Why? To me, it explains the very foundation of programming, using the simplest possible syntax (Scheme). That book was incredibly helpful when I tried to grokk how programming actually works. (There are other models too, but this one really resonated with me. YMMV.)
K&R. Simple, clear writing about very basic and fundamental operations. Short, but contains enough information to run the entire digital world with one kernel. It frankly is one of the best and most important books in human history.
Chapman's Piloting and Seamanship. Has great illustrations, important for understanding something so physical and practical. Also has a great binding and paper quality.
Comments
SICP, along with the free YouTube lectures!
[0] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-J_xL4IGhJA&list=PLE18841CAB...
Same here.
Why? To me, it explains the very foundation of programming, using the simplest possible syntax (Scheme). That book was incredibly helpful when I tried to grokk how programming actually works. (There are other models too, but this one really resonated with me. YMMV.)
K&R. Simple, clear writing about very basic and fundamental operations. Short, but contains enough information to run the entire digital world with one kernel. It frankly is one of the best and most important books in human history.
Chapman's Piloting and Seamanship. Has great illustrations, important for understanding something so physical and practical. Also has a great binding and paper quality.