Free Programming Books
github.com
github.com
I find it much easier to learn a new language when I'm using a book instead of reading it for free online. A book is a single-purpose device; you can only use it to learn about one topic, or set of topics. It doesn't vibrate, notify me of emails and text or encourage me to go on other tangents. For a goal such as learning R or Haskell, which requires a lot of mental energy, having this extra focus makes a big difference.
I am not allowed to sell "Mature Optimization" because it's owned by my former employer, but I had some nice bound copies made as gifts for people who come to talks.
Another fantastic resource, http://pineapple.io/
Edit: not sure why i've been downvoted? is it because I recommended another resource?
As with most meta-topical lists, there is virtually no profit in browsing through it. Time may be wasted a-plenty, though.
Bring a question about technology X with you, go straight to section X and then consult with the search engine of your choice (or a hacker friend, idealy) which book to actually read.
Hint: some of those have wikipedia-pages, like https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Higher-Order_Perl and others hide the books behind an email signup front (one is a strong signal for quality, the other, perhaps, not so much).
Having all the books does not translate to using them. I used to keep plenty of books that I knew I would never use.
Tip: Pick the subject you really want to learn, then use the list for that specific subject.
One good book can teach you a lot more than 3-4 poorly written books.
I would like to propose for a solution to this. To avoid reposts, why doesn't HN create a "Sticky" of good resources like these? It would definitely reduce reposts and also act as a "Go to" link for X(Technology/Tool/Books).
Everyday new people find out about HN and having a link where people can refer to for "typical HN" FAQ's would be great. Just my $0.02.
So what version of "free" does the list intend?
Flask is pretty small and simple, so books are less necessary than they would be for other types of projects. As long as its own documentation remains good that's going to be the best option.
Thanks
If you come without baggage (project idea, interest in FP, what-have-you), you'll need to come back later.
[From someone else who's not seen it before]