamiliar with it. Thus, as a software developer, there's a good chance you're always looking for new ways to improve your skills. One of the best ways to do that is by reading software development books. Thus, if you're looking for a way to get ahead in the competitive world of software programming, these books will help. Whether you need tips on how to improve your coding skills or want guidance with leadership and management strategies, we've got it covered here. In this post, we'll share ten of the best software development books that we think every developer should read to improve the needed technical skills and knowledge.

Cracking the Coding Interview: 189 Programming Questions and Solutions by Gayle Laakmann McDowell

The book Cracking the Coding Interview by Gayle Laakmann McDowell is an excellent resource for anyone interviewing at top tech companies. I have interviewed many times, and this has always been my go-to reference when preparing for an interview, especially in prepping for algorithms questions. Consequently, I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a competitive edge in the world of computer programming. It's truly an invaluable guide, and it will help you become more confident when interviewing or meeting with potential employers. Your resume will also be better prepared after reading Cracking The Coding Interview because you'll have a deeper understanding of what is expected from top-level programmers in today’s marketplace.

This book starts with multiple chapters about how to succeed during your interview process, which is invaluable. While most programming books provide examples on specific languages or concepts, this one provides information that applies across all platforms and languages - it's not just focused on Java or Python or Ruby, etc. However, there are some sections dedicated to those topics as well. The section of “C++ Questions” was updated after publishing the book's print edition (the Kindle edition is up to date), and I was happy to see that.

Python Crash Course, 2nd Edition: A Hands-On, Project-Based Introduction to Programming by Eric Matthes

Python Crash Course, 2nd Edition is an excellent introduction to programming, and we highly recommend it. It will be beneficial for those who are looking for an easy-to-understand guide. The exercises make this book stand out as one of the best introductory books on the market today. If you want to become proficient at python without spending hours doing research or taking college-level courses, then this book is perfect for you. It starts with the basics of programming, like data types and variables, then moves into loops and functions, etc. The last section covers advanced topics that you can use to continue learning about web development or GUI applications. I know some people who have successfully used this book to introduce computer science courses at university. This second edition has been updated based on feedback from readers since its first release in 2013. There's also an accompanying online course (for free) that looks promising.

The Self-Taught Programmer: The Definitive Guide to Programming Professionally by Cory Althoff

Cory Althoff's book is excellent for anyone who wants to start programming and has an in-depth understanding of custom software development but doesn't know where to start. The author walks you through the basics of different languages and provides instructions on setting up your development environment. He also includes interviews with professionals in the industry, which is a nice touch. I read this entire book when I first started learning to program, and it helped me get oriented in the field. The book's only downside is that it's a small one, and some of the code samples are written in Java, so people starting with other languages might have some trouble following along. However, software development books are an excellent resource for beginners.

Clean Code: A Handbook of Agile Software Craftsmanship by Robert C. Martin

Clean Code is a must-read for any software developer, regardless of experience level. It will help you improve your efficiency and effectiveness by teaching you how to write clean code that fulfills users' needs while being easy to maintain. This book provides honest world advice on what makes good software engineering practices, so they can be implemented immediately to reap the benefits sooner rather than later. Besides, the author breaks down different concepts in an easy-to-understand way and provides many examples that make the material stick. I have read it multiple times and continue to reference it often. One thing to note: this book focuses on clean code rather than specific programming languages. While some language-specific tips are included, most of the information is applicable across all platforms.

Automate the Boring Stuff with Python, 2nd Edition: Practical Programming for Total Beginners by Al Sweigart

This is an excellent book for beginners who want to learn Python. It starts with the basics of programming before moving into specific applications that can be built using Python. The author walks through building simple apps such as anagram solvers and helps you understand how each piece works. The concepts can help during your interview process if they ask about algorithms or data structures and work on other projects later in your career.

Cracking the PM Interview: How to Land a Product Manager Job in Technology (Cracking the Interview & Career) by Gayle Laakmann McDowell

McDowell's book is geared towards product managers (PM). The interview process for a PM role is similar to that of a software engineer. The author shares her tips and strategies for acing the interview and solutions to common questions. I found this book especially helpful in understanding what hiring managers are looking for. It's given me some things to think about when preparing for my interviews.

Ask Your Developer: How to Harness the Power of Software Developers and Win in the 21st Century by Jeff Lawson

This book is a must-read for anyone passionate about software development. The author, the CEO, and co-founder of Twilio provide insights into building successful partnerships with developers and creating an environment where they can thrive. He also shares stories from his own experiences and other tech leaders, making for an exciting read.

The Pragmatic Programmer: Your Journey To Mastery by David Thomas and Andrew Hunt

This book is a classic in the programming world and for a good reason. It's geared towards intermediate to advanced developers, but beginners can learn a lot. The authors provide tons of tips and techniques for becoming a better programmer and advice on managing your career. I have read this book multiple times and continue to find new things each time.

The Manager's Path: A Guide for Tech Leaders Navigating Growth and Change by Camille Fournier

Camille Fournier's book is a must-read for anyone who wants to move into management and successfully lead a software development team. While it's geared towards managers in the tech industry, there is also lots of information that can be applied across other fields. The author provides concrete examples and steps you can take during each stage of your career, from starting to being a veteran manager, along with exercises at the end of each chapter that will help you apply what you've learned.

The Linux Command Line, 2nd Edition: A Complete Introduction by William Shotts

This lean software development book is perfect for learning more about the Linux command line. The author covers everything from basic commands to more advanced topics, making it a great reference guide. I found myself referring back to this book often when working with Linux-based systems.

Reasons to Work with Software Development Companies like Kapsys

Kapsys is a software development company specializing in helping SME (mainly) businesses work with developers to create custom applications. Besides, we are a software development house that listens to clients' needs and follows their processes and business values to achieve maximum efficiency. We at Kapsys have extensive experience helping companies develop and launch applications to various markets worldwide. Moreover, we have a team of experienced developers who can help you design, build, and deploy your application. In addition, we offer a wide range of services such as consultation, training, and support. If you're interested in learning more about how Kapsys can help you work as a software developer, don't hesitate to get in touch with us today. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Conclusion

We hope this list of the ten best software development books to read has given you some ideas for what to add to your reading queue. Keep in mind that there is much more software development content to get you started on our website, which we encourage you to check out. If these suggestions don't speak enough about how important it is for developers, feel free to contact Kapsys and talk with one of our team members who can help support you as a developer or manager through any challenges you may face. Thank you again for reading.