That’s right, as in those things that are filled with pages that have words on them. Books. I’ve been starting to accumulate a good collection of coding, design and UI (user-interface) books, and I thought I might share with you a list of some of my favorites or perhaps the ones that I have learned the most from. There’s no doubt in my mind that the publishers of these books will include my acclaim for them in future editions (just for the record, I’m not getting any kickbacks for this, but wouldn’t it be awesome if I was?!).
Head First HTML with CSS and XHTML
The Head First series is by far my favorite “computer language” series. They lay the content out in an easy-to-read, digestible manner, a way in which the information actually sticks to your brain. They do this using three main methods:
- telling stories
- visualizing
- using attention-grabbing tactics
They also have a great sense of humor, which, along with the previously mentioned methods, keep the books from being dry and dull. In fact, I’ve actually enjoyed reading them. Another helpful thing is the exercises that the books include.
Anyways, HF HTML and CSS was an excellent book that taught me how to create valid strict xHTML and CSS markup. If you’re looking to learn HTML and/or CSS, look no further than this book.
Amazon link
Head First SQL: Your Brain on SQL
As with HF HTML and CSS, HF SQL is another great installment in the Head First series. Everything that I said above applies to this book (and every other one in the series). It’s how I learned SQL!
Amazon link
Head First JavaScript
This book taught me the basics of programming, such as variables, types, loops, casting and overloading. It also shows you how the browser runs your code so you have a better understanding of how everything works. If you’re looking for a basic foundation for programming or just want to make your websites more interactive, this is your book.
Amazon link
Don’t Make Me Think: A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability, 2nd Edition
Don’t Make Me Think by Steve Krug is an incredibly useful resource when it comes to web and application design. Web usability is a very important aspect of design, and this book teaches it in an easy-to-understand and entertaining way. It covers:
- user patterns
- designing for scanning
- wise use of copy
- navigation design
- home page layout
- usability testing
Definitely a must-read for any web developer or designer.
Amazon link
The Non-Designer’s Design Book, 3rd Edition
This book is intended for those with no formal training. It’s for those people who need to put together a business card, letterhead, pamphlet or newsletter, but don’t have no experience in design. However, it also has very useful information for web designers as well. It teaches the main principles of design:
- proximity
- alignment
- repetition
- contrast
The Non-Designer’s Design Book has great before-and-after examples and quizes that help you understand and apply these principles. There also a section on color and another section on typefaces and the principles that go with fonts:
All in all, a great book for both people with no design background and even those who do. I find its information very applicable for web design, and it practices what it preaches with well layed out content.
Amazon link
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