What Are Some Great Books for Learning Programming and Computer Science?

Don't overlook "Writing Solid Code" by Steve Maguire! It may be a bit dated, but it’s packed with practical tips that are still relevant today, especially if you're diving into C.

If you're targeting those low-level concepts, I'd highly recommend **Computer Systems: A Programmer's Perspective**. It gives you a solid groundwork in how everything connects, from programming all the way down to the hardware.

You can't go wrong with some classics! Check out *Introduction to Algorithms* — it’s quite dry but really builds those essential programming muscles if you're diligent about the exercises. For a bit more personality, give *The Wizard Book* (SICP) a try; it's a fun ride that gets you thinking in surprising ways, although it might polarize opinions. And, of course, *Concrete Mathematics* is excellent for understanding the math side of programming, which many overlook.

I've really enjoyed a range of books, including the classic The C Programming Language (K&R). *Programming From The Ground Up* is excellent for learning assembly language too. Also, check out *Code Complete* for good object-oriented practices and *Hacking: The Art of Exploitation* if you're into security and lower-level programming.

For a comprehensive understanding, pair low-level readings with resources on real systems. Since you're into nand2tetris, exploring books on how compilers or operating systems work could help solidify those concepts. I find books that stress problem-solving skills over specific languages to be invaluable — they offer insights that are applicable no matter what tech stack you're using.