10 Best Computer Science Books

Computer science is becoming increasingly popular and making great strides. Nowadays, most careers are related to computer science, and many people want to start working in this field.

If you are looking to learn more about this subject, you can also find more books.

The 10 books introduced in this article will provide helpful information about computer science. They are suitable for both novices and experienced professionals in information technology professions.

These books will introduce you to computer programming, information security and data analysis, and related skills. Each book on this list has outstanding features in form and content. Now let’s jump straight in!

1. The Self-Taught Computer Scientist

The Self-Taught Computer Scientist: The Beginner’s Guide to Data Structures & Algorithms – Cory Althoff

Specification:

  • Language: English
  • Paperback: 224 pages
  • Item Weight: 13.6 ounces
  • Dimensions: 7.38 x 0.51 x 9.25 inches

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Reason To Buy

  • Provide useful additional tools
  • Introduction of different algorithms
  • Help increase confidence before the interview
  • Provide knowledge of data structures, arrays, binaries, and graphs

Review

The first book that I want to recommend to you is a book for those who are new to programming.

The author of this book is Cory Althoff, a college graduate with a major in political science. He spent time researching and self-taught computer science and programming skills. His efforts got him a job as a software engineer at eBay.

His self-study and his experiences are included in this book. The author has explained all the concepts and algorithms as simply as possible.

I read it when I had no background in computer science, and this book equipped me with the basics. As I go through each page of the book, I feel a new world opening up before my eyes.

The issues the book deals with are all fundamental. Since these are the author’s self-study experiences, it benefits those seeking knowledge about the field.

Even candidates with experience in the information technology industry should take advantage of this publication. They can help you fill your knowledge gaps and gain more confidence to enter job interviews.

2. The Computer Science Book

The Computer Science Book: A complete introduction to computer science in one book – Thomas Johnson

Specification:

  • Publication date: October 10, 2020
  • Language: English
  • File size: 16413 KB
  • Print length: 410 pages

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Reason To Buy

  • Captivating voice
  • Contain factual information
  • 10 chapters with helpful content
  • Provide personal experiences and useful tips

Review

The second book I want to mention on this list is a publication by Tom Johnson.

I have learned a lot from this book, from the background knowledge to understand the field to the experience to apply in real work.

Before that, I needed to understand the nature of writing codes. The book helped me know computer science’s fundamental principles and laws.

It is a problem that I have been lacking for a long time. Each chapter of the book discussed a separate topic, and I was very confident after grasping the critical points of the issue that the author was concerned about.

The author graduated from Oxford University with a degree in modern languages ​​before becoming a software developer. So, the way he presents his work is friendly and engaging.

I felt confident, and the author aroused my curiosity and interest in learning. It is an indispensable book when you want to learn about computer science.

3. The Art of Computer Programming

The Art of Computer Programming, Volumes 1-4A Boxed Set – Donald Knuth, Donald John Fuller

Specification:

  • Language: English
  • Hardcover: 3168 pages
  • Item Weight: 12.82 ounces
  • Dimensions: 9 x 8.9 x 9 inches

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Reason To Buy

  • Provide in-depth analysis
  • Impressive presentations
  • Interesting set of questions
  • Written by a famous author
  • Received good feedback from leading experts

Review

The next book on my list is from Professor Donald E. Knuth. He is a well-known expert in computers and information technology. Therefore, the knowledge he gave was profound and highly accurate. With extensive computer science and art background, he turned his book into an exciting adventure.

I was very impressed with the way the in-depth author analysis of each algorithm, related them, and showed the correlation between problems.

Each volume focuses on clarifying specific areas of knowledge. It is a math-heavy series, which I found challenging to start with.

But when I understood what the author wanted to convey, it gave me the expertise to increase in programming and computer science-related jobs.

I greatly appreciate the sound the author arranges the information. Questions to solve are my favorite part of this series. These all contain rating information on different difficulty levels for readers to try.

It allows me to double-check my knowledge and provides an opportunity for logical thinking. The answers lie at the back of the book, taking the reader on an exciting intellectual journey.

4. AP Computer Science A

AP Computer Science A Premium: Comprehensive Review with 6 Practice Tests + an Online Timed Test Option (Barron’s Test Prep) – Roselyn Teukolsky M.S.

