77 Best Compiler Books of All Time (Updated for 2026)

1

Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs

Harold Abelson and Gerald Jay Sussman

5.0

Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs has had a dramatic impact on computer science curricula over the past decade. This long-awaited revision contains changes throughout the text. There are new implementations of most of the major programming systems in the book, including the interpreters and compilers, and the authors have incorporated many small changes that reflect their experienc

Recommended by Max Levchin, Bret Victor, Hadley Wickham, and 2 others.

Max Levchin

Co-founder/PayPal, CEO/Affirm, Investor

Easier to read than "The Art of Computer Programming" end-to-end quickly. [source]

Hadley Wickham

The most valuable thing this book gives you is confidence and knowledge to go and create your own programming language. [source]

John Maeda

@jesseddy The best book in classical and “hands-on example” terms is Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs — but it requires maybe a year to get thru and for me, 10 years more to marinate over. *A* book is the one I am finishing now to come out Nov 2019. https://t.co/OODjQXgf1I [source]

2

Compilers: Principles, Techniques, and Tools

Alfred V. Aho, Ravi Sethi, Jeffrey D. Ullman

4.8

This introduction to compilers is the direct descendant of the well-known book by Aho and Ullman, Principles of Compiler Design. The authors present updated coverage of compilers based on research and techniques that have been developed in the field over the past few years. The book provides a thorough introduction to compiler design and covers topics such as context-free grammars, fine state mach

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3

Writing A Compiler In Go

Thorsten Ball

4.6

This is the sequel to Writing An Interpreter In Go. We're picking up right where we left off and write a compiler and a virtual machine for Monkey.

Runnable and tested code front and center, built from the ground up, step by step — just like before.

But this time, we're going to define bytecode, compile Monkey and execute it in our very own virtual machine. It's the next step in Monkey's evolution

4

Crafting Interpreters

Robert Nystrom

4.6

Despite using them every day, most software engineers know little about how programming languages are designed and implemented. For many, their only experience with that corner of computer science was a terrifying "compilers" class that they suffered through in undergrad and tried to blot from their memory as soon as they had scribbled their last NFA to DFA conversion on the final exam.That fearso

5

Joel on Software

Joel Spolsky

4.6

Someone once said that the task of a writer is to "make the familiar new and the new familiar". For years, Joel Spolsky has done exactly this at www.joelonsoftware.com. Now, for the first time, you can own a collection of the most important essays from his site in one book, with exclusive commentary and new insights from joel.

Recommended by Ev Williams.

6

Digital Design and Computer Architecture

David Harris, Sarah Harris

4.6

Digital Design and Computer Architecture is designed for courses that combine digital logic design with computer organization/architecture or that teach these subjects as a two-course sequence. Digital Design and Computer Architecture begins with a modern approach by rigorously covering the fundamentals of digital logic design and then introducing Hardware Description Languages (HDLs). Featuring e

7

Engineering a Compiler

Keith Cooper

4.6

The proliferation of processors, environments, and constraints on systems has cast compiler technology into a wider variety of settings, changing the compiler and compiler writer's role. No longer is execution speed the sole criterion for judging compiled code. Today, code might be judged on how small it is, how much power it consumes, how well it compresses, or how many page faults it generates.

8

Practical Common LISP

Peter Seibel

4.5

Lisp is often thought of as an academic language, but it need not be. This is the first book that introduces Lisp as a language for the real world. Practical Common Lisp presents a thorough introduction to Common Lisp, providing you with an overall understanding of the language features and how they work. Over a third of the book is devoted to practical examples, such as the core of a spam filter

9

Linkers and Loaders

John R. Levine

4.5

Whatever your programming language, whatever your platform, you probably tap into linker and loader functions all the time. But do you know how to use them to their greatest possible advantage? Only now, with the publication of Linkers & Loaders, is there an authoritative book devoted entirely to these deep-seated compile-time and run-time processes.
The book begins with a detailed and comparative

