I'm trying to dive into computer science, but I'm not looking for coding language tutorials. Instead, I'd like to focus on the foundational concepts in the field. I've heard about "Code: The Hidden Language of Computer Hardware and Software" (2nd edition) — what do you think? Any other recommendations?
5 Answers
You should definitely check out "Code" by Charles Petzold. It's one of the best reads for understanding how computers actually work! It really breaks things down.
If you're looking for a solid foundation, I'd suggest checking out CS50, which is a free course from Harvard that offers a great introduction to the basics of computer science. Books can be hit or miss for beginners since they often go into too much detail without the hands-on learning that a course provides.
If you’d rather avoid books, why not dive into some practical projects? Try making a simple game in C. You’ll get instant visual feedback which helps a lot with understanding the concepts better!
"Computer Science Distilled" by Wladston Ferreira Filho is also a good choice! It’s concise and focuses on computational problem-solving techniques. I’ve got it in hardcover, and I can donate it if anyone's interested.
"Grokking Algorithms" is a fun and illustrated way to grasp algorithms, making it approachable even for younger readers. I bought it for my 12-year-old nephew, and he really liked it!
Illustrations really help with understanding complex topics, especially for beginners!
Totally agree! It's a great way to get an in-depth view of the hardware and software interaction.