When comparing Structure and Intepretation of Computer Programs vs Engineering a Compiler, Second Edition, the Slant community recommends Structure and Intepretation of Computer Programs for most people. In the question“What are the best resources to learn about compiler construction?” Structure and Intepretation of Computer Programs is ranked 2nd while Engineering a Compiler, Second Edition is ranked 4th. The most important reason people chose Structure and Intepretation of Computer Programs is:
This isn't a book you'll glean direct practical tidbits out of, an introduction to not only functional programming but how to think in a paradigm outside the usual way C*/Python/Ruby/Java/etc... are coded. Even if you wind up never working in Scheme or any other primarily functional language, the tactics and thought processes you'll learn here will apply to any currently-evolving language to a greater or lesser degree. You'll be able to map your thought process into the paradigm that works best for your current situation and not just be forced into a limited set of idioms that causes unnecessary boilerplate and clunky code mangling.
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Knowledge can be applied to any language
This isn't a book you'll glean direct practical tidbits out of, an introduction to not only functional programming but how to think in a paradigm outside the usual way C*/Python/Ruby/Java/etc... are coded.
Even if you wind up never working in Scheme or any other primarily functional language, the tactics and thought processes you'll learn here will apply to any currently-evolving language to a greater or lesser degree. You'll be able to map your thought process into the paradigm that works best for your current situation and not just be forced into a limited set of idioms that causes unnecessary boilerplate and clunky code mangling.
Pro Teaches very important programming concepts
Like closures and encapsulation without language support of objects.

Pro Very good for absolute beginners
This book gives a great insight about immutable and mutable state (with pros and cons), typisation, FP, OOP, and many other things in a very beginner-friendly manner
Pro Covers theory and application
Engineering a Compiler covers both the theory of constructing a compiler, and the implementation.
Pro Good for beginners
Engineering a Compiler has a beginner-friendly writing style that presents and explains concept without requiring an existing knowledge of compilers.
Pro Easy read
Engineering a Compiler, Second Edition is an easy read compared to many other compiler books. It is well written and explains concepts in-depth.
Cons
Con Lack of examples
More examples and exercises could be used throughout the book.
Alternative Products
