Summertime has arrived, a rather controversial period for a programmer who would like to be like everyone else but then, whether at the beach or in the mountains, finds themselves involved in somewhat unpleasant activities such as explaining to the cable car operators how to optimize passenger traffic, or arguing with children building marble tracks about where a straight line should be conceived.
You can go back under the beach umbrella quite upset about how little your leadership role counts in these contexts, or reach a refuge where it’s just you and a hermit and dedicate yourself to reading a book that rarely disappoints and often consoles you from a world that doesn’t recognize your rightful place.
If you don’t have a Unabomber profile and want to read because you enjoy it, you are still welcome to this list of 10 books plus one (we had to describe them this way because other devs in the office were reading the number in binary and complaining that three books are too few), highly recommended to fill those gaps that your phone notifications occasionally allow you…
How Linux Works, 3rd Edition: What Every Superuser Should Know
Using Linux with 10 basic console commands might be useful if you need to impress HR, but it’s a bit insufficient when you face mundane tasks that become insurmountable, like walking up stairs on your hands. Some very skilled programmers humiliate me every time by saying that if I don’t know how the operating system I work on functions, I’m not doing my job well. It’s also great if you want to stay in peace on the beach, the cover with a dissected penguin will keep at bay all with whom it’s not worth making acquaintance…
The Software Architect Elevator: Redefining the Architect’s Role in the Digital Enterprise
Architects are not what they used to be; since the latest episode of Matrix, they have evolved into figures increasingly at the center of the stage, transitioning from a technical role to an almost “philosophical” one. Holpe warns us and brings us back to reality with this book, taking us to authentic places and situations that have little to do with theories and esoteric patterns.
50 Algorithms Every Programmer Should Know
“Every time someone mentions bubble sort, do you think of chewing gum?”
This is a fundamental book that introduces you to the 50 most used algorithms, even if many don’t realize it. Essential if you think you’re ready for a big tech company; there’s no interview that doesn’t require the application of one or more algorithms, and so far, so good. The problem arises when they ask you to explain why it works that way…
AI at the Edge
Working with IoT is one of the most rewarding experiences a programmer can have, at least professionally.
Even though the power of the boards has significantly increased over the years, edge computing never quite reaches the state-of-the-art in development and still has to perform acrobatics to compensate for its limitations. This book tackles the problem from the ground up, and it’s an incredible journey that the authors take us on, somewhat like a modern Gulliver training an army of Lilliputians to become super athletes.
Digitalization of Financial Services in the Age of Cloud
This book offers a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities related to the adoption of cloud computing in financial services, providing a valuable reference point for anyone involved in the digital transformation of the sector.
Judging by the job market demand over the past two years, fintech companies, especially in Italy, are among the leading employers.
What could be better than showing up for a job interview and explaining to the CTO how their company should operate in the cloud?
Hacks, Leaks, and Revelations: The Art of Analyzing Hacked and Leaked Data
The opening line is “A perfect read for journalists, activists, and anyone working online who wants to uncover hidden truths and change the world.” Even if you have less radical goals, it is a very enjoyable read, halfway between a manual and a spy story. And it comes with a lot of tips for those writing posts on LinkedIn dreaming of winning the Pulitzer…
Data Cartels: The Companies That Control and Monopolize Our Information
The Cambridge Analytica scandal caused a major media uproar. Measures were taken too late and, despite this, the real situation has not changed much. A missed opportunity because, as well explained in the book, if data is the oil of our era, personal data is cold fusion.
A World Without Work: Technology, Automation, and How We Should Respond
What might have seemed like a dream could turn into a nightmare. Rethinking current professions with the technology already available casts a rather bleak light on the world of work as we understand it today. Daniel Susskind offers an in-depth and well-documented vision of the economic and social transformations that await us, proposing concrete solutions to effectively address these challenges.
Atlas of AI: Power, Politics, and the Planetary Costs of Artificial Intelligence
Not for the faint of heart, the scenario painted by Crawford is quite hard to swallow, especially when she explores how artificial intelligence is not just a technological issue, but also a political and economic one. In the second part, she analyzes the power concentrated in the hands of a few large tech companies and how they influence political and social decisions through AI. The facts presented are always well-documented and come from years of studies, and the scenarios outlined are plausible, if not already, sadly, current.
Digital Sustainability: Why digital transformation is the road to sustainability
The book explores how digital transformation is closely linked to sustainability, showing how technologies can support sustainable development in various sectors. It emphasizes the importance of adopting a systemic view of sustainability that integrates economic, social, and environmental aspects. Highly recommended for those who have an idea and think of immediately turning it into a startup, but then it’s dinner time and they’ll think about it on Monday. Full of insights and a book to keep always at hand.
Godot 4 Game Development Projects: Build five cross-platform 2D and 3D games using one of the most powerful open source game engines, 2nd Edition
Having children is a challenge in many ways. Especially if, at the school entrance, you hear other parents boasting about having played in Serie A teams or acted with DiCaprio. So, in a fit of anxiety and frustration, when you see them playing Stumble Guys or Brotato, you take a step too far by claiming credit for them. They will look at you as if you were a war hero, and you will have no choice but to dive into video game development at night. This is definitely an excellent manual to start creating something to be proud of before your child enrolls in high school and gets passionate about something else.
