As a computer science student, you don’t have to fully depend on the knowledge that you get from the classroom. You should focus beyond that. Given that computer science is a very wide field, the knowledge from the classroom is definitely not enough. You should strive to read the best computer science books.

Obviously, there is an unlimited number of books that a computer science student can read? Making a choice is definitely not a walk in the park. To help you make the right choice, here are the 10 books that every computer science student should read.

Computer science books for every student

1. Data Visualization Made Simple by Kristen Sosulski

As a computer science student, one of the things that you are likely to deal with for the rest of your life is data. The book comes in handy for those who want to specialize in data science or even Big data.

It gives a detailed description of the best software, programming languages and even platforms for data visualization. The book will also give you some critical insights on data exploration methods.

In this book, you will read about more than 30 types of charts and the kind of data insights that they portray. You will also learn about tips and effective tactics for delivering data presentations.

2. The Soul of a New Machine by Tracy Kidder

As a computer science student, it is healthier to acquaint yourself with the history of the computer. This is what this book is all about. It is among the best books that try to give a clear picture of the history of computers.

Tracy Kidder has included elements of drama and comedy in the book to make it more interesting. It is not one of those boring computer science books. As a computer science student, you will appreciate how far we have come. The book will also instill some desire to make a contribution to the growth of technology.

Also, read: 10 Best Websites to Learn Computer Science For Free

3. Structured Computer Organization by Andrew S Tanenbaum

You should consider reading the Structured Computer Organization by Andrew S Tanenbaum and Todd Austin. This book will give you a graphical view of how computers work. This information is important to anyone who is pursuing computer science regardless of their area of specialization.

The book starts by teaching you about transistors, gates, parts of a processor, and how a processor works. The information is published in a simplified way that can even be understood by someone who is not pursuing computer science.

4. Hackers: Heroes of the Computer Revolution by Steven Levy

Well, hacking is always associated with lots of negative connotation. The good news is that this book is not about the negative message about hackers. Instead, it is about people who have done great things in the world of computing.

The book mentions all the names, including some who are not that popular. Some of the names that you will find in this book include Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Lee Felsenstein and Slug Russel. The book can be a great source of motivation especially if you have goals of coming up with an amazing tech product.

5. Introduction to Algorithms by Thomas H. Cormen

As a computer science student, you will use different algorithms especially when programming. This classic book will feed you some valuable knowledge on how to use algorithms effectively.

The book will elevate you from the level of just being an ordinary programmer. You will learn how to be a smart coder. The book covers details of the search algorithm, sort algorithm, and all other algorithms that you are likely to encounter as a coder.

6. The Code Book by Simon Singh

Although this is not a Computer Science, book, it covers some key topics that are relevant to a student studying this major. It is one of the books that any computer science student should consider reading.

One of the on-demand topics that are well covered in this book is cryptography. The book digs deep into this topic and you will learn how to implement it as a programmer. You will also learn about the application of this technology in the real world.

The book also covers some history of computer science and the revolution that it can cause.

7. Sketching User Experiences: Getting the Design Right and the Right Design by Bill Buxton

As a computer science student, one of your tasks will be to build different products. Some products will be used by people who are not well-acquainted in matters of technology. This book will teach you how to communicate effectively to partners and other stakeholders.

Whether it is coming up with the right designs of a product or building prototypes, the book will give you all that you need. The information will help you to survive in an agile software development team. Each topic is accompanied by practical examples.

8. The Innovators: How a Group of Hackers, Geniuses, and Geeks Created the Digital Revolution

This is another inspiring book that every computer science student should read. Written by Walter Isaacson, the book gives details of some of the people who have made huge contributions in the world of computer and programming in general.

Some of the notable names that are mentioned in the book include Steve Wozniak, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, John Von Neumann, Larry Page among many others. It gives a history of these individuals. This is a book that will push you into doing great things in the field of computer.

9. Cracking the Coding Interview by Gayle Laakmann McDowell

As the name suggests, this is a book that will help you to pass coding interviews. The information in the book will increase your success rate whenever you are having a programming interview. Of course, this should just be an addition to your programming skills.

10. Elementary Number Theory With Programming

How is mathematics related to programming? This book has the answer. It will open your eyes on this issue that many computer science students are uncomfortable with. The book will give you a clear picture of the correlation between these two subjects.

As a Computer Science student, purpose to be an avid reader. As you can see, some of the books are old while others were written in recent years. Take some time to read them and you won’t regret.