Life & fun · alternatives · 2026

24 alternatives to Decoding AP Computer Science A

For high schoolers, by a high schooler

Below are 24 products that do a similar job, ranked by how close each is in meaning and then by launch-day votes. Decoding AP Computer Science A launched in 2016; newer entries below may have overtaken it.

1. 1
   Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs▲85

   Computer science curriculum must-read

   2015 · amazon.com · its alternatives →

2. 2
   Code▲76

   The Hidden Language of Computer Hardware and Software

   2016 · namecheap.com · its alternatives →

3. 3
   Programming Languages ABC++▲73

   An alphabet book about coding for kids

   2015 · kickstarter.com · its alternatives →

4. 4
   Introduction to Algorithms▲92

   Broad span of algorithms, covered in clear depth

   2015 · amazon.com · its alternatives →

5. 5
   Coders at Work: Reflections on the Craft of Programming▲70

   Interviews with the 15 most interesting computer programmers

   2015 · amazon.com · its alternatives →

6. 6
   Machine Learning▲77

   A visual guide for beginners

   2017 · amazon.com · its alternatives →

7. 7
   Decoded▲62

   The science behind why we buy

   2015 · amazon.com · its alternatives →

8. 8
   Programming Pearls▲71

   Clever solutions to classic programming problems

   2015 · amazon.com · its alternatives →

9. 9
   Why Don't Students Like School?▲66

   A cognitive scientist answers questions about the mind

   2015 · amazon.com · its alternatives →

10. 10
    Machine Learning Flashcards▲101

    300 digital flashcards

    2017 · aiflashcards.com · its alternatives →

11. 11
    Algorithms to Live By▲75

    The Computer Science of Human Decisions

    2016 · amazon.com · its alternatives →

12. 12
    Code Words▲73

    A quarterly publication about programming from Hacker School

    2014 · codewords.recurse.com · its alternatives →

13. 13
    Probably Approximately Correct▲53

    Nature's algorithms for learning and prospering in a complex

    2015 · amazon.com · its alternatives →

14. 14
    Innumeracy▲68

    Mathematical illiteracy and its consequences

    2016 · amazon.com · its alternatives →

15. 15
    Computer Science Field Guide▲64

    Online interactive resource for students to learn about CS

    2016 · csfieldguide.org.nz · its alternatives →

16. 16
    Problem Solving 101▲70

    A simple book for smart people

    2016 · amazon.com · its alternatives →

17. 17
    Breaking Smart▲75

    A binge-worthy collection of tech analysis in essay form

    2015 · books.venkateshrao.com · its alternatives →

18. 18
    Hello Ruby▲62

    Adventures in coding

    2015 · amazon.com · its alternatives →

19. 19
    An Elementary Introduction to the Wolfram Language▲60

    Stephen Wolfram's new book on the Wolfram Language

    2015 · wolfram.com · its alternatives →

20. 20
    Socratic▲83

    Learn and help others learn

    2014 · lens.google · its alternatives →

21. 21
    Crucial Conversations▲69

    Tools for Talking When The Stakes Are High

    2015 · amazon.com · its alternatives →

22. 22
    The Art of Learning: An Inner Journey to Optimal Performance▲65

    Incredible framework on learning any skill

    2015 · amazon.com · its alternatives →

23. 23
    A Mind For Numbers: How to Excel at Math and Science ▲75

    Even If You Flunked Algebra

    2015 · amazon.com · its alternatives →

24. 24
    Street-Fighting Mathematics▲61

    The art of educated guessing + opportunistic problem solving

    2016 · amazon.com · its alternatives →

Ranked by how close each launch is in meaning, then by votes. Prices were read from each product’s own site when checked and can change. Refine with your own description →