#202 - The Best Books for Developers (That No One Talks About)
Jan 2, 2025
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Discover the pivotal role of reading in advancing your developer career. Uncover must-read books for JavaScript developers and those transitioning to management. Gain insights from essential titles that address software development processes and project management. Learn about pivotal mindset shifts needed for effective team leadership. Listen for recommendations that can transform your coding skills and help you navigate various career stages!
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Quick takeaways
Practical experience is essential for aspiring developers, highlighting the importance of hands-on projects over merely reading technical books.
As developers advance, shifting focus from technical knowledge to leadership skills is crucial for effective team management and growth.
Deep dives
Essential Reading Before Getting Hired
Focusing on practical experience rather than reading technical books is crucial before landing a software developer position. While books can offer guidance, the emphasis should be on building real projects and acquiring hands-on skills. For those considering reading, career-focused literature such as 'How to Win Friends and Influence People' can help improve interpersonal skills vital for career changers. Additionally, 'The Coding Career Handbook' offers actionable advice on organizing resumes, enhancing LinkedIn profiles, and learning effectively in public.
Recommended Books After Getting Hired
Once hired, it becomes important to continue learning to expand skill sets beyond the immediate workplace experience. New developers should read key technical books, such as 'You Don’t Know JS' for a deeper understanding of JavaScript, focusing specifically on essential topics like ES6 features and closures. Additionally, 'Clean Code in JavaScript' provides practical guidance for writing and organizing modern JavaScript code. This stage is about broadening knowledge and avoiding the trap of becoming stagnant by only understanding the specific technologies used in one job.
Reading for Career Advancement
As developers progress into senior roles or management positions, reading should shift from technical skills to people management and leadership. Books like 'The Manager's Path' provide guidance on navigating the transition from senior engineer to tech leader, covering essential aspects like conducting effective one-on-one meetings. 'Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter' emphasizes the importance of developing team potential rather than individual heroics. Lastly, 'The Coaching Habit' teaches effective communication strategies that can help in leading and supporting team members.
Before you read "Cracking the Coding Interview" or "Clean Code", I want to offer a few books that you should read at every stage of your developer career from not-yet-hired to engineering manager.
Me, sponsored? No.
I just like sharing what's worked for me in the hopes it can work for you.
If you have some good recommendations I didn't mention please let me and the rest of us know in the comments!
Shameless Plugs
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