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10

Zen and the Forth Language: EFORTH for the MSP430 from Texas Instruments

Dr. Chen-Hanson Ting

4.5

11

Programming Language Pragmatics

Michael Scott, Jonathan Aldrich

4.5

Programming Language Pragmatics is the most comprehensive programming language textbook available today, with nearly 1000 pages of content in the book, plus hundreds more pages of reference materials and ancillaries online. Michael Scott takes theperspective that language design and language implementation are tightly interconnected, and that neither can be fully understood in isolation. In an app

12

C Programming in easy steps: Updated for the GNU Compiler version 6.3.0

Mike McGrath

4.5

C Programming in easy steps, 5th edition has an easy-to-follow style that will appeal to anyone who wants to begin programming in C, from programmers moving from another programming language, to the student who is studying C programming at school or college, or to those seeking a career in computing who need a fundamental understanding of procedural programming. C Programming in easy steps, 5th ed

13

LLVM Code Generation: A deep dive into compiler backend development

Quentin Colombet

4.5

“If you're working in or interested in LLVM and code generation, this book should definitely be on your list. Highly recommended!” -Yacob (Kobi) Cohen Arazi, Software Engineer at NVIDIA. “If you're passionate about compilers and eager to stay ahead in this dynamic field, I highly recommend giving this book a read.” -Arya Mazaheri, Co-founder of PanocularAI “I think that this book will lower the ac

14

Compiler Construction: Principles and Practice

Kenneth C. Louden

4.5

Compiler Construction: Principles and Practice features a comprehensive, hands-on case study project for constructing an actual, working compiler.

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15

Writing an Interpreter in Object Pascal: Part 1: Lexical and Basic Syntax Analysis

Herbert M Sauro

4.5

16

The Definitive ANTLR 4 Reference

Terence Parr

4.5

Programmers run into parsing problems all the time. Whether it's a data format like JSON, a network protocol like SMTP, a server configuration file for Apache, a PostScript/PDF file, or a simple spreadsheet macro language--ANTLR v4 and this book will demystify the process. ANTLR v4 has been rewritten from scratch to make it easier than ever to build parsers and the language applications built on t

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17

Writing Compilers and Interpreters: A Modern Software Engineering Approach Using Java

Ronald Mak

4.5

Long-awaited revision to a unique guide that covers both compilers and interpreters Revised, updated, and now focusing on Java instead of C++, this long-awaited, latest edition of this popular book teaches programmers and software engineering students how to write compilers and interpreters using Java. You?ll write compilers and interpreters as case studies, generating general assembly code for a

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18

Introduction to Compiler Design (Undergraduate Topics in Computer Science)

John I Moore

4.5

19

Engineering a Compiler

Keith D. Cooper, Linda Torczon

4.5

*Textbook and Academic Authors Association (TAA) Textbook Excellence Award Winner, 2024*Engineering a Compiler, Third Edition covers the latest developments in compiler technology, with new chapters focusing on semantic elaboration (the problems that arise in generating code from the ad-hoc syntax-directed translation schemes in a generated parser), on runtime support for naming and addressability

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20

Metaprogramming Elixir: Write Less Code, Get More Done (and Have Fun!)

Chris McCord

4.5

Write code that writes code with Elixir macros. Macros make metaprogramming possible and define the language itself. In this book, you'll learn how to use macros to extend the language with fast, maintainable code and share functionality in ways you never thought possible. You'll discover how to extend Elixir with your own first-class features, optimize performance, and create domain-specific lang

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21

A Guide Book Of United States Paper Money: Complete Source for History, Grading, and Prices (Official Red Book)

Arthur L. Friedberg (Compiler)

4.5

22

Modern CMake for C++: Effortlessly build cutting-edge C++ code and deliver high-quality solutions

Rafał Świdziński

4.5

Gain proficiency in CMake and unlock the complete potential of C++ to develop exceptional projectsGet With Your Book: PDF Copy, AI Assistant, and Next-Gen Reader FreeKey FeaturesGet to grips with CMake and take your C++ development skills to enterprise standardsUse hands-on exercises and self-assessment questions to lock-in your learningUnderstand how to build in an array of quality checks and tes

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23

Practical Haskell: A Real World Guide to Programming

Alejandro Serrano Mena

4.5

Get a practical, hands-on introduction to the Haskell language, its libraries and environment, and to the functional programming paradigm that is fast growing in importance in the software industry. This book contains excellent coverage of the Haskell ecosystem and supporting tools, which include the Cabal build tool for managing projects and modules, the HUnit and QuickCheck tools for software te

24

Professional C# 2008

Christian Nagel, Bill Evjen, Jay Glynn, Morgan Skinner, Karli Watson

4.5

Professional C# 2008 starts by reviewing the overall architecture of .NET in Chapter 1 in order to give you the background you need to be able to write managed code. After that the book is divided into a number of sections that cover both the C# language and its application in a variety of areas.

