The Self-taught Programmer: The Definitive Guide to Programming Professionally

The Self-Taught Programmer is a great software design book that covers everything you need to know to program professionally, from learning to code to passing your first technical interview. It is divided into five sections and is written by a self-taught programmer who learned to program well enough to land a job as a software engineer II at eBay.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 13 January 2022
Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

One of the most exceptional software design books of all time, The Self-Taught Programmer, is authored by Cory Althoff, a self-taught programmer. After a year of rigorous self-study, Althoff gained the skills necessary to secure a job as a software engineer II at eBay. However, upon his arrival, he quickly realized that he was severely under-prepared for the challenges that lay ahead. The sheer volume of knowledge he needed to acquire overwhelmed him, as he had not had the opportunity to learn it during his self-study.

This book goes beyond just teaching programming concepts. It is a comprehensive guide that aims to equip readers with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue a successful career in software engineering. While it does cover the fundamentals of coding, Althoff recognizes that it is not enough to be proficient in programming alone. He understands that to excel in the professional world, programmers must also possess a wide range of other skills that are often overlooked by traditional education.

The Self-Taught Programmer is divided into five sections, each designed to take readers on a journey from writing their first Python program to passing their first technical interview. In the first section, readers are introduced to the Python programming language and guided through the process of building their first program. The second section delves into object-oriented programming, a fundamental concept in software development. By utilizing Python, readers are encouraged to create powerful programs that will captivate their interest and motivate them to continue learning.

The third section focuses on essential tools such as Git, Bash, and regular expressions. These tools are crucial for software engineers, as they enable them to manage their code repositories, automate repetitive tasks, and enhance their coding efficiency. With these skills in hand, readers can embark on a project to build a web scraper, a tool that allows them to extract data from websites automatically.

The fourth section delves into computer science fundamentals, including data structures and algorithms. These concepts are fundamental to understanding the underlying principles of software development and are essential for building robust and scalable systems. By studying these topics, readers will gain a deeper understanding of the theoretical foundations of programming and be well-prepared for more advanced programming challenges.

The fifth and final section of the book provides valuable tips and advice on landing a programming job. Althoff shares his own experiences and insights into the job market, offering guidance on how to enhance one's resume, prepare for interviews, and build a strong professional network. He also provides insights into the software development industry, discussing emerging trends, best practices, and the skills that are in high demand.

Throughout the book, Althoff emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and self-improvement. He encourages readers to embrace a growth mindset and never stop seeking new knowledge and skills. He also stresses the importance of networking, as it can open doors to new opportunities and help individuals build valuable relationships with industry professionals.

In conclusion, The Self-Taught Programmer is a must-read for anyone who is serious about pursuing a career in software engineering. Authored by a self-taught programmer who has successfully navigated the challenges of the industry, the book offers a comprehensive and practical guide to becoming a successful software engineer. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced programmer, this book will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to excel in your field. So, take the first step towards your dream career and embark on the journey of becoming a self-taught programmer today!

Weight: 452g
Dimension: 153 x 232 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472147103