Recommended Technical Books for 2022: Databases, Java, Architecture, and More

Database

Designing Data-Intensive Applications (DDIA) is highly recommended for its deep coverage of distributed databases, data partitioning, transactions, and system design, receiving near‑90% five‑star ratings on Douban.

Database System Concepts provides a comprehensive, well‑structured introduction to the full spectrum of database theory and is regarded as a classic textbook rather than a reference book.

MySQL

How MySQL Works offers detailed yet engaging explanations ideal for interview preparation.

High Performance MySQL targets advanced users, focusing on MySQL internals and performance optimization; chapters on index creation and query tuning are especially emphasized.

Redis

Redis Design and Implementation is a classic Redis book, originally published seven years ago, and is highlighted through a linked article that discusses its enduring relevance.

Java Basics

Core Java Volume I & II serve as comprehensive reference books for everyday Java questions, used by the author as a toolbox rather than a cover‑to‑cover read.

Java Concurrency

Java Concurrency Implementation Principles: JDK Source Code Analysis (2020) delves into the Java Concurrent package, covering JMM, happen‑before, CAS, and other essential concurrency concepts, making it valuable for both interview prep and deep study.

JVM

Deep Understanding of the Java Virtual Machine is praised as a “battle‑ready” domestic book, now in its third edition with new content on modern garbage collectors like ZGC; it holds a 9.5 rating on Douban.

Code Quality

Effective Java is described as a national treasure for Java developers, offering practical rules illustrated with code examples.

Refactoring by Martin Fowler is highlighted as an essential classic for improving software design.

Professionalism

The Clean Coder and Clean Code (both translated as “代码整洁之道”) address developer professionalism, time management, and pressure handling, beyond just coding techniques.

The Mythical Man‑Month explains fundamental software development laws, such as the impossibility of completing a ten‑day task in one day with ten people, and remains influential for modern complex software development.

Architecture

Phoenix Architecture (by 周志明) combines theory and practice, offering deep insights from years of architectural experience.

Distributed Systems

From Paxos to Zookeeper introduces key distributed consistency protocols, focusing on Paxos and ZAB, and serves as a solid entry point to distributed theory.

Microservices

Microservice Architecture Design Patterns by Chris Richardson (rated 9.6 on Douban) provides Java‑based examples using Spring, guiding design, implementation, testing, and deployment of microservice applications.