Top 17 App Development Books Every Dev Must Read
Embarking on a journey through the book on app development, I’ve immersed myself in hands-on experiences—from mastering APIs to diving into both Android app development and iOS app development using Android Studio and Xcode. Having devoured numerous books and tutorials, I’ve delved deep into every facet of application development, focusing on user interfaces, routing, and web services. Whether your interest lies in open source projects, mobile development for various mobile devices like smartphones or Apple iPhones, or crafting apps for Google Play, App Store, or Amazon, I share your passion and desire to stay updated with the latest technologies and strategies.
My endeavors in HTML, CSS, Python, and React Native are here to guide you through the intricate web of mobile development. So, if you’re keen to unravel the world of app creation and development environment intricacies, you’re in the right place.
17 Best Books On App Development Shortlist
Having read extensively, I've curated a list tailored to bridge your book on the app development knowledge gap.
- Clean Code: A Handbook of Agile Software Craftsmanship by Robert C. Martin
- Design Patterns: Elements of Reusable Object-Oriented Software by Erich Gamma, Richard Helm, Ralph Johnson, and John Vlissides
- You Don't Know JS Yet: Get Started by Kyle Simpson
- The Pragmatic Programmer: Your Journey to Mastery by Andrew Hunt and David Thomas
- Effective Java by Joshua Bloch
- iOS Programming: The Big Nerd Ranch Guide by Christian Keur and Aaron Hillegass
- Android Programming: The Big Nerd Ranch Guide by Chris Stewart and Kristin Marsicano
- Swift Programming: The Big Nerd Ranch Guide by Matthew Mathias and John Gallagher
- The Road to React: Your Journey to Master Plain yet Pragmatic React.js by Robin Wieruch
- Kotlin in Action by Dmitry Jemerov and Svetlana Isakova
- Flutter in Action by Eric Windmill
- Mastering Xamarin.Forms by Ed Snider
- Building Progressive Web Apps Building Progressive Web Apps: Bringing the Power of Native to the Browser by Tal Ater
- Mobile App Development with Ionic, Revised Edition: Cross-Platform Apps with Ionic, Angular, and Cordova by Chris Griffith
- React Up & Running: Building Web Applications by Stoyan Stefanov
- Building Microservices: Designing Fine-Grained Systems by Sam Newman
- Refactoring: Improving the Design of Existing Code by Martin Fowler
Overviews Of The 17 Best Books On App Development
1. Clean Code: A Handbook of Agile Software Craftsmanship by Robert C. Martin
Summary:
Robert C. Martin is a seminal work in the software development literature, focusing on writing code that is easy to read, maintain, and extend. The book emphasizes the importance of writing clean code to deliver high-quality software products and provides practical advice and examples to achieve this.
What You'll Learn:
In this book, readers will learn the principles, patterns, and practices of writing clean code, including meaningful names, functions, objects, classes, error handling, and unit testing, amongst other invaluable skills and knowledge.
Why You Should Read It:
If you are looking to elevate your coding skills, understand best practices, and develop software that is easy to understand and modify, this book is indispensable. It provides insight and practical advice on creating clean, high-quality code, which is crucial for every software developer.
Quote From The Book:
“Indeed, the ratio of time spent reading versus writing is well over 10 to 1. We are constantly reading old code as part of the effort to write new code. ...[Therefore,] making it easy to read makes it easier to write.”
About The Author:
Robert C. Martin, also known as "Uncle Bob," has been a software professional since 1970 and an international software consultant since 1990. Connect with him on LinkedIn, Twitter, and his website.
2. Design Patterns: Elements of Reusable Object-Oriented Software by Erich Gamma, Richard Helm, Ralph Johnson, and John Vlissides
Summary:
A groundbreaking book that presents 23 design patterns that enable software architects to create flexible, elegant, and ultimately reusable design components. It's considered the reference book for object-oriented design theory and practice.
