As an example I felt that RFC 1034 ("DOMAIN NAMES - CONCEPTS AND FACILITIES") [0] was well worth reading.
Which RFCs do you think most developers would benefit from reading through in their entirety (or close to)?
[0] https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc1034
Seriously, once you get clarity and precision around these words, sloppy writing will make you cringe.
RFCs are about implementation specifics and details. Developers should be aware they exist, but don't waste your time until you need to implement or use something specific.
Better to spend your time getting a good general understanding of machine-code and assembler, compilers, network protocols, database mechanisms, etc. Then you'll be able to make sense of, and maybe implement, RFCs.
Anyhow, I'm back in the mood of wanting to have a firmer grasp on "lower" level area, including the ones you mentioned. Years ago, I did this by checking out (in no particular order)
- TCPIP Illustrated
- Essentials of Compilation
- Computer Networking A Top-Down Approach
...and many more.
Do you have any thoughts on what a good course of study might be for someone who's a high-level programmer wanting to get a good general understanding of the areas you mentioned? Any books, resources, courses you'd recommend?
Things I liked:
* Tanenbaum on Computer Networks, and Structured Computer Organization (the examples are old but the fundamentals are very clear and very applicable)
* Kernighan's original C book
* Brooks Mythical Man-Month
* Aho on Compilers (dragon book)
* Abelson's Structure and Interpretation (for familiarity with algorithm basics)
* Hofstadter on Godel (fun)
I've read lots of RFCs over the years and had too implement (too) many.
Hahaha too good.