Specification:

  • Language: English
  • Paperback: 496 pages
  • Item Weight: 1.72 ounces
  • Dimensions: 8.38 x 0.9 x 10.88 inches

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Reason To Buy

  • Credentials
  • Constantly updating
  • Good study support
  • Sample questions closely follow the real exam

Review

If you are looking for a resource to help you prepare and test your knowledge for exams and tests, then AP Computer Science A Premium, 2022-2023, is the book you need. I received this book from a teacher I admired before the exam. It became my savior to study and get an A on my AP Computer Science A exam.

This book is the work of Roselyn Teukolsky, an expert in computer science with 20 years of experience. She has received many impressive awards and has been featured in many prestigious articles. You can completely trust the information in her book.

Plus, this book is still regularly updated to help keep the information it offers up to date. The tests in the book are very close to the actual exam.

I have done many sample questions in the book, and this is a highly influential review for any student.

The questions asked will help you consolidate what you have learned, remember concepts longer, and learn how to complete exercises to apply skills.

5. The Art of Doing Science and Engineering

The Art of Doing Science and Engineering: Learning to Learn – Richard W. Hamming, Bret Victor

Specification:

  • Language: English
  • Hardcover: 432 pages
  • Item Weight: 2.1 pounds
  • Dimensions: 6.25 x 1.25 x 9.25 inches

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Reason To Buy

  • Hardcover
  • Highly artistic
  • Beautiful picture
  • Captivating storytelling
  • Extensive knowledge

Review

You are too familiar with Hamming code when working and studying computer science. Amazingly, The Art of Doing Science and Engineering: Learning to Learn is an excellent work by Richard Hamming.

This book has helped me understand history in an engaging and artistic voice. Although the work was released in 1994, it still has a great value up to now.

The book includes the author’s thoughts on stories and fields related to computer science. It is as close to me as a professor’s lecture in a university hall. I like how the author explains and connects the issues, which evokes a lot of growth thinking.

The book will reach you in a very clean hardcover. You will feel more inspired to learn with this look of the work. The work’s charts have also been revised and redesigned to bring eye-catching images to readers.

6. Computer Science Distilled

Computer Science Distilled: Learn the Art of Solving Computational Problems – Wladston Ferreira Filho, Raimondo Pictet

Specification:

  • Language: English
  • Paperback: 182 pages
  • Item Weight: 10.4 ounces
  • Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.49 x 8.5 inches

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Reason To Buy

  • Basic knowledge
  • Attractive presentation
  • Attractive humorous voice
  • Simple and easy instructions

Review

As a programmer who loves literature, Wladston Ferreira Filho has published 2 books related to computer science. And Computer Science Distilled: Learn the Art of Solving Computational Problems is one of his two works.

This book became famous because he presented the issues clearly and easy-to-understand manner. I was able to understand the items he proposed in a short time.

This book only goes into a bit of detail about the in-depth knowledge but mainly deals with the basic math and programming aspects. I was fascinated by the cute images and funny voices of the author.

It helps the dry knowledge no longer become boring. The concepts are all elementary to understand, and I had no trouble reading this book.

7. Computer Science Principles

Computer Science Principles: The Foundational Concepts of Computer Science – Mr. Kevin P Hare, Pindar Van Arman

Specification:

  • Language: English
  • Paperback: 258 pages
  • Item Weight: 13.6 ounces
  • Dimensions: 6 x 0.65 x 9 inches

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Reason To Buy

  • Beautiful picture
  • Good inspiration
  • Conveying knowledge easily
  • Provides helpful guidances

Review

The basic knowledge that author Kevin Hare presents in Computer Science Principles will be helpful guidelines for you in the AP Computer Science exam.

The issues presented in this book are apparent and easy to understand. Any student reading will understand what the author wants to convey.

The book had the latest update in 2020, with fresh and up-to-date content. Bright and clear images are reasonable means of conveying information, helping readers grasp knowledge more quickly.

Also, this book allows me to imagine and associate and elicits very interesting open-mindedness. It has inspired me in the learning process, and learning computer science is no longer boring after owning this work.

8. A Programmer’s Guide to Computer Science

A Programmer’s Guide to Computer Science: A virtual degree for the self-taught developer – Dr. William M Springer II, Nicholas R Allgood, Brit Springer

Specification:

  • Language: English
  • Paperback: 188 pages
  • Item Weight: 9.3 ounces
  • Dimensions: 6 x 0.43 x 9 inches

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Reason To Buy

  • Exciting and easy to read
  • Provides practical problem-solving skills
  • Teach basic programming knowledge
  • Bringing the whole scene in computer technology

Review

Textbooks always make me feel bored and make it challenging to study.