25

Advanced Compiler Design and Implementation

Steven Muchnick

4.5

From the Foreword by Susan L. Graham:
This book takes on the challenges of contemporary languages and
architectures, and prepares the reader for the new compiling problems that
will inevitably arise in the future.

The definitive book on advanced compiler design
This comprehensive, up-to-date work examines advanced issues in the design
and implementation of compilers for modern processors. Written

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26

Inside Windows Debugging: A Practical Guide to Debugging and Tracing Strategies in Windows®

Tarik Soulami

4.5

Use Windows debuggers throughout the development cycle—and build better software

Rethink your use of Windows debugging and tracing tools—and learn how to make them a key part of test-driven software development. Led by a member of the Windows Fundamentals Team at Microsoft, you’ll apply expert debugging and tracing techniques—and sharpen your C++ and C# code analysis skills—through practical exampl

27

Writing a C Compiler: Build a Real Programming Language from Scratch

Nora Sandler

4.5

A fun, hands-on guide to writing your own compiler for a real-world programming language.Compilers are at the heart of everything programmers do, yet even experienced developers find them intimidating. For those eager to truly grasp how compilers work, Writing a C Compiler dispels the mystery. This book guides you through a fun and engaging project where you’ll learn what it takes to compile a rea

28

Beginning COBOL for Programmers

Michael Coughlan

4.5

Beginning COBOL for Programmers is a comprehensive, sophisticated tutorial and modular skills reference on the COBOL programming language for established programmers. This book is for you if you are a developer who would like to--or must--add COBOL to your repertoire. Perhaps you recognize the opportunities presented by the current COBOL skills crisis, or are working in a mission critical enterpri

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29

A Beginners Guide to Python 3 Programming

John Hunt

4.5

This textbook on Python 3 explains concepts such as variables and what they represent, how data is held in memory, how a for loop works and what a string is. It also introduces key concepts such as functions, modules and packages as well as object orientation and functional programming. Each section is prefaced with an introductory chapter, before continuing with how these ideas work in Python.

Top

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30

Modern Authentication with Azure Active Directory for Web Applications

Vittorio Bertocci

4.5

Build advanced authentication solutions for any cloud or web environment

Active Directory has been transformed to reflect the cloud revolution, modern protocols, and today's newest SaaS paradigms. This is an authoritative, deep-dive guide to building Active Directory authentication solutions for these new environments. Author Vittorio Bertocci drove these technologies from initial concept to gener

31

Writing Interpreters and Compilers for the Raspberry Pi Using Python

Anthony J. Dos Reis

4.5

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32

An Introduction to GCC

Brian J. Gough, Richard M. Stallman

4.5

This manual provides a complete tutorial introduction to the GNU C and C++ compilers, gcc and g++. Many books teach the C and C++ languages, this book teaches you how to use the compiler itself. All the common problems and error messages encountered by new users of GCC are carefully explained, with numerous easy-to-follow "Hello World" examples. Topics covered include: compiling C and C++ programs

33

Language Implementation Patterns: Techniques for Implementing Domain-Specific Languages

Terence Parr

4.5

Knowing how to create domain-specific languages (DSLs) can give you a huge productivity boost. Instead of writing code in a general-purpose programming language, you can first build a custom language tailored to make you efficient in a particular domain.

