Before I became a data engineer, I was doing a lot of searching, reading a lot of articles, and watching many videos on how to become a data engineer? I was looking for the shortest and best way to do so.
Sure, if you aren’t already a data engineer, you are, probably, doing the same thing by reading this article. And I will share with the top 5 books that can help you becoming a pro in data engineering.
Read this article to the end to find out how you can read some of these books for free. Also, I included links to well known sources such as Amazon and the famous O’Reilly’s website if you want to buy one of these books or just check them out.
Let’s first confess that embarking on a journey into the world of data engineering can be both exciting and daunting. The field is vast, with a surplus of tools, techniques, and best practices to master.
Fortunately, there are several foundational resources that can guide beginners through the complexities of data engineering, offering insights into the principles, methodologies, and real-world applications of this critical discipline.
But before listing these resources, let first talk about my own journey to become a data engineer.
I’m an immigrant who moved to the United States with limited and broken English. So, the first thing I had to work on of course, was my English. I took ESL classes or English as a Second Languages for those who don’t know what ESL means. That journey took me few years because I was going to school as part timer while working hard in different manufacturing jobs to support myself.
Even though, I had a bachelor’s degree in economics from my country of origin, I wasn’t able to use it to get a job since it was hard for me to express myself in English.
The lesson learned here is that you don’t give up on your dream, doesn’t matter how long or hard to achieve it.
Below, we explore the top 5 data engineering books that every newbie should consider adding to his reading list in 2024.
Please note, prices and availability are subject to change, and any mentioned coupons might no longer be valid at the time of reading this article.
1. “Fundamentals of Data Engineering” by Joe Reis and Matt Housley
– About the book: Tailored specifically for newcomers to the field, “Fundamentals of Data Engineering” by Joe Reis and Matt Housley offers a comprehensive overview of the landscape of data engineering.
This book reveals the core concepts, tools, and technologies that data engineers use to build scalable data infrastructures. Covering everything from data integration and pipelines to data storage and orchestration, it lays a solid foundation for understanding the principles behind data engineering practices.
– Where to Find: O’Reilly Media’s official website, Amazon, and other leading bookstores.
– Price: The price can vary, typically around $50-$70 for a new paperback edition. E-book versions may be available at a lower cost.
– Coupons: While specific coupons for this book might be hard to come by, O’Reilly Media offers a subscription service that provides access to a vast library of content, including “Fundamentals of Data Engineering.” Subscribing to O’Reilly’s service might be a cost-effective way to access this book along with a plethora of other educational resources.
2. “Data Engineering Teams” by Jesse Anderson
– About the book: Anderson provides a pragmatic look into the creation and management of data engineering teams, offering invaluable insights into the roles, responsibilities, and challenges faced by data engineers. This book is perfect for individuals looking to understand the operational and team dynamics of data engineering.
– Where to Find: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and directly through the author’s website.
– Price: Around $25-$35 for the paperback version.
– Coupons: Keep an eye on the author’s Twitter feed or website for potential discounts or promotional codes.
3. “Building Data Streaming Applications with Apache Kafka” by Manish Kumar and Chanchal Singh
– About the book : Ideal for beginners interested in real-time data processing, this book dives into Apache Kafka, a popular open-source streaming platform. The authors break down complex concepts into digestible pieces, making it easier for newbies to grasp the fundamentals of data streaming.
– Where to Find: Amazon, O’Reilly Media, and other technical book retailers.
– Price: Typically ranges from $35 to $50.
– Coupons: Discounts may be found on O’Reilly Media’s website or during Amazon’s book sales.
4. “The Data Warehouse Toolkit: The Definitive Guide to Dimensional Modeling” by Ralph Kimball and Margy Ross
– About the book: This classic text on dimensional modeling offers a deep dive into the design of data warehouses, a fundamental aspect of data engineering. The book is filled with practical examples and best practices, making it an essential read for those looking to understand the architectural underpinnings of data storage and retrieval.
– Where to Find: Amazon, Wiley (the publisher), and other bookstores.
– Price: Around $45-$65, with prices varying by retailer.
– Coupons: Wiley often offers discounts to subscribers of their newsletter, and Amazon may include it in occasional sales.
5. “Streaming Systems” by Tyler Akidau, Slava Chernyak, and Reuven Lax
– About the book: For those interested in the cutting-edge field of stream processing, “Streaming Systems” is a must-read. The authors, who are experts in the field, cover the fundamentals and advanced concepts of streaming data, providing a solid foundation for building and managing streaming applications.
– Where to Find: Available on Amazon, Google Books, and through the publisher, O’Reilly Media.
– Price: Typically, between $50-$70, depending on the retailer and format.
– Coupons: O’Reilly Media subscribers and members often have access to discounts, and Amazon might offer price reductions during special promotions.
Now, let’s show you how you can read O’Reilly books and some other materials for free.
To stay ahead of the curve with O’Reilly’s comprehensive learning platform, begin your journey with a 10-day free trial offering unlimited access to a wealth of knowledge designed to enhance your skills for a lifetime. This trail will dive you into an array of live, instructor-led online training courses that introduce you to the newest tools and technologies at your own pace and engage you with interactive tutorials that provide hands-on practice in real time, ensuring you learn by doing.
As you embark on your data engineering journey, these books will serve as valuable resources, guiding you from the fundamentals to more advanced topics. While prices and coupons are subject to change, investing in your education and professional development is always a wise decision. Keep an eye out for sales and discounts, and consider joining online forums or communities for data professionals, as they can be excellent sources for recommendations on resources and potential savings. Happy reading, and welcome to the exciting world of data engineering!
Leave us your comment below expressing your thoughts about this selection of books and the coupons we listed. Also, add any books you think are good resources to become a data engineer.