“The Self-Taught Programmer: The Definitive Guide to Programming Professionally” by Cory Althoff is a practical and comprehensive guide aimed at anyone looking to become a professional programmer without a formal education. Published in 2017, this book provides a roadmap for self-taught programmers to bridge the gap between writing simple programs and becoming a professional software developer.
How This Book Helped Us This book helped us understand the essential concepts and skills required to become a professional programmer. It provided practical advice on learning programming languages, understanding computer science fundamentals, and mastering essential tools and technologies. The book also emphasised the importance of soft skills such as problem-solving, debugging, and working in a team, which are crucial for success in the software development industry.
The Book Explained in Under 60 Seconds “The Self-Taught Programmer” is divided into five sections: introduction to programming, computer science basics, coding challenges, software development tools, and soft skills. Althoff’s step-by-step approach makes complex topics accessible, guiding readers from writing their first lines of code to developing professional-grade software. The book covers Python programming, algorithms, data structures, version control with Git, and other essential tools and concepts needed for a successful programming career.
Top Three Quotes
- “The difference between a good programmer and a great programmer is not in how many languages they know, but in how well they understand the fundamentals of computer science.”
- “Debugging is like being a detective in a crime movie where you are also the murderer.”
- “Becoming a professional programmer is not just about writing code; it’s about solving problems and building things that people will use.”
Book Notes and Summaries

Part One: Introduction to Programming Althoff begins with the basics of programming, focusing on Python, a beginner-friendly language. He covers variables, data types, loops, functions, and object-oriented programming. The exercises at the end of each chapter help reinforce the concepts and provide hands-on practice.
Favourite quote of the part: “Programming isn’t about what you know; it’s about what you can figure out.”

Part Two: Computer Science Basics This section introduces computer science fundamentals such as algorithms, data structures, and complexity analysis. Althoff explains how these concepts are crucial for writing efficient code and solving problems effectively.
Favourite quote of the part: “Understanding algorithms and data structures is like having a superpower as a programmer.”

Part Three: Coding Challenges Althoff presents a series of coding challenges to test and improve problem-solving skills. These challenges range from simple to complex, helping readers develop their abilities and gain confidence in their programming skills.
Favourite quote of the part: “The best way to learn programming is by doing. The more you code, the better you’ll get.”

Part Four: Software Development Tools This section covers essential tools and technologies used in software development, including version control with Git, working with databases, and using integrated development environments (IDEs). Althoff emphasises the importance of mastering these tools to streamline the development process and collaborate effectively with others.
Favourite quote of the part: “Tools don’t make the programmer, but they can make the programmer more productive.”

Part Five: Soft Skills In the final section, Althoff discusses the importance of soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. He provides tips on how to work effectively in a team, handle feedback, and continuously improve as a programmer.
Favourite quote of the part: “Programming is not a solitary activity. The best programmers are also great communicators and collaborators.”
How This Book Can Help Software Developers “The Self-Taught Programmer” by Cory Althoff is an invaluable resource for aspiring software developers who want to break into the industry without a formal education. By covering both technical and soft skills, the book provides a holistic approach to learning programming. It helps readers build a strong foundation in computer science, master essential tools, and develop the problem-solving abilities needed to succeed in the software development field.