The key is understanding the common patterns found across language implementations. Language Design Patterns identifies and condenses the most c

34

Programming Language Pragmatics

Michael Scott

4.5

Programming Language Pragmatics addresses the fundamental principles at work in the most important contemporary languages, highlights the critical relationship between language design and language implementation, and devotes special attention to issues of importance to the expert programmer. Thanks to its rigorous but accessible teaching style, you ll emerge better prepared to choose the best lang

35

Advanced C and C++ Compiling

Milan Stevanovi

4.5

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36

Introduction to Compilers and Language Design

Douglas Thain

4.5

A compiler translates a program written in a high level language into a program written in a lower level language. For students of computer science, building a compiler from scratch is a rite of passage: a challenging and fun project that offers insight into many different aspects of computer science, some deeply theoretical, and others highly practical. This book offers a one semester introductio

37

Optimizing Compilers for Modern Architectures: A Dependence-Based Approach

Randy Allen

4.5

Modern computer architectures designed with high-performance microprocessors offer tremendous potential gains in performance over previous designs. Yet their very complexity makes it increasingly difficult to produce efficient code and to realize their full potential. This landmark text from two leaders in the field focuses on the pivotal role that compilers can play in addressing this critical is

38

Introduction to Compilers and Language Design: Second Edition

Douglas Thain

4.5

A compiler translates a program written in a high level language into a program written in a lower level language. For students of computer science, building a compiler from scratch is a rite of passage: a challenging and fun project that offers insight into many different aspects of computer science, some deeply theoretical, and others highly practical. This book offers a one semester introductio

39

Modern Compiler Implementation in Java

Andrew W. Appel, Jens Palsberg

4.5

This textbook describes all phases of a compiler: lexical analysis, parsing, abstract syntax, semantic actions, intermediate representations, instruction selection via tree matching, dataflow analysis, graph-coloring register allocation, and runtime systems. It includes thorough coverage of current techniques in code generation and register allocation, and the compilation of functional and object-

40

Modern HTML & CSS with AI: Build Smarter, Faster Websites Using Intelligent Tools, Responsive Design, and Real Projects (Modern Programming with AI)

Ling Tianhao

4.4

Build websites the modern way: faster, smarter, and with the power of AI integrated into your workflow.Modern HTML & CSS with AI is the first practical guide that combines timeless front-end fundamentals with intelligent tools that developers use today. Whether you are beginning your coding journey or upgrading your professional skills, this book gives you everything you need to build modern, resp

41

A Retargetable C Compiler: Design and Implementation

David R. Hanson and Christopher W. Fraser

4.4

This new text examines the design and implementation of Icc, a production-quality, retargetable compiler, designed at AT&T Bell Laboratories and Princeton University for the ANSI C programming language. The authors' innovative approach - a "literate program" that intermingles the text with the source code - gives a detailed tour of the code that explains the implementation and design decisions ref

42

Essentials of Compilation: An Incremental Approach in Racket

Jeremy G. Siek

4.4

A hands-on approach to understanding and building compilers.Compilers are notoriously some of the most difficult programs to teach and understand. Most books about compilers dedicate one chapter to each progressive stage, a structure that hides how language features motivate design choices. By contrast, this innovative textbook provides an incremental approach that allows students to write every s

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43

Writing Compilers and Interpreters

Ronald Mak

4.4

Grab hold of your C++ because here you'll learn how to use it to write compilers and interpreters--those programs that translate high-level computer code into machine-executable code. The only C++-based book on compilers and interpreters available, this revised and updated edition shows you the ABC's of reading and listing a program, breaking it into tokens, parsing it, and examining its syntax. T

44

Beginning Arduino Programming

Brian Evans

4.4

Beginning Arduino Programming allows you to quickly and intuitively develop your programming skills through sketching in code. This clear introduction provides you with an understanding of the basic framework for developing Arduino code, including the structure, syntax, functions, and libraries needed to create future projects. You will also learn how to program your Arduino interface board to sen

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45

The Implementation Of Functional Programming Languages

Simon L. Peyton Jones

4.4

Book is now out of print, but it is now available online in its entirety.

46

Low-Level Programming: C, Assembly, and Program Execution on Intel(r) 64 Architecture

Igor Zhirkov

4.4

Learn Intel 64 assembly language and architecture, become proficient in C, and understand how the programs are compiled and executed down to machine instructions, enabling you to write robust, high-performance code.

