Book Summary: The Self-Taught Programmer
Tags: programming, learnprogramming, webdev, technology
Published: 2023-07-03 10:32:02

---
title: Book Summary: The Self-Taught Programmer
published: true
date: 2023-05-17 22:01:57 UTC
tags: programming,learnprogramming,webdevelopment,technology
canonical_url: https://fagnerbrack.com/book-summary-the-self-taught-programmer-a220771ac690
---

#### by Cory Althoff

“The Self-Taught Programmer” is a comprehensive guide to learning to code and becoming a successful software developer, even without a formal computer science degree. This book is particularly relevant to those who are embarking on a self-guided journey into programming.

As a self-taught programmer, I can personally attest to the value of the strategies and concepts outlined in “The Self-Taught Programmer”. Early in my career, I found myself applying many of these ideas instinctively, even without a comprehensive guide to direct me. It’s truly gratifying to see a book like this that distils some of the core ideas of self-directed learning into a form that can be easily consumed and applied by future professionals in the field. While the book is a great starting point, remember that the journey of learning and growing in the field of programming is a continuous one.

Keep exploring, keep coding, and keep learning!

![](https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/300/1*R-_uWwFcCQG4sFXtWv3P8g.jpeg)

The most valuable points from the book are:

#### Understanding the Basics

Althoff stresses the importance of thoroughly understanding the basics of programming, including variables, control structures, data structures, and syntax.

For example, he provides exercises that help beginners grasp the concept of loops, a fundamental control structure in programming. However, in real-world coding, understanding the basics also involves knowing when and how to use these structures most effectively in different programming scenarios.

#### Learning a Programming Language

The book guides readers through the process of learning Python, a versatile and beginner-friendly programming language. Althoff provides numerous practical examples and exercises to reinforce learning.

For example, he introduces Python’s list data structure and demonstrates its use in various contexts. However, becoming proficient in a programming language also involves understanding its idiomatic usage and best practices, something that often comes with experience and is not covered extensively in the book.

#### Problem-Solving Skills

The book emphasizes the importance of problem-solving skills and logical thinking in programming. It provides various problems and their solutions to help readers hone these skills.

For example, Althoff presents a problem on finding the largest number in a list and walks through the solution. In real-world programming, problem-solving often involves understanding the requirements, breaking down the problem, and devising a solution step by step.

#### Understanding Algorithms and Data Structures

Althoff introduces the concept of algorithms and data structures, providing several examples. He explains the basics of search algorithms, sorting algorithms, and common data structures.

For instance, he demonstrates how to use a binary search algorithm in Python. However, in real-world software development, understanding algorithms and data structures also requires knowing when to use a specific algorithm or data structure to optimize performance or solve a particular problem.

#### Building Projects

The book encourages readers to apply what they’ve learned by building projects. Althoff argues that building real-world projects is one of the best ways to learn and reinforce programming concepts, and it’s also crucial for building a portfolio to showcase to potential employers.

For example, Althoff guides readers through building a web scraper using Python. However, in real-world projects, programmers also need to consider factors like code maintainability, scalability, and the use of version control systems, which are not extensively covered in the book.

#### Career Advice

The book provides guidance on how to land a job as a programmer, including tips on networking, preparing for interviews, and writing a compelling resume.

For instance, Althoff provides tips on preparing for common programming interview questions. However, breaking into the tech industry also involves continuous learning and adapting to new technologies, which is not a major focus of the book.

“The Self-Taught Programmer” is a valuable resource for those looking to learn programming on their own. However, it’s important to supplement the knowledge gained from the book with additional resources and practical experience to fully prepare for a career in software development.

Thanks for reading. If you have feedback, contact me on [Twitter](https://twitter.com/FagnerBrack), [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/fagnerbrack/) or [Github](http://github.com/FagnerMartinsBrack).