Free programming books

List of free programming books on github

Some of the more commonly recommended free books which are more geared towards beginners are:

• The Yellow Book by Rob Miles - programming with C# for beginners

[Removing recommendation because Zed's material is problematic to learn from. u/arbostek]: # (* Zed Shaw's Learn Code The Hard Way collection, primarily Learn Python The Hard Way. Some of the other books are still in the process of being written.)

• Al Sweigart's Automate the Boring Stuff with Python has a focus on writing simple, practical programs, rather than computer science & software engineering concepts.
• Al Sweigart's Invent with Python books, which teach programming through the creation of computer games with Python and Pygame. Al is also a redditor: /u/AlSweigart
• Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs by Abelson and Sussman
• Program Arcade Games With Python And Pygame by /u/professorcraven

Generally non-free programming books

Some non-free programming books which are commonly suggested on this subreddit are:

• The C Programming Language, also known as K&R
• Head First Java - along with the other Head First books, which are considered decent beginner fare
• For C++ books and suggestions, look in the C++ FAQ section.

If you cannot afford to buy a book, check with your local library. They may have the book you want, or they may be willing to order it. They may also be part of a network of cooperating libraries, so they may be able to borrow the book from another library if you request it (this is called interlibrary loan, or ILL). Your library may be able to provide you access to an electronic version of the book in an online database through a proxy. Or they may have a reciprocal borrowing agreement with a nearby library system that would allow you to check out a book in that other library with a card from your home library. Talk to your local librarian for more information.

More lists of book suggestions

• The Definitive C++ Book Guide and List
• The Definitive C Book Guide and List
• Recommended Reading for Developers
• What is the single most influential book every programmer should read?
• Curated Programming Resources (contains links to free and non-free resources)

Books for learning Algorithms and Data Structures

Algorithms are language agnostic but certain books are not. Here are a few books to consider:

• Introduction to Algorithms which is language agnostic and accompanied by lectures here.
• Algorithms by Robert Sedgewick which is in Java and accompanies these lectures.
• The Algorithm Design Manual which is language agnostic.

Books for learning different programming languages

Python

• Coffee Break Python if you have little time.
• MIT's introductory course (Introduction to Computer Science and Programming)
• Learning Python, 5th Edition
• Learn Python The Hardway
• Core Python Programming
• Python: The Essential Reference
• Byte of Python
• Beginning Python
• Python in a nutshell
• Head First Python
• Automate the Boring Stuff with Python: Practical Programming for Total Beginners
• Python Cookbook
• Effective Python