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Read Write Code: A Friendly Introduction to the World of Coding, and Why It’s the New Literacy
Code is the new literacy.
Six hundred years ago, most people couldn't read. In 1440, the invention of the printing press laid the groundwork for massive increases in literacy and ushered in the modern era.
Today, computers and the internet are causing a similar tectonic shift. Reading and writing are foundational skills, and in our digital world, coding is too.
But coding can be intimidating to learn. What is code? Where do you even start?
In Read Write Code, Jeremy Keeshin demystifies the world of computers, starting at the beginning to explain the basic building blocks of today's tech: programming, the internet, data, apps, the cloud, cybersecurity, algorithms, artificial intelligence, and more.
As CEO and Co-founder of CodeHS, Keeshin has helped teach coding to millions of students over the last decade. Complex concepts are explained in friendly and engaging ways, with interactive examples and practical tips. This book is a must-read for modern educators and anyone who wants to understand why code matters today.
Six hundred years ago, most people couldn't read. In 1440, the invention of the printing press laid the groundwork for massive increases in literacy and ushered in the modern era.
Today, computers and the internet are causing a similar tectonic shift. Reading and writing are foundational skills, and in our digital world, coding is too.
But coding can be intimidating to learn. What is code? Where do you even start?
In Read Write Code, Jeremy Keeshin demystifies the world of computers, starting at the beginning to explain the basic building blocks of today's tech: programming, the internet, data, apps, the cloud, cybersecurity, algorithms, artificial intelligence, and more.
As CEO and Co-founder of CodeHS, Keeshin has helped teach coding to millions of students over the last decade. Complex concepts are explained in friendly and engaging ways, with interactive examples and practical tips. This book is a must-read for modern educators and anyone who wants to understand why code matters today.
- GenresNonfictionSoftware
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 16, 2021
54 people are currently reading
1072 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 7, 2021
Read this one for a workshop and I thought it had some good insights. I especially enjoyed learning about memorizing password rules vs. passwords. Some extra explanations at times.
April 19, 2021
Great intro book
As a rural computers teacher, I found this book to be a great introduction to the world of programming. I liked how each chapter discussed something different that involves coding. I also appreciated the programming language comparisons.
As a rural computers teacher, I found this book to be a great introduction to the world of programming. I liked how each chapter discussed something different that involves coding. I also appreciated the programming language comparisons.
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July 22, 2025In "Read Write Code: A Friendly Introduction to the World of Coding", Jeremy Keeshin introduces readers to the essential principles of computer science and digital literacy in a friendly, accessible way. Rather than presenting coding as an elite skill reserved for experts, the book breaks down the intimidating barriers surrounding technology. Keeshin’s goal is to show how understanding coding, algorithms, the internet, and artificial intelligence is no longer optional in the modern world—it’s a necessary literacy for anyone hoping to keep up and participate in today’s increasingly digital society.
Keeshin starts by demystifying the digital interactions we experience daily. From texting friends to streaming shows or saving files to the cloud, every digital action we take relies on layers of code. Though we rarely think about it, our devices are constantly executing instructions written by developers. At its core, coding is just a series of clear commands given to a machine that, while powerful, requires absolute clarity and specificity. Much like communicating with a literal-minded assistant, coding depends on precision. If anything in those instructions is incorrect, a bug occurs, disrupting the flow and requiring debugging. Despite the sophistication of modern apps and software, bugs are constant companions in a developer’s world, which is why even popular platforms receive regular updates and patches.
The book then walks readers through the binary foundation of computers. All digital information, whether it’s text, images, or music, is ultimately reduced to a stream of 1s and 0s—bits and bytes. A single bit holds either a 1 or a 0, and grouping them into bytes and then larger units like kilobytes and gigabytes allows computers to represent virtually any form of data. What may seem abstract or mathematical is actually the foundation of how all software works. This binary core, once understood, makes it easier to appreciate how digital systems transform simple signals into complex tools, like social media platforms or search engines.
Moving from theory to practice, Keeshin explores how raw code is shaped into functional applications. Programming, at its essence, is about solving problems through logic and structured thinking. Languages like Python, JavaScript, and C++ help developers bridge the gap between human ideas and machine logic. Each programming language has its own rules, but they all serve the same purpose: allowing humans to express tasks in a way computers can understand and execute. Within this framework, programmers use techniques like loops, functions, and conditional statements to manage tasks, repeat actions, and respond to different situations. Loops allow a block of code to run multiple times, while conditions determine what action is taken depending on the inputs or current state.
The concept of algorithms also plays a vital role. These are not just complex equations, but sets of logical steps designed to solve particular problems. Whether it’s sorting search results, suggesting music, or finding the fastest route to a destination, algorithms drive the decisions behind the scenes. Before writing these algorithms in code, developers often use pseudocode to outline their approach in plain language. This helps them think through the logic before getting caught up in the technical syntax. They also break big problems down into smaller pieces—known as problem decomposition—making them easier to manage and solve.
