Thread: Programming books that inspired you

What are the best programming books you have read? Whether those catered towards or otherwise. Your list would help beginners so please do contribute.

Great book for beginners. His no techy approach is real helpful when learning something for the first time. He also references podcast that assist with his chapters. There is also a website with other course options. I wish I had known about the site when I first started it would've made things easier. I agree with these post being important especially for beginners.

Head First series by O'Reilly - definitely useful books.

can you be more specific about the language you are using...

Generally though Code Complete by mcconnel is considered something of a programming bible

Well when I took my very first programming course (in C)back in the Fall of 1999, I broke down from the shell shock of the experience and the lousy quality of the instruction. So I dropped the course, picked up a copy of "The Idiot's Guide to C++", did some self paced study, went back to the course the next semester, and aced the course.

We use this for Programming 1 and 2 at RMIT. I have dubbed it "The Anvil" due to the shear size and weight of it (I recommend the digital copy for use on iPad and the likes).
Introduction to Java Programming, Comprehensive Version - Daniel Liang

I find his teaching style easy to follow and comprehensive. There are plenty of exercises at the end of each chapter to really drill home the concepts taught. It's a bit on the expensive side but if you're learning, it's well worth it.

Object oriented design and Patterns by Cay Horstman - A great way to learn the different patterns