It doesn't matter if you don't read dense programming books straight through or do all the exercises, as long as you are using them. If you make almost any effo

It doesn't matter if you don't read dense programming books straight through or do all the exercises, as long as you are using them. If you make almost any effort to flip through looking for something new to chew on, you're usually rewarded pretty quickly with the listed selections, and that's why they're good books. The practice aspect is a good pursuit as well, but not intrinsic to the value of the book. Edit: And I should add - that's why they're still valuable even in the Internet era. The "pure compilation of awesome content" aspect is a compelling reason to have them.