The book then expands outward from coding into the broader infrastructure that supports digital life: the internet and the cloud. While many people equate the internet with web browsers, the reality is much more complex. The internet is an immense, interconnected network of servers and computers. When users type in a web address, they’re actually making a request to locate a specific online destination. Domain names like 'google.com' are simply easy-to-remember labels for numerical IP addresses. Once the request reaches its destination, files and pages built with HTML (for structure), CSS (for style), and JavaScript (for interactivity) are sent back to be displayed on screen.
In the background, massive databases collect and store all kinds of data generated from user actions. Every search, click, and post adds to the enormous pool of information that fuels companies and shapes user experiences. The cloud plays a significant role here. Though it sounds abstract, it refers to real, physical servers located in data centers. These servers host files and software that users can access from anywhere. While the cloud offers convenience—allowing data access without hardware limitations—it also means individuals entrust their personal information to systems they don’t directly manage. Understanding how the cloud operates makes users more aware of both its benefits and its potential risks.
Keeshin doesn’t stop at the current digital landscape—he ventures into the future with a look at artificial intelligence. AI isn’t just about futuristic robots; it’s already present in the apps that recommend content, interpret voice commands, and detect faces in photos. The central idea behind AI is that machines can learn from data. Instead of being programmed for every possible situation, they build models from past examples to predict or respond more intelligently. This process, known as machine learning, is largely based on probability: computers make educated guesses based on patterns in data.
However, AI is not without its limitations. Tasks that seem simple to humans, like recognizing a face or understanding casual language, can still challenge AI. This is explained by Moravec’s paradox, which highlights that what comes naturally to people is often hardest for machines. Even so, the progress in AI has been impressive and transformative. From self-driving car systems to virtual assistants, AI is embedded in more parts of our lives than many realize. That said, its rise raises important questions about automation and the future of work. Many roles are already being replaced by software, and the trend is expected to continue. While some jobs will disappear, others will be created—but often in fields requiring technical skills and adaptability. Thus, having a basic grasp of coding and AI can be a crucial advantage in this evolving job market.
Looking even further, researchers are working toward artificial general intelligence (AGI), where machines might someday rival human intelligence across all areas. This includes passing the Turing Test, in which a machine engages in conversation so convincingly that a human can’t tell it apart from another person. Though AGI remains theoretical, and even somewhat controversial, Keeshin doesn’t aim to alarm. Instead, he presents a grounded perspective: the AI shaping our world today is rooted in pattern recognition and data analysis, not sentient machines. Learning about AI is more about understanding these current capabilities than worrying about hypothetical futures.
Keeshin concludes the book by reinforcing the importance of digital fluency. In the same way that reading and writing opened doors in the past, knowing how to 'read' and interact with code opens up new possibilities today. By lifting the curtain on how technology works, he encourages readers to stop feeling intimidated by the digital world. Instead, they can engage with it thoughtfully and even begin to contribute to it. Whether one decides to pursue programming further or not, simply understanding the foundations gives individuals a more active role in shaping their digital environment. Technology is no longer something that happens 'to' people—it’s something they can understand, navigate, and even create with. This empowerment is the heart of the book’s message: when you understand how things work, you’re not just a passive user—you’re a builder of the future.
Keeshin starts by demystifying the digital interactions we experience daily. From texting friends to streaming shows or saving files to the cloud, every digital action we take relies on layers of code. Though we rarely think about it, our devices are constantly executing instructions written by developers. At its core, coding is just a series of clear commands given to a machine that, while powerful, requires absolute clarity and specificity. Much like communicating with a literal-minded assistant, coding depends on precision. If anything in those instructions is incorrect, a bug occurs, disrupting the flow and requiring debugging. Despite the sophistication of modern apps and software, bugs are constant companions in a developer’s world, which is why even popular platforms receive regular updates and patches.
The book then walks readers through the binary foundation of computers. All digital information, whether it’s text, images, or music, is ultimately reduced to a stream of 1s and 0s—bits and bytes. A single bit holds either a 1 or a 0, and grouping them into bytes and then larger units like kilobytes and gigabytes allows computers to represent virtually any form of data. What may seem abstract or mathematical is actually the foundation of how all software works. This binary core, once understood, makes it easier to appreciate how digital systems transform simple signals into complex tools, like social media platforms or search engines.
Moving from theory to practice, Keeshin explores how raw code is shaped into functional applications. Programming, at its essence, is about solving problems through logic and structured thinking. Languages like Python, JavaScript, and C++ help developers bridge the gap between human ideas and machine logic. Each programming language has its own rules, but they all serve the same purpose: allowing humans to express tasks in a way computers can understand and execute. Within this framework, programmers use techniques like loops, functions, and conditional statements to manage tasks, repeat actions, and respond to different situations. Loops allow a block of code to run multiple times, while conditions determine what action is taken depending on the inputs or current state.
The concept of algorithms also plays a vital role. These are not just complex equations, but sets of logical steps designed to solve particular problems. Whether it’s sorting search results, suggesting music, or finding the fastest route to a destination, algorithms drive the decisions behind the scenes. Before writing these algorithms in code, developers often use pseudocode to outline their approach in plain language. This helps them think through the logic before getting caught up in the technical syntax. They also break big problems down into smaller pieces—known as problem decomposition—making them easier to manage and solve.
