Books

Internet Search Tips

This title almost sounds stupid, right? I mean, pretty much everyone who has ever been online knows how to Google. Even kids.

But I promise you it’s not. Searching for quick and simple stuff – yes, sure, is easy. But not many people I’ve met know how to use even Google’s advanced search options (despite there being a gadzillion articles online), let alone other search engines. Searching for something non-trivial, like research papers and books, is even trickier.

Hence the Internet Search Tips. Here’s the intro from the author:

Over time, I developed a certain google-fu and expertise in finding references, papers, and books online. Some of these tricks are not well-known, like checking the Internet Archive (IA) for books. I try to write down my search workflow, and give general advice about finding and hosting documents.

Practical Cryptography for Developers

“Practical Cryptography for Developers” is a free book (with GitHub repository) by Svetlin Nakov, which aims at teaching developers some of the most practical concepts of cryptography. The book covers hashing functions, random generators, symmetric and asymmetric keys, digital signatures, and more. Each chapter is rich with diagrams, illustrations, code samples, as well as exercises.

The AWK Programming Language

I came across the “The AWK Programming Language” book in PDF format. This is so handy that I’ll host a copy of the file just in case.

Git Magic

If you are trying to learn Git, but the Git Book looks large and intimidating to you (which it isn’t), have a look at Git Magic. It’s smaller and simpler, and seems like a good start for those of you just getting your feet wet in the git world.

Phonephobia (vol. 1)

My good friend Slava Dyrdine has finally published his first book of drawings. You can buy a paperback edition from Amazon for only $15. If you are into art and moody things, you’ll love having a copy of this at home or in the office. It also goes well as a present.