Looking for a document that would make it easier for me to understand the textbook problems, I found A Programmer’s Guide to Computer Science. It was my savior in college.

The volume covers issues frequently present in professional discussions. It helped me grasp the knowledge quickly and without difficulty.

William Springer is a veteran of the computer technology industry. He has a Ph.D. in computer science, working at a large software company. So he can bring knowledge most practically and understandably for students like me.

After reading this book, I solved programming basics and understood common concepts in the field. It also provided me with real-world problem-solving skills.

I could fill in the gaps in my knowledge thanks to this book. If you are self-taught in programming, choose to buy publications to make the job easier.

9. Help Your Kids with Computer Science

Help Your Kids with Computer Science – DK

Specification:

  • Language: English
  • Paperback: 256 pages
  • Item Weight: 1.7 pounds
  • Dimensions: 7.75 x 0.72 x 9.19 inches

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Reason To Buy

  • Low price
  • Vivid illustrations
  • Get inspired to learn
  • Knowledge is concise

Review

Help Your Kids with Computer Science is an excellent book for young people learning about computer science.

I was highly impressed with the clear and colorful illustrations of the product. They acquire knowledge that is no longer dry and rigid. I am very excited about the new lessons; this book has given me limitless inspiration.

Each chapter of the book deals with different problems in the field of computer science. Each section focuses on explaining concepts in a concise and easy-to-understand manner. It is a must-have book for children and adults to learn about the profession.

10. CODE

Code: The Hidden Language of Computer Hardware and Software – Charles Petzold

Specification:

  • Language: English
  • Paperback: 480 pages
  • Item Weight: 1.46 pounds
  • Dimensions: 6 x 0.97 x 9.05 inches

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Reason To Buy

  • Low price
  • Vivid illustrations
  • Get inspired to learn
  • Easy knowledge to understand

Review

Help Your Kids with Computer Science is an excellent book for young people learning about computer science. I was impressed with the clear and colorful illustrations of the product. They acquire knowledge that is no longer dry.

I am very excited about the new lessons; this book has given me limitless inspiration. Each chapter of the book deals with different problems in the field of computer science.

Each section focuses on explaining concepts in a concise manner. It is a must-have book for children and adults to learn about the profession.

Buying Guide

Many factors determine which book you should buy when learning about computer science. Everyone will have their selection criteria. Here are a few things I suggest you should consider.

Author

First, you need to identify the author you want to read. Each author will have a different voice, experience, and field knowledge. If you want to learn aspects of the subject in depth, look for books by famous professors.

Look to young authors if you want to read popular scientific publications. Senior authors will help you gain work experience and solve real-world problems.

Content

The book’s content may focus on one or several problems in computer science.

It will help if you read these publications for a deeper understanding of the details. In-depth works will be extremely useful for students and professionals who need a deep understanding.

But if you are just a beginner or want to learn the basics, you should choose works that cover the basics. These publications will explain concepts and describe issues easily.

Price

Finally, you should pay attention to the cost of the product. Usually, the books can come in hardcover or paperback. Hardcovers will cost more, but in return, they are much more beautiful and durable than paperbacks.

Many titles are available in PDF versions at a much lower price than the hard copy. You can find these soft files on the website that provides genuine books.

FAQs

Here I will solve some of the problems many people often ask when buying computer science books. I hope these answers are helpful to you.

What is the hottest field in computer science?

In computer science, there are many popular majors that many people are interested in. These majors are applicable, creating good job opportunities. These can be Database Administration, Programming, or Information Security.

What is the future of computer science?

According to researchers, in the future, computer science will become more and more popular and applied in all areas of social life.

They provide employment and development opportunities to tens of thousands of people in all fields around the world.

Which field is best for the future?

According to experts, cyber security will be the hottest field in computer science in the coming years.

Which computer degree is best for the future?

The most basic and essential degree you should have is a bachelor’s degree in a computer science-related field.

These majors could be Cybersecurity, Systems & Network Administration, Computer Engineering, or Information Technology and Information Systems.

Which IT field is the best?

Information Security is currently an issue that many units and businesses are interested in. Fighting viruses and hackers is the top security factor to avoid draining resources on digital platforms.

Final Thoughts

Computer science is a field that is experiencing tremendous growth in recent times. It is a promising industry group with high job opportunities in the future.

Books on computer science will provide helpful support for you when learning about this field. The AP Computer Science A Premium and Art of Computer Programming is an informative book you will enjoy.

My detailed reviews of the best CS books have helped you choose the best publication. I wish you good learning!