# Introduction to the Theory of Computation by Michael Sipser

5 Hacker News commenters recommended Introduction to the Theory of Computation by Michael Sipser and 0 criticized it, November 2025 to November 2026. It was recommended in 4 of 13 months.

**Verdict:** Recommended as a textbook to read and work through its homework problems, with the same advice applying to other equivalent theory texts.

## Why people recommend it

- Work through textbook and homework problems (1 comments): "read through Sipser or other equivalent textbook and do the homework problems" ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47082083))
- Core ideas stay relevant over time (1 comments): "Most underlying technology is timeless" ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46733856))

## Alternatives hackers recommend

- [Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs by Abelson and Sussman](https://hackerapproved.com/p/structure-and-interpretation-of-computer-programs.md): 55 recommend
- [The Art of Computer Programming by Donald E. Knuth](https://hackerapproved.com/p/art-of-computer-programming.md): 28 recommend
- [Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs by Abelson and Sussman](https://hackerapproved.com/p/sicp.md): 12 recommend
- [Quantum Computation and Quantum Information by Nielsen and Chuang](https://hackerapproved.com/p/quantum-computation-and-quantum-information.md): 12 recommend
- [Digital Design and Computer Architecture by Harris and Harris](https://hackerapproved.com/p/digital-design-and-computer-architecture.md): 8 recommend

## Where to get it

- [See price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/0357670582?tag=hackerapprove-20) (affiliate link)
- [Bookshop.org](https://bookshop.org/a/130825/9780357670583) (affiliate link)

## Cite as

Hacker Approved, "Introduction to the Theory of Computation by Michael Sipser", https://hackerapproved.com/p/introduction-to-the-theory-of-computation/ (counts from 1,795,640 Hacker News comments, November 2025 to November 2026).