Top Computer Science books curated by experts

At MentorCruise, we are all about making the most out of the experience of others. As part of that, we have connected and asked dozens of experts and professionals about their favourite Computer Science books – and here are the answers.

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Top Computer Science books recommended by experts
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Fundamentals of Computer Science

Understanding the concepts of Computer Science starts with understanding the fundamentals. On your way to mastery, it's crucial for you to understand how certain concepts were derived, and why things work like they do. Starting with these resources is the best way to do so.

Introduction to the Theory of Computation

Introduction to the Theory of Computation

Theory of computation deals with developing mathematical models of computation. This area of research is divided into three subareas: complexity theory, computability theory and automata theory. We mostly review basic structures of automata theory which are languages and finite state automata in…

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Windows 11 For Dummies, 2nd Edition

Windows 11 For Dummies, 2nd Edition

With millions of copies sold over 18 editions, Windows For Dummies is the all-time best selling tech reference―and there’s a reason. Windows 11 For Dummies, 2nd Edition brings you up to speed on the latest version of Windows, so you can make your PC operate the way you need it to with no guesswo…

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Gödel, Escher, Bach: an Eternal Golden Braid

Gödel, Escher, Bach: an Eternal Golden Braid

Gödel, Escher, Bach: an Eternal Golden Braid, also known as GEB, is a 1979 book by Douglas Hofstadter. By exploring common themes in the lives and works of logician Kurt Gödel, artist M. C. Escher, and composer Johann Sebastian Bach, the book expounds concepts fundamental to mathematics, symmetr…

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Code: The Hidden Language of Computer Hardware and Software

Code: The Hidden Language of Computer Hardware and Software

In CODE, they show us the ingenious ways we manipulate language and invent new means of communicating with each other. And through CODE, we see how this ingenuity and our very human compulsion to communicate have driven the technological innovations of the past two centuries.

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The Algorithm Design Manual

The Algorithm Design Manual

The reader-friendly Algorithm Design Manual provides straightforward access to combinatorial algorithms technology, stressing design over analysis. The first part, Practical Algorithm Design, provides accessible instruction on methods for designing and analyzing computer algorithms.

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Designing Data-Intensive Applications: The Big Ideas Behind Reliable, Scalable, and Maintainable Systems

Designing Data-Intensive Applications: The Big Ideas Behind Reliable, Scalable, and Maintainable Systems

Data is at the center of many challenges in system design today. Difficult issues need to be figured out, such as scalability, consistency, reliability, efficiency, and maintainability. In addition, we have an overwhelming variety of tools, including relational databases, NoSQL datastores, strea…

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Additional Computer Science Reading

These books are not required for you to learn Computer Science, but they are highly recommended for you to deepen your knowledge.

Algorithms to Live By: The Computer Science of Human Decisions

Algorithms to Live By: The Computer Science of Human Decisions

Algorithms to Live By' by Brian Christian and Tom Griffiths explores how we can use algorithms from computer science to make better decisions in our daily lives. It offers practical insights on how to optimize time, prioritize tasks, and make choices with the help of an algorithmic approach.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Cryptography Made Simple

Cryptography Made Simple

In this introductory textbook the author explains the key topics in cryptography. He takes a modern approach, where defining what is meant by "secure" is as important as creating something that achieves that goal, and security definitions are central to the discussion throughout.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Compilers: Principles, Techniques, and Tools

Compilers: Principles, Techniques, and Tools

This introduction to compilers is the direct descendant of the well-known book by Aho and Ullman, Principles of Compiler Design. The authors present updated coverage of compilers based on research and techniques that have been developed in the field over the past few years. The book provides a t…

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Data Science for Business: What You Need to Know about Data Mining and Data-Analytic Thinking

Data Science for Business: What You Need to Know about Data Mining and Data-Analytic Thinking

Written by renowned data science experts Foster Provost and Tom Fawcett, Data Science for Business introduces the fundamental principles of data science, and walks you through the "data-analytic thinking" necessary for extracting useful knowledge and business value from the data you collect. Thi…

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Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach

Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach

“Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach” goes beyond the basics and delves into advanced topics in AI. It covers natural language processing, an area concerned with enabling computers to understand and generate human language. The book explores techniques for parsing, semantic analysis, and …

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

C Programming Language, 2nd Edition

C Programming Language, 2nd Edition

The authors present the complete guide to ANSI standard C language programming. Written by the developers of C, this new version helps readers keep up with the finalized ANSI standard for C while showing how to take advantage of C's rich set of operators, economy of expression, improved control …

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Specializations and Deeper Computer Science Knowledge

You've got your basics in order – time to move on to some advanced and specialized concepts. Computer Science is evolving every day, these books can help you master it.

The Pragmatic Programmer: Your Journey To Mastery, 20th Anniversary Edition (2nd Edition)

The Pragmatic Programmer: Your Journey To Mastery, 20th Anniversary Edition (2nd Edition)

The Pragmatic Programmer is one of those rare tech books you’ll read, re-read, and read again over the years. Whether you’re new to the field or an experienced practitioner, you’ll come away with fresh insights each and every time.
Dave Thomas and Andy Hunt wrote the first edition of this inf…

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