Top books for aspiring computer science students

College Majors Science Majors
1

<p>What are some recommended books for aspiring computer science students? Should I read philosophical works that delve into artificial intelligence and/or cognitive science? Or, would more technically savvy works suffice?</p>

2

<p>Learn how to code. Can’t do jack without understanding how to use the tools.</p>

3

<p>The Art of Computer Programming</p>

<p>Just kidding. That book is a monster. But aspire to its level</p>

4

<p>Introductory computer science book: [Welcome</a> to the SICP Web Site](<a href=“http://mitpress.mit.edu/sicp/]Welcome”>http://mitpress.mit.edu/sicp/)</p>

<p>Discrete math book: <a href=“http://www.cims.nyu.edu/~regev/teaching/discrete_math_fall_2005/dmbook.pdf[/url]”>http://www.cims.nyu.edu/~regev/teaching/discrete_math_fall_2005/dmbook.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

5

<p>If you are a total beginner, you need to learn to code:
I would recommend avoiding SICP/Scheme, because in my personal opinion (and this is just an opinion) the book is too abstract.</p>

<p>Instead, learn Python. This is an awesome interactive online book, where you get to actually write Python code on the website:
[How</a> to Think Like a Computer Scientist — How to Think like a Computer Scientist: Interactive Edition](<a href=“http://interactivepython.org/courselib/static/thinkcspy/index.html]How”>http://interactivepython.org/courselib/static/thinkcspy/index.html)</p>

<p>You could also learn Java, but in my opinion Python is slightly more beginner friendly, and Java does not have awesome tutorials like Python does.</p>

<p>Afterwards (or if you already know how to code):
Since you’re not in college yet (I assume), avoid theory - you’ll have plenty of time for that in college.
Learn “practical” skills - you won’t have as many opportunities to practice them in college. The best way to learn skills is to learn by doing - read up a tutorial/short book on the topic, then start coding and read more / google your questions as you go.
There are tons of interesting areas out there: web programming (not HTML/CSS, but JavaScript, and server-side languages like Python/Ruby/PHP), iPhone programming, Android programming.</p>

6

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<p>Disagree here. At least sample SICP (doing the examples and exercises) and the discrete math books to get an idea of what you will see when you study CS in college. Do that in conjunction with learning other programming languages like Python, Java, C, C++, etc. (Java and C++ may be good for practicing attention to detail that is also important when writing software).</p>

7

<p>I think you should check this out.
I hope it will be helpful.
[12</a> Best Books For Computer Science Students & Professionals](<a href=“http://techwikasta.com/2013/04/12-best-books-for-computer-science-students-professionals/]12”>http://techwikasta.com/2013/04/12-best-books-for-computer-science-students-professionals/)</p>

8

<p>I always liked those “Learn Python in 21 Days,” “Learn Java in 21 Days,” “Learn Javascript in 21 Days” types of books. They’re not at all academic, but they’re easy introductions to programming.</p>

<p>You just have to hope the example programs work, otherwise you end up pulling your hair out trying to figure out what’s going on.</p>