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Table of Contents
Today you’ll discover 9 of the best introduction to computer science books so you can start coding ASAP.
From hardware and virtual machines, from pseudocode to Python. We’re showing you the top books to kick off your computer science journey.
The truth is, a large number of careers fall under the umbrella of computer science:
The fundamentals – the newbie stuff (some may even call it the boring stuff!) – is a must-learn.
Once you get those fundamentals down?
You’re ready to work your way up to mastery in your particular field.
In this post, you’ll also discover the books’ features, core concepts, layout, and more.
Let’s crack into them.
This post contains affiliate links. I may receive compensation if you buy something. Read my disclosure for more details.
TLDR: Introduction to Computer Science Books
🔥 Best Overall 🔥
Practical Programming: An Introduction to Computer Science Using Python 3.6
💥 Best for Computer Science Newbies 💥
Computer Science Illuminated, 7th Edition
💸 Best Value 💸
Computer Science Principles
Introduction to Computer Science Books
1. Invitation to Computer Science, 8th Edition
We consider Invitation to Computer Science to be a modern classic when it comes to introduction to computer science books.
A textbook offering a contemporary overview of computer science, it wasn’t a chore to read (unlike so many other college textbooks). It’s also PACKED with information.
Written by G. Michael Schneider and Judith Gersting, this is a non-language-specific book that uses an algorithms approach.
However, there are optional online modules for:
- C++
- Java
- Python
- C#
- Ada
This will help you learn a specific programming language.
In addition to algorithms, you’ll learn about:
- hardware
- virtual machines
- applications
- software development
And beyond.
In addition, you’ll learn about more modern concepts like privacy, drones and cloud computing.
There are plenty of exercises and practice problems to work on throughout Invitation to Computer Science.
There are also 20 online labs.
2. Intro to Python for Computer Science and Data Science
We love this introduction to computer science book and recommend it a LOT.
Intro to Python for Computer Science and Data Science by Paul and Harvey Deitel is different from our other introduction to computer science books.
That’s because it focuses on beginner concepts in both computer and data science. So if you’re not interested in data science, this may not be the book for you.
Using real-world datasets, you’ll work on hundreds of examples, exercises and projects to reinforce Python concepts in data and computer science.
In addition, you’ll work on implementation case studies which will give you hands-on practice with Python programming.
You’ll also learn about programming artificial intelligence, Big Data and the cloud.
Because Intro to Python for Computer Science and Data Science focuses on much more beyond computer science, it might be one of the more difficult introduction to computer science books.
But if you’re up to the challenge, this may be the book for you.
3. Python Programming: An Introduction to Computer Science, 3rd Edition
Python Programming: An Introduction to Computer Science by John Zelle is updated for Python 3.
Much like Invitation to Computer Science, it’s designed to be used as a primary textbook for college-level courses. So it’s ideal for students who learn best with academic curriculum.
First you’ll learn about the core skills of computer science:
- problem solving
- design
- programming
And these are all tackled in the Python programming language.
There are plenty of graphics, examples and practice problems throughout the book.
You’ll also find true/false and multiple choice quizzes.
But don’t expect to get a complete education in Python. Rather, you’ll understand Python in the scope of solving computer science problems.
For anyone looking to break into the world of programming, this is the place to start.
– Nicholas DiMucci, Customer
4. Computer Science Illuminated, 7th Edition
Cool cover with awesome content. In our opinion, Computer Science Illuminated by Nell Dale and John Lewis is one of the best introduction to computer science books for beginners.
Using a language-neutral perspective, you’ll learn about things like:
- hardware
- programming
- operating systems
- applications
- communications
And much more.
You’ll also learn about cloud computing, Big Data, system security and beyond.
Want to learn more? Check out the course Computer Science: Programming with a Purpose on Coursera.
While real-world examples are presented in pseudocode, you’ll find a chapter with introductory lessons in programming languages like Python, JavaScript and C++.
5. Introduction to Computer Science
Introduction to Computer Science by Perry Donham is a well-rounded take on the fundamentals of computer science.
First you’ll learn about the history of computer science. Then you’ll learn how computers store and use data.
From there, you’ll learn how to:
- write JavaScript programs
- format a webpage
- reduce file sizes
And much more.
In later chapters, you’ll become familiar with computer hardware and learn how computers communicate over networks.
Finally, you’ll learn about privacy and security, ecommerce and the function of operating systems.
This is one of those introduction to computer science books that’s geared towards students with no tech background.
6. Practical Programming: An Introduction to Computer Science Using Python 3.6, 3rd Edition
Practical Programming by Paul Gries, Jennifer Campbell and Jason Montojo is by the well-known tech publisher The Pragmatic Programmers.
It’s been used in colleges and universities worldwide by tens of thousands of students.
You’ll learn about the core concepts of computer science such as:
- design
- algorithms
- testing
- debugging
And you’ll do it all while learning the fundamentals of programming in Python 3.6.
You’ll start with the absolute basics like learning what programming is and how to write a simple hello, world program.
Then you’ll dive into fundamentals such as designing and using functions, methods and beyond.
You’ll also learn about some more complex computer science concepts like:
- object-oriented programming
- databases
- creating a graphical user interface (GUI)
And beyond.
You’ll learn about all of these while writing programs to solve real-world problems.
By the end of Practical Programming, you should feel comfortable writing quality code in Python 3.6.
…There is no singular book that will teach you everything you need to know about Computer Science… but this book is an amazing stepping stone in the right direction.
