The Nature of Code by Daniel Shiffman

While attempting to make a game, I realized that physics is hard. (Surprise!) I also missed 60+ years of game development evolution and wanted a gentle introduction. This book ticked all the boxes and was high on my “to-read” list.

It is very well written, and the examples are easy to follow. I am a bit sad that I did not read it 30 years ago. It is, by far, the best book I have read on software engineering for beginners.

My only “complaints“ are that it is too beginner-friendly and Java. Both are not serious. Beginner friendliness is a good thing. It's just me being annoyed to read the introduction to OOP for the thousandth time. And Java, well, there is a free online version with Javascript, which I find even more beginner-friendly.

If you want to develop a game but do not know where to start - start by reading this book.

Official Website: natureofcode.com

Original Title: The Nature of Code

ISBN: 0985930802 (ISBN13: 9780985930806)

GoodReads: 4.56 / 5