Tech Pro's Top Picks: Two Game-Changing Books

There’s a reason the cliche for taking studying seriously is “hitting the books” — a good, heavy tome can often be essential to gaining the knowledge and know-how you’re looking for. But then that begs the question: which books are good?

Good news: Andrei Parfenov, curriculum lead of TripleTen’s Software Engineering Program has the answer. Here are his two recommendations for books that are ideal for experienced coders and first-time programmers alike.

1. JavaScript: The Definitive Guide: Master the World's Most-Used Programming Language

Andrei is unambiguous about this recommendation. “If you want to seriously master JavaScript_{How Long Does It Take to Learn JavaScript?}, this is the perfect book,” he said.

This in-depth and authoritative guide to JavaScript, first published in 1996, is now on its seventh edition. So just in its longevity, you can see how valuable it’s been throughout the years. In fact, it’s often referred to as the “JavaScript bible” — yeah, it’s that significant. 

The core element fueling Andrei’s recommendation is this book’s breadth.

It starts with the very basics in detail and also covers complex topics like web platform design and Node.js. Andrei Parfenov, curriculum lead of TripleTen’s Software Engineering Program

So, no matter where you are in your coding journey — from just exploring core concepts to implementing client-side JavaScript APIs — it will tell you everything you need to know. And if you follow this book, your JavaScript chops will flourish naturally. By design, it gradually adds nuance to allow you to smoothly grow your expertise in the language.

In addition it can serve as a valuable reference tool even after you’ve started working more advanced programming concepts into your day-to-day approach to programming. Looking for the book on JavaScript? This is the one you want.

2. Become an Awesome Software Architect: Book 1: Foundation

It’s important to take a step back from one specific language sometimes. In fact, there’s true value in looking at the work of a software architect holistically. That’s exactly what you’ll find in this book, and it is what lies behind Andrei’s endorsement. “I’d recommend this book for those who are learning any programming language_{Top 9 Best Programming Languages to Learn in 2024} for software development,” he said.

This is because a software engineer does not code in isolation. As a programmer, you’re going to need to make informed decisions within the context of company strategy. This book helps people learn to bridge that gap.

The book explains really well how an engineer’s work connects to business goals and how to build sustainable applications and products. Andrei Parfenov, curriculum lead of TripleTen’s Software Engineering Program

And this expertise is something that developers will find themselves using throughout their career, so Andrei suggests people of all levels check it out: “It’s perfect for both experienced developers and those who have just started learning to create web and mobile applications.”

Discover more

But if you want more recommendations from Andrei, check out our recent post all about the best podcasts for aspiring coders_{Two Must-Listen Tech Podcasts According to Our Industry Pro}.