If you are looking for books to learn computer programming, you came to the right place. In the article below, you will find the five books you need to start learning the trade. Like in any other field, there is no better way than to start from the base, and that is exactly what you will do if you read the following programming books for beginners. Start with the one you find most interesting and don’t stop till you are done.

Introduction to Computer Programming Books

Books to learn computer programming remain the best way to enter the world of coding. Unlike other sources, books always contain a deep well of information. You can bring them anywhere, take notes, go back and forth, and even fold the top of pages you want to keep in mind. The best programming books for beginners are exactly what you need to launch yourself into the world of coding.

But to do so, you need to make sure that you have the right source of information. That is why we selected the five books below. They will give you a glimpse into this world and provide you with a complete view, so you can decide if this line of work is for you. At the same time, these basic computer programming books won’t go into the most complex parts of coding, which would only confuse you, and most probably move you away from computer programming.

Programming Books for Beginners, Written by Pros

The following books have been written by experts in the field of programming. But these persons are not only good at their job; also in how to explain it. This is not something everyone can do. When we become professionals and specialists into one field, we tend to forget how it was when we started. It becomes difficult to go back and explain this process. It is not the case with these five book writers, who have made it easy for you to understand the basis of coding.

Code Complete (Steve McConnell)

If what you are looking for is a practical book with lots of examples, Steve McConnell’s book is the one you need. In fact, it still helps many coders today to write better software, as it offers a multitude of modern and practical code samples, indicating how to create good software. It is still, after a decade, one of the most recommended books to start coding, thanks to its great synthesis. You will find in its pages the most effective methods and important principles you will need, to start programming by yourself.

The Complete Reference – C++ (Herbert Schildt)

This is another book which will provide you with many examples and sample applications. Reading “The Complete Reference” by Herbert Schildt, will enlighten you on computer language and will bring you all the latest C features. There are many interesting books by this author, but this one was written especially for programmers who need to learn how to start coding. It is also his most popular work.

The C Programming Language (Brian W. Kernighan & Dennis M. Ritchie)

Don’t let the fact that it was written a long time ago stop you from reading this book (1978). All you will find in it still applies today to computer programming, and is necessary for you to learn, if you wish to become good at it. That is why it is one of the best sellers in the field to this day and will probably remain so for a long time. It includes chapters on ANSI standard, which needs to be understood when you start coding. Don’t skip this one, if you really want to learn the right way.

Learning to Program (Stephen Foote)

If you are lucky enough to have someone guide you through the process of becoming a computer programmer, chances are he/she will recommend this book for you, to start with. That is because it contains an easy to understand introduction to the basic principles of programming, data types and software.

Head First C – A Brain-Friendly Guide (David Griffiths)

This is probably not the first book you should read, out of this list. It will ask of you a little more than the others. However, it will cover subjects deeper than the previous ones, helping you to complete your basic training. It will take you through the full-language experience and will teach you structure. You will also learn about dynamic memory management and many more topics.

Beginning Programming for Dummies (Wallace & Wally Wang)

If that is the kind of books you like, try the Book for Dummies series. Like there other ones, it covers the very basic information relating to the field.

If you manage to read all the books in this article, you are on your way to become a computer programmer in no time. It will show your interest for the field, and you will have learned enough of the basics to actually start coding. Then, you can keep learning through other books, courses and internet browsing.