📖 Getting Booked and Busy!
6 Top Free Online Books for Learning to Code whilst Cherlock takes a break!
Hello to my fellow ever-growing devs!
Happy New Year! 🎉
With the new year comes new and exciting opportunities for learning and growth and so much to look forward to and achieve.
It’s also a great time for reflection on what we’ve done last year. Maybe you worked really hard, or maybe you feel like you didn’t reach the goals you had, but that’s okay.
I plan on using these first few weeks to take a step back figure out exactly how I’m going to achieve my new year goals.
Starting with a little holiday 🏝️. I’m off to Thailand where I hope to relax, reflect and plan!
It’s been one full year of posting articles twice a week, every week, and phew I need me a quick break! 😅
With that in mind I may not be able to post for a little while, but don’t worry I’ll be back soon - hopefully with some bigger and better content!
In the meantime whilst I’m away...
If part of your goals for 2024 is to continue (or start) your coding journey, then you might want to check out a few books.
Now there’s already endless lists online of the best programming books to learn how to code, but not many of these books are available online, let alone for free.
That’s why I’ve put together a quick list of six top coding books you can read online for free for you to check out:
#1 - Eloquent JavaScript
By Marijn Haverbeke
"Eloquent JavaScript: A Modern Introduction to Programming" by Marijn Haverbeke is a comprehensive guide to JavaScript.
This book is tailored for beginners and intermediate programmers, offering a deep dive into the JavaScript language.
It combines clear explanations with hands-on examples and exercises.
The book covers a range of topics from basic language constructs to complex topics like functional and asynchronous programming.
Its engaging and accessible style, along with practical projects, makes it a popular choice if you’re looking to build a solid foundation in JavaScript and web programming.
#2 - The Python Coding Book
By Stephen Gruppetta
"The Python Coding Book" is designed to deepen your understanding of Python programming beyond just learning the methods.
It emphasises the importance of thinking like a computer and understanding programming tools intimately.
The book uses unique analogies to make learning engaging, including references to The White Room, coffee machines, and climbing a tree.
Targeted at beginners and those struggling with the basics, the book is divided into two parts: general programming for all purposes and quantitative programming for data-driven fields like science and finance.
This structure makes it suitable for a range of learners seeking a deeper grasp of coding logic and application.
#3 - Learn Ruby The Hard Way
By Zed A. Shaw
"Learn Ruby the Hard Way" by Zed A. Shaw is an instructional book aimed at teaching Ruby programming to beginners.
The book follows Shaw's characteristic "hard way" approach, which emphasises practice and repetition to instill a deep understanding of programming.
It guides you through a series of exercises that gradually increase in complexity, teaching the fundamentals of Ruby, a popular and versatile programming language.
This approach is designed to build confidence and skills in new programmers, ensuring they not only learn Ruby's syntax but also understand the underlying principles of coding.
The book is well-suited for individuals who are new to programming and those who prefer a structured, step-by-step method of learning.
#4 - Dive Into HTML5
By Mark Pilgrim
"Dive Into HTML5" by Mark Pilgrim is an insightful book that provides a thorough exploration of HTML5, the latest standard for HTML.
The book is known for its clear, engaging writing style and practical approach, making it an excellent resource for both beginners and experienced web developers.
It delves into various aspects of HTML5, covering everything from the basics to more advanced features like geolocation, local storage, canvas, and video/audio API.
The book also discusses the history and evolution of web standards, offering a deeper understanding of how and why HTML5 came to be.
#5 - You Don’t Know JS
By Kyle Simpson
The "You Don't Know JS" series, authored by Kyle Simpson, is a collection of books that delve deeply into the nuances, mechanisms, and concepts of JavaScript.
This series stands out for its detailed and thorough examination of JavaScript, making it a valuable resource for both beginners and experienced developers who want to gain a deeper understanding of the language.
Simpson's approach is known for demystifying complex aspects of JavaScript, offering insights into how it works under the hood and best practices for using it effectively.
The series covers a range of topics from scopes, closures, and asynchronous programming to more advanced concepts.
#6 - Thinking In Java
By Bruce Eckel
"Thinking in Java" by Bruce Eckel is a widely acclaimed book that offers a deep dive into Java programming.
The 4th edition, specifically, updates its content to reflect some of the later developments in Java technology.
Eckel's book is praised for its clear explanations and thorough coverage of Java programming concepts.
It is designed to provide a solid foundation for beginners, yet remains detailed enough to be useful for experienced programmers.
The book covers fundamental concepts of Java programming, including object-oriented programming principles, concurrency, GUI design, and Java's standard libraries.
It also includes practical examples and exercises to reinforce learning.
That’s all from me for now folks, see you on the other side! 😎
From your fellow ever-growing dev,
Cherlock Code
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