eBook or Actual Book?

Question

As a new programmer, in your experienced opinions - what is smarter, buying the actual book or learning it directly off your computer screen via pdf?

Answer 1

It depends what kind of book it is. If it's more of a reference book and filled with code, the PDF is fine. If it's something I could read while taking a dump using the facilities, then I buy a hard copy.

I don't have a kindle, or (shiver) iPad, so I'm not sure how "authentic" the reading-on-toilet experience can be... maybe eBooks are enough nowadays.

Answer 2

For reference books, an ebook is better. For tutorial-style books, the dead-tree versions are usually better. In case the book in question is both, then get the ebook. Besides, with most dead-tree versions of such books come with CDs, which have an ebook version of the book.

The ability to search through the full text is great, especially for reference books. However, "actual" books have something that compares -- indexes (at the end of the book). Consider using them if you're stuck with an actual book.

Answer 3

The information content is the same. Reading off a computer does allow you to google extra information, or try some of the code out by cutting and pasting. The act of actually 'doing' the work enables the brain to learn better, rather than just reading it dry. However, if you use a book + computer, you are still less likely to try things out, unless the book comes with code you can download and try.

On the other hand, you can make notes on your paper book, crease pages so you can refer back to them, read them when you are away from your computer, etc.

The future will always be an eBook, as this saves trees, easier to distribute, and makes more profit. Amazon Kindle and the like have all been excellent ebook readers, but not for PDFs as you can't re-flow a PDF. There is only one portable PDF reader that is any good, and that is the Apple iPad.

Answer 4

I think this comes down to personal preference, neither medium is quantifiably 'better', go for the medium you enjoy using the most and you will do better.

Answer 5

I would concentrate on buying the "correct" book first then once you have found that, decide on the format.

Answer 6

Yes, the content is the same and it is just a matter of comfort. But e-book definitely have an advantage, by directly giving links to references, then any term you have a doubt, instantly you can google it and get it clarified etc.

Now, as a developer,personally i always go with e-books and online tutorials.

Answer 7

If it's off the computer or printed, definitely printed. But a portable reader like the Kindle or iPad is a different story.

I bought the first Kindle, upgraded through the DX and I also have an iPad. With a few exceptions, I prefer the ebook format. Reasons:

• I can carry multiple books at a time when I'm travelling or just out for lunch.
• I don't have to worry about bookshelf space or transporting boxes of books when I move
• I can get a real newspaper in a portable format (e.g., NY Times, Wash Post, etc.)
• The ability to highlight notes and locations and have the reader build an index is a huge advantage for eBooks. For example, when learning ASP.NET MVC, I highlighted key snippets on routing, model binding, etc. I was able to quickly go back and find relevant information later when I needed it.

That said, there is some content that is still best in a printed book format. I have my jQuery reference guide in print as it's something I frequently thumb through. Some patterns books I prefer in print - again because I can quickly flip through the pages to find a pattern by name. Also, books that have a need for color images are still better printed. The Kindle is black and white and the iPad wears on your eyes after a while since it's backlit.

Bottom line...eBook with a portable reader except for reference information or color.

Answer 8

Computer programming books are not read cover to cover. To get a work on hand done, many times it suffices to read through a few chapters in a couple of books quickly. During needs like these, e-books work good.

Books on data structures and algorithms or other theoretical concepts such as operating systems, computer architecture, compilers and programming language construction don't demand a computer. Most of them could be read without a computer, simply with a paper and pencil to work out the exercises. For these needs, paper books work good. There is wikipedia and many more places on the Internet that can be referred to for these subjects, but paper books have their place no less.

Answer 9

IF you plan for ebook, then dual screen is a must. The primary advantage of a printed book is that it doesn't take up screen space when you try things out... still, you can't grep dead trees.

Answer 10

Go for no book and use google / bing there is nothing you can't find.