Low-Level Programming explains Intel 64 architecture as the result of von Neumann architecture evolution. The book teaches the latest version of the C language (C11) and assembly langua

47

Complete Guide to Test Automation: Techniques, Practices, and Patterns for Building and Maintaining Effective Software Projects

Arnon Axelrod

4.4

Rely on this robust and thorough guide to build and maintain successful test automation. As the software industry shifts from traditional waterfall paradigms into more agile ones, test automation becomes a highly important tool that allows your development teams to deliver software at an ever-increasing pace without compromising quality.
Even though it may seem trivial to automate the repetitive te

48

Logic Programming with Prolog

Max Bramer

4.4

Logic Programming is the name given to a distinctive style of programming, very different from that of conventional programming languages such as C++ and Java. By far the most widely used Logic Programming language is Prolog. Prolog is a good choice for developing complex applications, especially in the field of Artificial Intelligence.Logic Programming with Prolog does not assume that the reader

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49

Invitation to Computer Science

G.Michael Schneider and Judith Gersting

4.4

INVITATION TO COMPUTER SCIENCE is a well-respected text that provides an overview of the computer science field. Using a flexible, non-language specific model, INVITATION TO COMPUTER SCIENCE offers a solid foundation for the first course in a Computer Science curriculum. INVITATION TO COMPUTER SCIENCE, 6TH EDITION maintains its bestselling, algorithm-driven approach and includes expanded chapter e

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50

Implementing Programming Languages. an Introduction to Compilers and Interpreters

Aarne Ranta

4.4

Implementing a programming language means bridging the gap from the programmer's high-level thinking to the machine's zeros and ones. If this is done in an efficient and reliable way, programmers can concentrate on the actual problems they have to solve, rather than on the details of machines. But understanding the whole chain from languages to machines is still an essential part of the training o

51

COBOL Made Easy: A Step-By-Step Guide to Learning, Programming, and Implementing Programs

Bobby Bland

4.4

52

Modern C

Jens Gustedt

4.4

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53

The Super Easy Keto Diet Cookbook: 575 Best Keto Diet Recipes of All Time (30-Day Meal Plan to Lose Weight and Wellness, Keto Diet for Beginners)

Rachel Collins

4.4

WHILE OTHER KETO DIET COOKBOOKS
are poorly written, have no recipe index, no meal plan and shopping list, lots of editing errors, incomplete instructions, plain and uninspiring recipes, or simply recipes that are overcomplicated, The Super Easy Keto Diet Cookbook by Rachel Collins features the best variety of well-thought-out and well-tested recipes you should expect with nutrition facts for every

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54

Closure: The Definitive Guide

Michael Bolin

4.4

If you're ready to use Closure to build rich web applications with JavaScript, this hands-on guide has precisely what you need to learn this suite of tools in depth. Closure makes it easy for experienced JavaScript developers to write and maintain large and complex codebases -- as Google has demonstrated by using Closure with Gmail, Google Docs, and Google Maps.

Author and Closure contributor Micha

55

Forth - The Early Years: Background information about the beginnings of this Computer Language

Charles H Moore

4.4

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56

Mastering Assembly Programming

Alexey Lyashko

4.4

57

Modern Compiler Design

Dick Grune

4.4

"Modern Compiler Design" makes the topic of compiler design more accessible by focusing on principles and techniques of wide application. By carefully distinguishing between the essential (material that has a high chance of being useful) and the incidental (material that will be of benefit only in exceptional cases) much useful information was packed in this comprehensive volume. The student who h

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58

Linux with Operating System Concepts

Richard Fox

4.4

A True Textbook for an Introductory Course, System Administration Course, or a Combination Course

Linux with Operating System Concepts merges conceptual operating system (OS) and Unix/Linux topics into one cohesive textbook for undergraduate students. The book can be used for a one- or two-semester course on Linux or Unix. It is complete with review sections, problems, definitions, concepts, and r

59

Introduction to Compiler Design

Torben Ægidius Mogensen

4.3

This textbook is intended for an introductory course on Compiler Design, suitable for use in an undergraduate programme in computer science or related fields. The text presents techniques for making realistic, though non-optimizing, compilers for simple programming languages.

