Why You Should Still Buy Programming Books

(Even When AI Can Code) Link to heading

As someone writing books on Go and Zig, I get asked this question more often these days: “Why should I buy a programming book when I can just ask ChatGPT or Claude?”

It is a fair question. AI assistants can generate code, explain concepts, and even help debug problems. So why invest in a book when you have an AI tutor available 24/7?

The answer is not what you might expect.

Books and AI Serve Different Purposes Link to heading

Think of learning to program like learning to cook. You would not try to become a chef by only asking someone “How do I make dinner?” every night. You would want a cookbook that teaches you fundamental techniques, explains why ingredients work together, and gives you a structured path from basic skills to advanced techniques.

Programming books serve the same role.

What Books Do That AI Can not (Yet) Link to heading

1. Systematic Knowledge Building Link to heading

A well-designed programming book takes you on a journey. Chapter 1 builds the foundation for Chapter 2, which sets up concepts you will need in Chapter 5. This is not accidental—it is carefully architected learning.

When you ask an AI for help, you get answers to your specific questions. But you might not even know what questions to ask. Books show you the questions you did not know you had.

2. Curated, Battle-Tested Examples Link to heading

The code examples in my Go books are not just random snippets that compile. They are carefully chosen to illustrate specific concepts, tested in real scenarios, and designed to work together as a cohesive learning experience.

AI-generated code is impressive, but it is created on-demand without the benefit of extensive testing and refinement that book examples receive.

3. Deep Context and Nuance Link to heading

Books can dedicate entire chapters to complex topics like concurrent programming patterns or memory management. They can explain not just how to do something, but when, why, and what could go wrong.

In a conversation with AI, you might get a working solution, but miss the crucial context about when that solution is appropriate and when it is not.

4. Reliable Reference Link to heading

How many times have you Googled the same programming question? Books serve as references you can flip through, bookmark, and annotate. They are searchable, portable, and work without internet.

Try finding that one perfect AI conversation from two months ago. Good luck.

Where AI Actually Helps Link to heading

Here’s the thing—I’m not anti-AI. I use AI tools myself, and they’re genuinely helpful for:

  • Clarifying confusing concepts: “I don’t understand this explanation of goroutines on page 87”
  • Adapting examples: “How would this pattern work with PostgreSQL instead of MySQL?”
  • Exploring variations: “What are some alternatives to this approach?”
  • Getting unstuck: “This code is not working and I can’t figure out why”

AI excels at interactive, personalized help. Books excel at comprehensive, structured learning.

The Best Approach: Use Both Link to heading

The most effective developers I know use books and AI together:

  1. Learn systematically with books
  2. Get unstuck quickly with AI
  3. Explore beyond the book with AI
  4. Reference back to the book for reliable information

Think of books as your foundation and AI as your interactive tutor.

Why This Matters for Systems Programming Link to heading

This is especially true for systems programming with languages like Go and Zig. You are not just learning syntax—you’re learning how to think about:

  • Memory management and performance
  • Concurrency and race conditions
  • System calls and OS interaction
  • Network programming and protocols

These topics require deep understanding, not just working code. A book can guide you through the mental models you need. AI can help you apply them to your specific problems.

The Future of Learning Link to heading

I do not think AI will replace programming books any more than GPS replaced maps entirely. Sometimes you need the detailed view that only a map provides. Sometimes you need turn-by-turn directions to your specific destination.

The developers who thrive will be those who know how to use both tools effectively.

You can get Matering Go, 4th edition book on Packt, Amazon.com, all other Amazon web sites as well as on other book stores.