So let’s dive into something every developer—or really, anyone who loves to read—can appreciate: free books. I mean, who doesn’t love free stuff? Especially when it’s books. Whether you’re looking for resources to level up your coding skills or just something to wind down with at the end of the day, there are more options out there than you might realize.
Let’s start with libraries, because honestly, they’re underrated these days. Most libraries now offer way more than just physical books. You can get access to tons of eBooks, audiobooks, and even magazines through library apps like Libby or OverDrive. All you need is a library card. Seriously, if you haven’t checked out your local library in a while, do it. It’s not just shelves of dusty books anymore—they’ve modernized. And the best part? It’s completely free, no strings attached.
Now, for the developer crowd—people like us who are always looking to sharpen our skills or learn something new—there are some really great options too. You’ve got open source books that are often available as PDFs or online-readable content. Think of these as community-driven efforts by developers for developers. A lot of these are hosted on personal blogs, GitHub repos, or even organizations’ websites. If you’re into topics like algorithms, web development, or machine learning, just doing a quick search for “free [insert your topic] PDF” will often bring up a treasure trove of resources.
But here’s the thing: sometimes you don’t have time to dig through all that. And that’s where a site like BookRaid comes in handy. It’s a platform that highlights free and discounted eBooks across a bunch of genres, including programming. The best part is you can find books that aren’t just about development. So if you’re in the mood for, I don’t know, a sci-fi binge or maybe some gripping non-fiction, you can find those too. The deals rotate often, so it’s worth checking back regularly. You’ll find it at BookRaid.
For physical books, don’t forget about those “little free libraries” that people set up in neighborhoods. You’ve probably seen them—those cute little boxes on a post where you can take a book or leave one. The selection is hit or miss, but if you stumble on a good one, it’s like a tiny goldmine. It’s also a cool way to recycle books you’ve already read.
And then, for the truly old-school among us, garage sales, thrift stores, and used bookshops can be surprisingly good sources. People underestimate how often you can find programming books or even general tech books in those places. Sure, some of them might be a little out of date, but hey, if you’re looking to learn the fundamentals or even some retro tech, they’re worth a look. Plus, there’s something nostalgic about flipping through a well-loved paperback.
One last tip: don’t overlook your own network. Seriously, if you’re a part of a local coding meetup, a Slack group, or even just have developer friends, chances are good that someone has a book lying around that they’d be willing to share. We developers love to hoard books, and many of us are happy to lend or give away ones we’ve already read.