r/AskProgramming · 2021
Most-mentioned books in r/AskProgramming during 2021
This page ranks books by exact tracked mentions in r/AskProgramming within the published source unit for 2021. Counts come from the reconciled subreddit-by-month matrix; a source unit may be a bounded sample.
#1 Code: The Hidden Language of Computer Hardware and Software
Charles Petzold
A retired software engineer builds a computer from telegraph relays and flashlights, one chapter at a time, until you understand what a CPU actually does.
#2 The C Programming Language
Brian W. Kernighan
The 1978 book that defined C's syntax, co-written by its creator, still cited by name 281 times across Reddit in 7 years.
#3 Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs
Harold Abelson
MIT's 1985 Scheme textbook that 319 Reddit commenters have recommended and a noticeably smaller number have finished.
#4 Effective Java
Joshua Bloch
Joshua Bloch's item-by-item case for writing Java the way the platform was designed to be used, with 90 independent recommendations that aged better than most of the language.
#5 Think Like a Programmer
V. Anton Spraul
V. Anton Spraul's guide to breaking down any programming problem before writing a single line of code — written for learners who know syntax but freeze at blank pages.
#6 Working Effectively with Legacy Code
Michael C. Feathers
Michael Feathers wrote the book for the developer who just inherited 30 devs' worth of code across 5 years in 5 different styles and has to ship next quarter.