As a new grad joining big tech, you’re already ahead of the game by enjoying LeetCode challenges in your free time. Why not take your skills to the next level with some must-read books? You’ve got Designing Data-Intensive Applications (DDIA) on your list, but what else should you add?
## Why Read Books as a Software Engineer?
It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle of coding and forget that there’s a wealth of knowledge beyond online tutorials and coding challenges. Reading books can help you develop a deeper understanding of software engineering principles, stay up-to-date with industry trends, and gain valuable insights from experienced practitioners.
## Top Picks for New Grads
Here are some highly recommended books to add to your reading list:
– **Clean Code: A Handbook of Agile Software Craftsmanship** by Robert C. Martin: A must-read for any software engineer, this book focuses on writing maintainable, readable code.
– **The Pragmatic Programmer: From Journeyman to Master** by Andrew Hunt and David Thomas: This classic book offers practical advice on software development and design.
– **Introduction to Algorithms** by Thomas H. Cormen: A comprehensive guide to algorithms, perfect for those who enjoy LeetCode challenges.
– **Peopleware: Productive Projects and Teams** by Tom DeMarco and Timothy Lister: Learn how to build and manage high-performing teams.
## Bonus Recommendations
– **The Mythical Man-Month: Essays on Software Engineering** by Frederick P. Brooks Jr.: A classic that explores the human side of software engineering.
– **Software Engineering at Google: Lessons Learned from Programming Over Time** by Titus Winters, Tom Manshreck, and Hyrum Wright: Gain insights from Google’s software engineering practices.
## Make Reading a Habit
Schedule dedicated time for reading, whether it’s during your daily commute or before bed. Start with one book and see how it impacts your work. You might be surprised at how much you can learn and grow as a software engineer.
Happy reading!