Which Edition of "Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs" Should I Read?
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ReadingRaptor92
I'm curious about which edition of "Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs" (SICP) I should pick up for learning. I saw on teachyourselfcs.com that it's recommended for beginners, but I'm confused between the second edition from 1996 and the newer JavaScript Edition released in 2022. Is the JavaScript version just a reworked edition with JavaScript added, or is it fundamentally different?
I want to know if I should start with SICP now or if there are better books to read first. I've been enjoying "Head First HTML and CSS" and have read it halfway through. I aim to read all the Head First books and those from teachyourselfcs. It might seem like a lot, but I read over 12 hours a day and plan to keep that up for many years. I'm also taking the Harvard CS50 course and might head to Codecademy after that.
Answers
SICP is a fantastic resource, but I'd recommend sticking with the original edition in Scheme. The JavaScript version doesn't add much and can be a bit misleading since the context is rooted in Scheme’s principles. This book dives into concepts of computation, algorithm analysis, and functional programming, which are distinctly different from your HTML and CSS studies. Just a heads-up, it’ll feel much different from what you’ve already read!
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ThoughtfulTechie55: Totally get that! The fact that it’s from the 90s threw me off too. But honestly, programming principles haven’t changed that much. The focus on fundamentals makes it a classic, and Scheme remains viable for learning those core concepts.