The book then expands outward from coding into the broader infrastructure that supports digital life: the internet and the cloud. While many people equate the internet with web browsers, the reality is much more complex. The internet is an immense, interconnected network of servers and computers. When users type in a web address, they’re actually making a request to locate a specific online destination. Domain names like 'google.com' are simply easy-to-remember labels for numerical IP addresses. Once the request reaches its destination, files and pages built with HTML (for structure), CSS (for style), and JavaScript (for interactivity) are sent back to be displayed on screen.
In the background, massive databases collect and store all kinds of data generated from user actions. Every search, click, and post adds to the enormous pool of information that fuels companies and shapes user experiences. The cloud plays a significant role here. Though it sounds abstract, it refers to real, physical servers located in data centers. These servers host files and software that users can access from anywhere. While the cloud offers convenience—allowing data access without hardware limitations—it also means individuals entrust their personal information to systems they don’t directly manage. Understanding how the cloud operates makes users more aware of both its benefits and its potential risks.
Keeshin doesn’t stop at the current digital landscape—he ventures into the future with a look at artificial intelligence. AI isn’t just about futuristic robots; it’s already present in the apps that recommend content, interpret voice commands, and detect faces in photos. The central idea behind AI is that machines can learn from data. Instead of being programmed for every possible situation, they build models from past examples to predict or respond more intelligently. This process, known as machine learning, is largely based on probability: computers make educated guesses based on patterns in data.
However, AI is not without its limitations. Tasks that seem simple to humans, like recognizing a face or understanding casual language, can still challenge AI. This is explained by Moravec’s paradox, which highlights that what comes naturally to people is often hardest for machines. Even so, the progress in AI has been impressive and transformative. From self-driving car systems to virtual assistants, AI is embedded in more parts of our lives than many realize. That said, its rise raises important questions about automation and the future of work. Many roles are already being replaced by software, and the trend is expected to continue. While some jobs will disappear, others will be created—but often in fields requiring technical skills and adaptability. Thus, having a basic grasp of coding and AI can be a crucial advantage in this evolving job market.
Looking even further, researchers are working toward artificial general intelligence (AGI), where machines might someday rival human intelligence across all areas. This includes passing the Turing Test, in which a machine engages in conversation so convincingly that a human can’t tell it apart from another person. Though AGI remains theoretical, and even somewhat controversial, Keeshin doesn’t aim to alarm. Instead, he presents a grounded perspective: the AI shaping our world today is rooted in pattern recognition and data analysis, not sentient machines. Learning about AI is more about understanding these current capabilities than worrying about hypothetical futures.
Keeshin concludes the book by reinforcing the importance of digital fluency. In the same way that reading and writing opened doors in the past, knowing how to 'read' and interact with code opens up new possibilities today. By lifting the curtain on how technology works, he encourages readers to stop feeling intimidated by the digital world. Instead, they can engage with it thoughtfully and even begin to contribute to it. Whether one decides to pursue programming further or not, simply understanding the foundations gives individuals a more active role in shaping their digital environment. Technology is no longer something that happens 'to' people—it’s something they can understand, navigate, and even create with. This empowerment is the heart of the book’s message: when you understand how things work, you’re not just a passive user—you’re a builder of the future.
May 29, 2023
Really excellent primer into the world of coding and the concepts surrounding it (big data, AI, etc.). this is a great book for those that are interested in learning about coding specifically. Other concepts are covered, but they are brief and are generally viewed through a coding application lens.
January 9, 2025
A really great introduction to the world of everyday interactive technology.
Explained in an easy way, and demonstrated with understandable examples.
Will peak your interest in the world of coding, and make you curious to dive deeper with other resources. This books should be life curriculum living in 2025!
Explained in an easy way, and demonstrated with understandable examples.
Will peak your interest in the world of coding, and make you curious to dive deeper with other resources. This books should be life curriculum living in 2025!
December 24, 2022
I think that this is an excellent book for people from all backgrounds! Whether you are in the tech space, have written code before, or just are interested in programming, this book provides value for all
July 25, 2021
This is a great book! It works well as a supplement for teaching intro to coding. It was easy to read and follow along with. I will be recommending it to my students.
May 23, 2025
When I am working with a motivated high school student -- one who really wants to understand coding beyond some super-simple introduction -- I now recommend four amazing books: this one; The Code Book; Nine Algorithms that Changed the World; and The Computer Always Wins. These are each accessible and inspiring books designed to really light up high school students, super advanced middle school students, and their teachers and parents. Fantastic books all.
May 23, 2025
Looking for great summer reading? If you are a high school student who wants to really understand coding, or you are getting ready to teach a high school or advanced middle school coder next year, there are three must-read books this summer: this one; Code; and The Computer Always Wins. These are three great books that take readers beyond the standard simple intro materials and, while still totally accessible, really take students to the next level of both coding and understanding. Totally worth reading, whether as a motivated student looking for super interesting next steps, or as a teacher looking to ultimately bring to class something more meaningful than what has become the conventional introductory approach.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews