7

Today, I came across this book entitled:The Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs

I read the Table Of Contents and it really interests, me. It seems to be exactly what I've been looking for! From what I've read online, the book seems to have been pretty influential.

However, everyone who read it, read it like 20 years ago from what it seems.

Does the book still provide valuable knowledge? Has it been superseded by another influential book I should be aware of?

9
  • 2
    Cross-site dupe: stackoverflow.com/q/7431861/3001761
    – jonrsharpe
    Mar 13, 2015 at 13:33
  • 4
    The best programming books are still relevant nearly 50 years later. If its an old programming book and still in print, it is probably a good one.
    – user40980
    Mar 13, 2015 at 13:39
  • 1
    Well, it's no longer in print, sadly. But it is available for free on the MIT website. Mar 13, 2015 at 13:42
  • 1
    @gnat: This isn't a recommendation question. Recommendation questions ask "which book is best?" Mar 13, 2015 at 14:14
  • 1
    Absolutely. As Jörg states below, it's still as relevant as ever. Mar 13, 2015 at 14:16

1 Answer 1

15

However, everyone who read it, read it like 20 years ago from what it seems.

Actually, it was the basis of MIT's 6.001 introduction to programming until fairly recently, and still is used for similar courses in other universities even today.

Has it been superseded by another influential book I should be aware of?

Not really.

There are other books that take different approaches to teaching, such as How to Design Programs, which was specifically created to address certain perceived shortcomings in SICP, or Concrete Abstractions, but SICP is still a timeless classic.

Abstraction, Reuse, Analytic Thinking, Program Design, those aren't things that just go out of fashion.

Personally, I'd recommend starting with HtDP, and then move on to SICP, but that's just my opinion.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.