What You'll Learn:
Readers will gain knowledge about how to create reusable object-oriented software design components, learning different design patterns and how they can be implemented to address specific software design problems, resulting in a more effective and optimal design process.
Why You Should Read It:
This book is a must-read for software developers aiming to acquire advanced knowledge in software design and object-oriented design principles. The presented design patterns serve as a foundation that helps in solving common design problems and promoting code reusability.
Quote From The Book:
“Designing object-oriented software is hard, and designing reusable object-oriented software is even harder.”
About The Author:
The authors, Erich Gamma, Richard Helm, Ralph Johnson, and John Vlissides, are renowned computer scientists often referred to as the "Gang of Four." They have extensive experience and have made significant contributions to the field of software engineering.
3. You Don't Know JS Yet: Get Started by Kyle Simpson
Summary:
Get Started is the first book in Kyle Simpson's renowned series, providing a deep and accessible understanding of JavaScript. This book focuses on the core mechanisms of the language and is an essential resource for developers at every level seeking to truly master JavaScript.
What You'll Learn:
This book serves as an introduction to JavaScript, covering its core components and concepts such as scope, closure, prototypes, and asynchronous programming, providing readers with a foundational understanding of the language.
Why You Should Read It:
If you want to gain a deep and genuine understanding of JavaScript, beyond frameworks and libraries, this book is essential. It delves into JavaScript's intricate details and mechanisms, making it invaluable for both beginners and experienced developers.
Quote From The Book:
“It’s not enough to just learn ‘how to use’ the language. To be effective at coding, to write more robust, readable, maintainable, and performant code, you must deeply understand how the language you’re coding in behaves.”
About The Author:
Kyle Simpson is a well-known figure in the JavaScript community and has written several books on JavaScript. Connect with him on LinkedIn, Twitter, and his website.
4. The Pragmatic Programmer: Your Journey to Mastery by Andrew Hunt and David Thomas
Summary:
The Pragmatic Programmer: Your Journey to Mastery is a celebrated work in software development literature that provides crucial insights and practices aimed at enhancing software development processes. This book is loaded with practical advice, useful tips, and rich examples, offering a comprehensive and enriching read for developers.
What You'll Learn:
This book unfolds various essential lessons on topics such as code generation, debugging, design, development, and testing, granting readers an extensive overview and understanding of pragmatic programming.
Why You Should Read It:
The journey to mastering programming is laden with a quest for practicality, efficiency, and proficiency, which this book exemplifies. The insights provided by Andrew Hunt and David Thomas are vital for developers aiming to enhance their coding skills and deliver optimal solutions in their projects.
Quote From The Book:
“The greatest of all weaknesses is the fear of appearing weak.”
About The Author:
Andrew Hunt and David Thomas are pioneers in the field of software development with numerous years of experience and expertise. Connect with Andrew Hunt on Twitter and David Thomas on Twitter.
5. Effective Java by Joshua Bloch
Summary:
Effective Java by Joshua Bloch is an iconic book in Java programming that provides comprehensive coverage of Java's features, techniques, and components. The book is structured to enhance the knowledge of both novice and experienced developers, focusing on the practical utilization of Java.
What You'll Learn:
Joshua meticulously explains the nuances of learning Java, including its language, libraries, and applications, with in-depth coverage of its advanced features, offering a broad understanding of developing effective Java programs.
Why You Should Read It:
For anyone striving to attain proficiency in Java programming, this book is an invaluable asset. It lays down proven methods and practices that ensure the development of robust, scalable, and efficient Java applications.
Quote From The Book:
“The cleaner and tighter your code, the fewer errors it will have, and the easier it will be to understand and maintain.”
About The Author:
Joshua Bloch is a highly respected author and has been a key contributor to Java platform development. Engage with his insights on Twitter.
6. iOS Programming: The Big Nerd Ranch Guide by Christian Keur and Aaron Hillegass
Summary:
iOS Programming: The Big Nerd Ranch Guide is a remarkable book by Christian Keur and Aaron Hillegass that serves as an extensive resource for developing applications on the iOS platform. The book combines a well-structured learning path with real-world examples, making it an ideal choice for aspiring iOS developers.
