The 4 Best Coding Books Every Beginner Should Own

So, you’re thinking about hanging up your scrubs for a comfortable wear-at-home hoodie. Or maybe you’re tired of using your red pen for grading papers, but you still want to use those critical thinking skills. Just in a different way. 

Enter computer programming. 

Whatever has convinced you to learn to code, knowing where to start is sometimes the hardest part. With so much information about there, how can you be sure you’re getting quality content?

We reached out to experts in the field to get their recommendations for the best books to learn coding. Check them out from your local library, download them to your digital reader of choice, or add them to your cart online. Keep reading to learn the four best coding books for beginners that should be on your radar. 

For those wanting to learn JavaScript

First things first. JavaScript_{Why Learning JavaScript Will Ensure You Stay In Demand For Years to Come} is at the core of web development. It’s also one of the only programming languages that is fully integrated with HTML and CSS. Not sure what any of that means? Don’t worry. Here are a few coding books that will make the whole JavaScript thing make more sense.

1. Eloquent JavaScript

Author: Marjin Haverbeke.
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From social media to e-commerce sites, JavaScript is the tech behind your favorite applications. Because it’s so widely used, you’d be wise to start your tech journey here. Build your programming foundation — even without a computer science degree.

Read the book to learn:

• The essential elements of programming, including syntax, control, and data
• Best practices to organize and clarify your code
• In-demand skills necessary make basic web applications

For those who are visual learners

When you’re looking for tools to help you learn coding, having a visual resource can be incredibly powerful. The step-by-step guides are perfect for anyone looking for coding books that put a picture to an explanation.

2. Web Design with HTML, CSS, JavaScript and jQuery Set

Author: Jon Duckett.
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Why settle for one resource when you can get two? This set includes two of the best coding books for aspiring web developers. The visual explanations offer a beginner-friendly introduction to HTML and CSS. You won’t be sorry you got these.

Read the books to learn:

• Basics like structure, style with CSS, and HTML5
• New programming languages through diagrams, infographics, photos, and more
• How to nerd out about coding — when you don’t have any experience

For those who are history buffs

When you’re transitioning to a career in tech, you likely haven’t taken a course on the history of coding. In fact, did you know that computer programming was founded by a woman? Before you dig into the “how-to” of Java, Python, and C, maybe you want to know more about the “how come.”

3. You Don't Know JS Yet: Get Started

Author: Kyle Simpson.
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It all begins with an idea. For you, that idea might have been to venture into the world of tech. And for programming, that idea often spurred from JavaScript. This book is your entry into the world of JS — and your jumping off point to grow your big idea.

Read the book to learn:

• JavaScripts fundamental details and history
• Common myths about the programming language
• How JS actually works

For those who want to put the pieces together

When beginning your journey into tech, often it’s easy to just think about the individual components: How to learn a specific language, how to use python for programming, how to do one task. But what do you do with all of those things? How do they fit together you can become a full stack engineer? What happens next?

4. Gang of Four Design Patterns

Authors: Erich Gamma, Richard Helm, Ralph Johnson, and John Vlsissides.
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If you want to better understand how all the different languages, tactics, and principles come together, this is your book. After reading GoF, you’ll be able to understand how to use what you’ve learned and apply it to your future projects.

Read the book to learn:

• How to apply your skills to concrete situations
• Critical thinking strategies to move you from “a coder” to “a software engineer”
• Frameworks to understand design patterns in programming

When books aren’t enough

Hopefully one of these coding books will help you become the tech professional we know you can be. But sometimes it helps to have a little extra coaching.

The world of coding is ever changing — new technologies, strategies, and use cases are constantly emerging. That’s why if you really want to make it in tech, we suggest you look to resources that are up-to-date. And can provide you with personalized help.

TripleTen’s Software Engineering Bootcamp is a part-time program for beginners. Our program is built by professionals in the field — and continues to evolve to ensure it’s staying current with the latest trends. Chat with one of our career advisors and get the personalized educational experience that you can’t get anywhere else.