Technology is more accessible than it has ever been and will only become more ubiquitous with time. Though using a search engine or infinitely scrolling through Instagram’s discover page are intuitive tasks, the algorithms and coding languages used to create these interfaces are far more complex.
Though coding can now be learned in grade school or on YouTube, there are countless concepts that any computer scientist needs to acquire to truly grasp the vast applications and future capabilities of computer science algorithms and data. Relevant textbooks are essential to cover the ever-growing breadth of content in the field.
Along with algebra textbooks and engineering textbooks, BookScouter has put together a list of 10 of its most searched computer science books.
Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach
by Stuart J. Russell, Peter Norvig
Here, the cover says it all. A robotic hand, undoubtedly powered by artificial intelligence, strategically places a pawn on a chess board. Authors Russell and Norvig detail the critical applications of AI technology in all aspects of modernity. They provide different learning approaches and updated exercises for better learning.
Clean Code: A Handbook of Agile Software Craftsman
Coding is the basic alphabet of computer functions. Poor coding can bring apps, websites, and entire browsers to their knees. Software expert Robert Martin presents young coders with Clean Code, a set of principles sharpened by the expert advice of thousands of coders in this practical handbook.
Algorithms (4th Edition)
by Robert Sedgewick, Kevin Wayne
This textbook provides a review of the most important algorithms that are commonly used in computer science fields. It fully explores the data structures needed for graph processing, searching, and sorting among other things. Algorithms represent 50 years of knowledge.
Code: The Hidden Language of Computer Hardware and Software
In Code, Petzold explores the amazing ways humans are consistently creating new forms of communication and how that endeavor has driven technological advancement over the last 200 years. Charles Petzold uses a variety of communication tools, including Morse code and Braille, as well as historical examples to tell the story of the origin of technology, computers, and artificial intelligence.
A Common-Sense Guide to Data Structures and Algorithms, Second Edition: Level Up Your Core Programming Skills
To write good code, a sound knowledge of algorithms and data structure is essential. This textbook provides practical tools and scenarios to assist students and readers in daily code production whether it be JavaScript, Python, or Ruby. Each chapter contains exercises and solutions for additional practice.
The C Programming Language
Brian Kernighan has been a Princeton University Computer Science professor for over two decades. This title is the very first book written on C programming and Kernighan is credited with the popularisation of the C programming language which continues to be widely used by students and academics alike.
Algorithms to Live By: The Computer Science of Human Decisions
by Brian Christian, Tom Griffiths
Much like Coded, Algorithms to Live By explores just how connected human nature and computer algorithms are. Christian and Griffiths propose that computer algorithms can help answer human questions. Algorithms to Live By translates computer science into strategies for human living.
SQL QuickStart Guide: The Simplified Beginner’s Guide to Managing, Analyzing, and Manipulating Data with SQL
SQL is the backbone of modern data management and interpretation. It is a programming language that is specially equipped to store and easily access massive databases efficiently. This textbook serves as a guide for those who want to enhance their career prospects in data-driven professions.
Introduction to Algorithms, Third Edition (International Edition)
Introduction to Algorithms is both rigorous and broad in its scope. It tackles the key concepts and mathematical algorithms that are essential in computer science. It also encompasses numerous problems and examples for practice and enhanced understanding.
Swipe to Unlock: The Primer on Technology and Business Strategy (Fast Forward Your Product Career: The Two Books Required to Land Any PM Job)
by Neel Mehta, Aditya Agashe, Parth Detroja
Not one, not two but three product managers at Facebook, Microsoft, and Google have put together a comprehensive guide for combining technology and business strategy. Though it is not exactly a textbook, Swipe to Unlock is an exceptional resource for anyone pursuing a career in high-powered careers in the tech industry.
These are 10 of the most searched computer science books. September is just around the corner, and that means that we’re all getting ready for the fall semester. If you’re a student in computer science or any other major, BookScouter is the best place for you to find affordable books you need for your courses.
All you need to do is enter your book’s ISBN on our website, and you can buy cheap textbooks, rent textbooks, or sell used books, all at a great price.
With BookScouter, you can avoid crazy textbook prices and spend $600 less on your college books each semester. Sell your old textbooks and purchase your next semester’s textbooks all in the same place or get textbooks online for free. There’s a great article on how to get free college textbooks under an open license. Feel free to check!