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60

The Definitive Guide to GCC (Definitive Guide)

William von Hagen

4.3

The GNU Compiler Collection (GCC) offers a variety of compilers for different programming languages including C, C++, Java, Fortran, and Ada. Providing in-depth information on GCCUs enormous array of features and options, and introducing crucial tools such as autoconf, gprof, and libtool, this second edition functions as both a guide and reference.

61

C++23 - The Complete Guide

Nicolai M Josuttis

4.3

All the new language and library features of C++23 (for those who know previous versions of C++).C++23 is the next evolution in modern C++ programming, now supported by major C++ compilers. This release contains both new few features and several extensions to C++20. As usual, not everything is self-explanatory and there are hidden traps. Therefore, it is key to learn all the concepts of C++23 and

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62

A Textbook of Compiler Design

Adesh K. Pande

4.3

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63

The Definitive Guide to Modern Java Clients with JavaFX: Cross-Platform Mobile and Cloud Development

Stephen Chin

4.3

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64

Efficient R Programming: A Practical Guide to Smarter Programming

Colin Gillespie

4.3

Become a more productive programmer with "Efficient R Programming." Drawing on years of experience teaching R courses, authors Colin Gillespie and Robin Lovelace give practical advice on a range of topics from optimizing set-up of RStudio to leveraging C++ that make this book a valuable asset for both experienced and novice programmers. It s suitable for academics, business users, and programmers

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65

Getting Started with LLVM Core Libraries

Bruno Cardoso Lopes and Rafael Auler

4.3

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66

Xamarin Mobile Application Development: Cross-Platform C# and Xamarin.Forms Fundamentals

Dan Hermes

4.3

Xamarin Mobile Application Development is a hands-on Xamarin.Forms primer and a cross-platform reference for building native Android, iOS, and Windows Phone apps using C# and .NET. This book explains how to use Xamarin.Forms, Xamarin.Android, and Xamarin.iOS to build business apps for your customers and consumer apps for Google Play and the iTunes App Store.

Learn how to leverage Xamarin.Forms for

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67

Crafting a Compiler with C

Charles N. Fischer

4.3

This extremely practical, hands-on approach to building compilers using the C programming language includes numerous examples of working code from a real compiler and covers such advanced topics as code generation, optimization, and real-world parsing. It is an ideal reference and tutorial. 0805321667B04062001

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68

FIG-Forth Manual: Documentation and Test in 1802 IP

C-H Ting

4.3

69

An Accessible Introduction to Common Lisp and Functional Programming

Shin-Nosuke Yamada

4.3

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70

The Arduino controlled by eForth

Chen-Hanson Ting

4.3

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71

Writing Scientific Software: A Guide to Good Style

Suely Oliveira

4.3

The core of scientific computing is designing, writing, testing, debugging and modifying numerical software for application to a vast range of areas: from graphics, meteorology and chemistry to engineering, biology and finance. Scientists, engineers and computer scientists need to write good code, for speed, clarity, flexibility and ease of re-use. Oliveira and Stewart's style guide for numerical

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72

Excel 2016: A Comprehensive Beginner’s Guide to Microsoft Excel 2016

Timothy C. Needham

4.3

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73

Moving Forth - Internals and TTL Processor

Brad Rodriguez

4.3

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74

Writing an Interpreter in Object Pascal: Part II: The Runtime System

Herbert M Sauro

4.3

75

Advanced ASIC Chip Synthesis: Using Synopsys(r) Design Compiler(tm) Physical Compiler(tm) and Primetime(r)

Himanshu Bhatnagar

4.3

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76

IntelliJ IDEA Essentials

Jaroslaw Krochmalski

4.3

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77

Instant Pot Cookbook: 575 Best Instant Pot Recipes of All Time (with Nutrition Facts, Easy and Healthy Recipes)

Rachel Collins

4.3

WHILE OTHER INSTANT POT COOKBOOKS are poorly written, have no recipe index, lots of editing errors, bad recipes, or simply recipes that are overcomplicated, the Instant Pot Cookbook by Rachel Collins feature the best variety of well-thought-out and well-tested recipes you should expect with nutrition facts for every recipe in the book and comes with the well-structured recipe index.

It includes the