– J. Lepage, Customer
🔥 The Pragmatic Programmers are always publishing killer books. And Practical Programming is no exception.
This is another excellent book that can take you from zero to hero… from knowing absolutely nothing to feeling confident behind the keyboard of computer science.
7. Computer Programming for Absolute Beginners
Next on our list of introduction to computer science books is Computer Programming for Absolute Beginners.
Written by Joakim Wassberg, this book is for students with no prior programming experience. It teaches you both computer science concepts and coding techniques.
This is largely a hands-on introduction to computer science book, so you get to have fun coding while you learn.
First you’ll learn the absolute basics about computer programs and how to apply the concepts to different programming languages. You’ll learn this with thorough explanations in pseudocode.
Then you’ll learn how to execute code on a computer.
After that, you’ll learn about different types of applications you can create as a computer programmer. So you’ll learn about:
- statements
- variables
- data types
- operators
And more.
As you progress, you’ll learn how to control the flow of your programs and reuse code.
Finally, you’ll learn best practices to help you write professional, clean code. In addition, you’ll explore different programming languages so you can decide which is best for you.
8. Computer Science Principles
Computer Science Principles by Kevin Hare is one of the best introduction to computer science books we could find. Updated in 2020, it’s got over 30% new content such as:
- Boolean and logic gates
- databases
- compression
- information security
And the impacts of computing.
Looking for an AP computer science course? Check out Ace AP Computer Science A on Educative.io.
But you’ll start by learning the basics such as learning what an IP address is and how a hard drive stores data.
Then you’ll learn some major skills such as how to design websites, code in JavaScript and organize spreadsheets.
Computer Science Principles also contains an appendix on JavaScript where you’ll learn about strings, math objects, documents and beyond.
This book is ideal for advanced learners interested in learning the fundamentals of computer science.
9. Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs, 2nd Edition
Finally on our list of best introduction to computer science books is Structure and Interpretation of Computer Algorithms.
We consider this book to be an old-school classic.
We also think it’s one of the best introduction to computer science books, period.
In this second edition, you’ll find implementations of programming systems including interpreters and compilers.
Unlike the other books on our list, Structure and Interpretation of Computer Algorithms is meant to mirror a course taught at MIT.
You’ll learn how to deal with time in different computation models:
- objects with state
- concurrent programming
- functional programming
- lazy evaluation
And beyond.
Finally, you’ll work on higher-order procedures like stream processing.
Introduction to Computer Science Books: Conclusion
These books are an excellent entry point into computer science.
This area of study can be extremely challenging, but with help of these books it can be much easier!
To recap, today we looked at some of the best introduction to computer science books, including:
💥 Best Overall
Practical Programming: An Introduction to Computer Science Using Python 3.6
🚀 Best for Computer Science Newbies
Computer Science Illuminated, 7th Edition
💰 Best Value
Computer Science Principles
So whether you’re looking for the overall best, best for newbies, or best value, we think there’s something for every aspiring computer scientist.
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What are the best introduction to computer science books?
While there are plenty of introduction to computer science books, we think three are a cut above the rest. For best overall, we think Practical Programming: An Introduction to Computer Science Using Python 3.6 is the way to go. For computer science newbies, we think Computer Science Illuminated is the best book. And for value, we think Computer Science Principles takes the win.
Is the book Practical Programming worth it?
Practical Programming by Paul Gries, Jennifer Campbell and Jason Montojo is by well-known tech publisher The Pragmatic Programmers. It’s been used in colleges and universities worldwide by tens of thousands of students. You’ll learn about the core concepts of computer science such as design, algorithms, testing and debugging. And you’ll do it all while learning the fundamentals of programming in Python 3.6. You’ll start with the absolute basics like learning what programming is and how to write a simple “Hello, World” program. Then you’ll dive into fundamentals such as designing and using functions, using methods and beyond. You’ll also learn about some more complex computer science concepts like object-oriented programming, databases, and creating a graphical user interface (GUI). You’ll learn about all of these while writing programs to solve real-world problems.
By the end of Practical Programming, you should feel comfortable writing quality code in Python 3.6. Read today’s post for more info.Is the book Computer Science Illuminated worth it?
Oh yes, we believe Computer Science Illuminated by Nell Dale and John Lewis is worth it. In our opinion, it’s one of the best introduction to computer science books for beginners. Fully updated, it’s designed to be an introductory computer science textbook. Using a language-neutral perspective, you’ll learn about things like hardware, programming, operating systems, applications, communications, and more. You’ll also learn about cloud computing, Big Data, system security and beyond. While real-world examples are presented in pseudocode, you will find a chapter with introductory lessons in programming languages like Python, JavaScript and C++.
Where can I learn computer science online?
There are a few options to learn computer science online. For starters there are tutorials and courses on platforms such as Educative.io, Coursera and Treehouse. Or you can find books online that you can order either for Kindle or hard copy. Check out today’s post where you’ll find plenty of books and a few courses to take your learning to the next level.
How to learn computer science by myself?
You can learn computer science by yourself in a number of ways. But one of the best ways to learn computer science is by reading books. You can find a number of computer science books for beginners in today’s post. And if books aren’t your thing, you’ll also find a few course recommendations.
What are the best books to learn computer science?
In our experience, the best books to learn computer science include Invitation to Computer Science, Computer Science Illuminated and Intro to Python for Computer Science and Data Science. You can learn more about these books in today’s post. You’ll find a total of 9 introduction to computer science books you can use to get started learning today.