Programming is an art! Like artists, musicians, and writers, IT people can create beautiful things: code can impress and even change the course of life. But a unique code requires not only talent, but also continuous learning. We have put together for you our Top 10 books that every self-respecting programmer should read to be the best!

1. “Clean Code. Creation, Analysis and Refactoring”.
   Written by Robert K. Martin

The skill of code writing is perfected through years of trial and error. Sometimes you want to spare yourself from years of hard work and tame the stubborn code a bit faster – mistakes and experience of other programmers are of much help (or the book by the legendary Uncle Bob “Clean Code. Creation, Analysis and Refactoring”). This anthology contains invaluable information about code cleanup and software development, and you can find detailed step-by-step instructions on writing and refactoring code.

Also, after reading the book, you will be able to incorporate Agile methodology, one of the leading forms of SDLC (Software development lifecycle or system development life cycle), into your software development projects and become a more determined and disciplined programmer than before.

2. “Algorithms. Construction and Analysis.”
   Authored by Thomas H. Cormen, Charles E. Lazerson.

This book describes a wide variety of algorithms in simple human language, so that readers of all backgrounds can successfully absorb the information. The descriptions of the algorithms are supplemented by pseudocode, which allows anyone with at least basic programming knowledge and experience to implement the algorithm in the programming language they use. Rigorous mathematical analysis and an abundance of theorems are accompanied by plenty of illustrations, elementary reasoning, and simple approximations.

3. “Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs.”
   By Harold Abelson, Gerald J. Sussman

“Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs,” also known as SICP, is one of the best books for learning the basics of programming. SICP is a universal programming textbook used as a basic programming course at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Here you will find both a description of the various systems of program syntax and an analysis of the transition from a set of algorithms to program code. Considerable space is devoted to a discussion of the set of “elementary programs” used as design elements for programs of higher levels of complexity, optimizing their “weight” ratio and efficiency.

4. “The Ideal Programmer. How to become a software development professional”
   Author Robert K. Martin.

Another book with a capital “K” from the experienced software engineer Robert K. Martin is dedicated to the methods and tools with which you can achieve real excellence in software development. It covers not only how to write clean code, but also how to raise yourself to be a skilled professional programmer.

5. “Perfect Code: A Practical Guide to Software Development.”
   By Steve McConnell

For more than 10 years, the first edition of this book was considered one of the best practical guides to programming. Naturally, the latest version of the book has been updated to reflect current trends and technology, and updated with hundreds of new examples illustrating the art and science of programming.

Drawing on academic research on the one hand and practical experience in commercial software development on the other, the author has synthesized from the most effective techniques and the most effective principles a clear, pragmatic guide. No matter what your professional level or what you have or haven’t worked with before, this book will help you find the information you need to create the perfect code.

6. “Object-Oriented Design Techniques. Design Patterns.”
   Written by John Vlissides, Erich Gamma, Richard Helm

This book describes simple and elegant solutions to typical problems that arise in object-oriented design. Why did patterns come into being? Because many developers have been looking for ways to increase the flexibility and reusability of their programs. And here they are, found solutions in a concise and easy to practice form, right in front of your nose. Thanks to the patterns contained in this guide, you can easily develop your own applications. Both experienced specialists and novice programmers will love this book.

7. “Pragmatic Programmer. From Apprentice to Master”.
   By Andrew Hunt, David Thomas

A small lyrical digression: there is a 20 years difference between the first and the second edition of the book! This book is for every programmer who wants to become an experienced software developer and a professional with a capital letter.

8. “Head First. Design Patterns. Updated Anniversary Edition.”
   By Eric Freeman, Elizabeth Robson

The Head First series of books is known for its innovative way of breaking down complex topics into simpler and easier to grasp whole. Within the pages, you’ll find plenty of illustrative and brain-stimulating examples that make learning both effective and fun. Unlike other programming books that contain a lot of text, this book has a rich, visual format that makes you instantly immersed in the thought process.

9. “Refactoring. Improving Existing Code.”
   Written by Martin Fowler

Refactoring is a vital programming concept for understanding the basic aspects of writing clean and reliable code. Martin Fowler’s book covers all the major types of refactoring that any experienced programmer should know about. The latest refactoring includes examples of JS code and examples demonstrating refactoring without classes.

What is refactoring? Why does code need refactoring? How do you recognize code that needs refactoring? You know the answers to all these and several other important questions related to code refactoring.

The book is based on a detailed list of more than 70 refactoring methods, for each of which the motivation and technique of tried-and-true code conversion with examples in Java are described. The methods covered in the book allow you to modify the code in stages, making small changes each time, thus reducing the risk associated with project development.

10. “The Art of Programming,” Volumes 1-4.
    By Donald E. Knuth

Volume 1: Basic algorithms
Volume 2: Semi-numerical algorithms
Volume 3: Sorting and searching
Volume 4A: Combinatorial Algorithms

This series of programming books is for the tough nuts. Bill Gates’ words prove it: “if you think you’re a great programmer, read The Art of Programming, and if you can handle it all, write me.”

Donald E. Knuth, author of the Art of Computer Programming series, even won the Turing Prize (the equivalent of the Nobel Prize in Computer Science).