You might think books are a thing of the past. But for anyone willing to get out of their comfort zone and think outside the box, books provide an excellent tool to seek for inspiration.
Especially with new reading modalities such as Amazon Kindle or tablet apps, you no longer need to own a big shelf to store your books. Take them anywhere you go and, on top of developing this healthy habit, you are positively changing your relationship with technology.
If you are a developer trying to take on this new hobby in 2024, here is a list of 10 science fiction and non-fiction books that are relevant for developers, providing insights into technology, programming, and the future.
Science Fiction books for developers
Neuromancer by William Gibson
- Why it’s relevant: Neuromancer is a classic cyberpunk novel that explores the virtual world, artificial intelligence, and hacking. It introduces concepts like the matrix, which have influenced the way we perceive cyberspace.
Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson
- Why it’s relevant: Snow Crash delves into the virtual reality, hacking, and linguistics. It’s a fast-paced exploration of a future where the virtual world is as important as the real one, offering parallels to the interconnected nature of modern technology.
Daemon by Daniel Suarez
- Why it’s relevant: Daemon combines elements of computer science, gaming, and artificial intelligence. It’s a thriller that explores the impact of a deceased game designer’s program on the real world, illustrating the potential consequences of advanced technology.
The Diamond Age: Or, A Young Lady’s Illustrated Primer by Neal Stephenson
- Why it’s relevant: This novel explores nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, and their implications on education. It provides a fascinating look at how technology could shape learning and society.
Accelerando by Charles Stross
- Why it’s relevant: Accelerando paints a vivid picture of the future by exploring the technological singularity, where artificial intelligence surpasses human intelligence. It delves into concepts like mind uploading and post-humanism.
Non-Fiction books for developers
Code: The Hidden Language of Computer Hardware and Software by Charles Petzold
- Why it’s relevant: Code offers a beginner-friendly introduction to the basics of how computers work. It’s an essential read for developers to understand the foundational principles of programming.
Clean Code: A Handbook of Agile Software Craftsmanship by Robert C. Martin
- Why it’s relevant: Clean Code focuses on writing readable, maintainable, and efficient code. It’s a practical guide that helps developers improve their coding practices and create better software.
The Pragmatic Programmer: Your Journey to Mastery by Andrew Hunt and David Thomas
- Why it’s relevant: This book provides valuable tips and techniques for becoming a more effective and efficient developer. It covers a wide range of topics, from coding practices to career management.
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
- Why it’s relevant: While not directly related to programming, Sapiens provides a historical context for human development. Understanding the evolution of society can help developers grasp the broader implications of their work on a global scale.
Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
- Why it’s relevant: This book explores cognitive biases and decision-making processes. Understanding how the mind works can benefit developers in designing user interfaces, creating intuitive software, and making effective decisions in their coding practices.
These books cover a range of topics, from futuristic technological landscapes to practical coding advice and insights into human behaviour, providing a well-rounded reading list for developers.
Let us know what you think! Would you add any other title to this list?