Code to Joy: Why Everyone Should Learn a Little Programming

by Michael L Littman

"With a few basic programming skills, we can change our relationship with the machines in our life and get more done with their help"--

Genres: Nonfiction, Technology

Paperback

Published August 1, 2023

Reviews

[Elena Jones]

Code to Joy: Why Everyone Should Learn a Little Programming is an delightfully welcoming, empowering, and deeply accessible guide to computational literacy for the modern world. Published by MIT Press, acclaimed Brown University computer scientist Michael L. Littman demystifies the world of programming, reframing coding not as a daunting vocation reserved for software engineers, but as a universal life skill that can enrich anyone's daily relationship with technology.

Rather than overwhelming readers with complex syntax or esoteric software architectures, Littman focuses on basic algorithmic concepts and intuitive problem-solving frameworks that empower everyday users to automate mundane tasks, customize personal devices, and take creative control of their digital lives. With warmth, humor, and practical clarity, Code to Joy dismantles digital anxiety and invites readers across all disciplines from artists and educators to managers and retirees to discover the agency and satisfaction that comes with writing a little code. Engaging and inspiring, this book is essential reading for computational literacy advocates, general non-fiction readers, and anyone seeking to become a more capable, confident participant in our technology-driven world.

[Kiri]

What a pleasure to read this book! It's full of humor and important insights about how we can get a little more control and a little more fun out of our interactions with computers. Michael Littman makes all of this accessible (and amusing). He has a broad perspective, and he knows how to demystify computer oddities in a totally engaging way. You may learn something from his book without even noticing it until later!

Beyond simply a discussion of programming, bigger ideas of machine learning and optimization are woven throughout the book. And ultimately, it's a positive, inspiring, and empowering read. I highly recommend the final chapter for everyone.

[Teo Hynes]

At first glance this book does what normally annoys me... saving the meaning of the title until the end... however I am willing to make an exception as it is truly evident from cover to cover that there is joy in coding. It is clear that Littman has found that joy and wishes to share that joy with us! Thank you very much for not only doing that but being culturally responsive in doing so :) can't wait for whatever the next book is!

[Myra]

Probably more like 3.5 stars.

Good, solid, often entertaining book about why everyone should learn programming. I knew a lot of the basics and thought that Littman did an excellent job giving examples and keeping the tone engaging. It does get pretty technical in the second half, which was a bit more difficult of a read.

[max momot]

Мотивационная книга для изучения программирования. Авто обьясняет основные методы программирования и машинного обучения с помощью простых жизненных примеров. Превосходная работа, как обьяснять сложное и запутанное простым и понятным языком.

[Elizabeth Behrman]

a quick fun read. even hilarious in spots.

[Steve]

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