The Art of Computer Programming

by Donald E. Knuth, Donald Knuth
The Art of Computer Programming cover
Good Books rating 3.75
Science and Innovation
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  • ID: 4704
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2026-01-26
  • ISBN: 9780201896831
  • Published: 1997-01-01
  • Reviews: 4

The Art of Computer Programming (TAOCP) is a comprehensive monograph written by the renowned computer scientist Donald Knuth. It presents a detailed exploration of programming algorithms and their analysis, serving as a central core of computer programming for sequential machines. The series is known for its rigorous approach and extensive coverage, making it a seminal work in the field of computer science. /n/n Knuth's work is not only a technical guide but also a historical document, reflecting the evolution of programming practices and theories. It is intended to be a definitive resource for both students and professionals, offering insights that are as relevant today as they were when first published.

Reviews
forums.anandtech.com · Unknown · 2025-10-22
brilliant 4.50

The Art of Computer Programming is highly regarded for its depth and comprehensive coverage of algorithms, though some find it dense and challenging to read. It is considered a must-have for serious programmers and computer scientists.

The Art of Computer Programming is often praised for its thorough and detailed exploration of algorithms. Many reviewers appreciate the depth of knowledge and the comprehensive nature of the content, making it an invaluable resource for those in the field. However, the book's complexity and dense writing style can be a barrier for some readers, particularly those new to the subject. Despite this, it is widely recommended for its unparalleled insights and contributions to the understanding of computer programming. The book's focus on fundamental principles and its rigorous approach make it a classic in the field, though it may require significant effort to fully grasp.

Quick quotes

    The Art of Computer Programming is a must-have for any serious programmer.

    It is a comprehensive and detailed exploration of algorithms.

    The book is dense and challenging, but incredibly rewarding.

tug.org · Unknown · 2025-10-22
boring 2.00

The reviewer found 'Pride and Prejudice and Zombies' boring and tedious, despite the addition of zombie action sequences. They suggest that fans of Jane Austen might find it more amusing, but ultimately felt it was neither silly nor entertaining. The book's conceit of blending manners and brutal action quickly wears thin, making it less engaging than the original Austen novel.

The reviewer admits they are not a fan of Jane Austen's style, finding her works uninteresting and difficult to engage with. 'Pride and Prejudice and Zombies' was an attempt to spice up the original with zombie action, but the reviewer found it just as tedious. The book's blend of manners and brutal action sequences quickly becomes boring, with conversations about death and destruction treated as trivial. While the reviewer acknowledges that fans of Austen might find it more amusing, they ultimately felt the book was neither silly nor entertaining, and much less engaging than the original novel.

Quick quotes

    This conceit wears a bit thin very quickly, becoming boring and tedious as the story unfolds.

    Pride and Prejudice and Zombies” is meant to be silly and entertaining but I found it neither…though perhaps those who like Austen…and have a bit of an open mind…might find it more amusing?

    Quite boring and a bit tedious but, to be fair, much less so than the original Austen novel.

Reddit - Algorithms · 2014-04-29
enjoyable 4.00

The book is densely written and requires a slow reading pace, but it is highly enjoyable. It is not suitable as introductory material.

The reviewer found the book quite enjoyable, noting that it is densely written and requires a slow reading pace of about 2 pages per hour. They emphasize that it is not suitable as introductory material, suggesting that readers should have some prior knowledge before diving in. The book is seen as a valuable resource for those already familiar with the subject matter.

Quick quotes

    Personally, I liked it quite a bit.

    Note that the books are very densely written.

    Expect to advance at a pace of about 2 pages per hour.

Medium · Tashian · 2014-04-24
epic 4.50

The book is epic and Knuth is truly a master of his craft. It is not a quick read but is highly rewarding.

The reviewer describes Knuth's books as epic and highlights Knuth as a true master of his craft. They note that the book is not a quick read but is highly rewarding. The reviewer appreciates the depth and clarity of Knuth's writing, making it a valuable resource for those willing to invest the time.

Quick quotes

    This also isn't one of those reviews where the reviewer walked out of the movie early, in disgust.

    Knuth's books are epic, and he is truly a master of his craft.

    The writing is concise and highly technical.

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