What You'll Learn:
Readers will delve into the world of iOS development, learning the essentials of Swift programming language, and acquiring the skills needed to develop dynamic, responsive, and user-friendly iOS applications.
Why You Should Read It:
This book is essential for those looking to master iOS development, offering clear, concise, and practical insights, and allowing developers to create applications that stand out in the competitive iOS market.
Quote From The Book:
“Programming is a skill best acquired by practice and example rather than from books.”
About The Author:
Christian Keur is a leading expert in iOS development, and Aaron Hillegass, the founder of Big Nerd Ranch, has a profound impact on app development methodologies. Connect with Aaron Hillegass on Twitter and through his company website.
7. Android Programming: The Big Nerd Ranch Guide by Chris Stewart and Kristin Marsicano
Summary:
Android Programming: The Big Nerd Ranch Guide is a quintessential read penned by Chris Stewart and Kristin Marsicano for those intrigued by Android application development. This insightful book offers a pragmatic approach to Android platform development, guiding developers through the process of creating high-quality Android applications.
What You'll Learn:
The book enriches readers with knowledge about Android development, diving into intricate details and development practices and making them adept at creating efficient and robust Android applications.
Why You Should Read It:
For every aspiring Android developer aiming to master the nuances of the platform and create standout apps, this book is indispensable. It lays down comprehensive guidelines, methodologies, and practices, enabling the creation of remarkable Android applications.
Quote From The Book:
“Learning to code is like acquiring a superpower; it allows you to create things using nothing more than your brain and a keyboard.”
About The Author:
Chris Stewart is an influential figure in the world of Android development, and Kristin Marsicano is renowned for her expertise in software development. Interact with Chris Stewart on Twitter and Kristin Marsicano on Twitter and LinkedIn.
8. Swift Programming: The Big Nerd Ranch Guide by Matthew Mathias and John Gallagher
Summary:
Swift Programming: The Big Nerd Ranch Guide by Matthew Mathias and John Gallagher is a valuable resource designed to usher developers into the world of Swift programming. This book combines theoretical insights with practical applications, ensuring a balanced and enriching learning experience for readers.
What You'll Learn:
Readers will delve deep into Swift programming, grasping its syntax, features, and advanced concepts, which will equip them to develop responsive and high-performing iOS applications.
Why You Should Read It:
If mastering Swift and creating state-of-the-art iOS applications is your aspiration, this book is your companion. It not only provides theoretical knowledge but also imparts practical skills needed for proficient Swift development.
Quote From The Book:
“Understanding programming is a powerful tool that can help you in whatever field you are in.”
About The Author:
Matthew Mathias is a distinguished expert in Swift programming, and John Gallagher’s profound insights into app development are highly regarded in the industry. Connect with Matthew Mathias on Twitter and John Gallagher on LinkedIn.
9. The Road to React: Your Journey to Master Plain yet Pragmatic React.js by Robin Wieruch
Summary:
The Road to React: Your Journey to Master Plain yet Pragmatic React.js by Robin Wieruch is a significant contribution to the field of web development literature. It provides a straightforward and practical approach to learning React.js, focusing on building scalable and efficient web applications.
What You'll Learn:
The book offers a concise yet comprehensive learning journey through React.js, including its components, states, props, and hooks, enabling readers to master the art of developing powerful web applications using React.js.
Why You Should Read It:
This book is a treasure for developers yearning to acquire proficiency in React.js. Its plain and pragmatic approach makes learning React.js less daunting and more exciting, ensuring a smoother transition to mastering the library.
Quote From The Book:
“Building applications is not about knowing everything. It’s about knowing enough to get started and to get better along the way.”
About The Author:
Robin Wieruch is a seasoned web developer and author with a focus on React.js. Engage with his work on Twitter and his website.
10. Kotlin in Action by Dmitry Jemerov and Svetlana Isakova
Summary:
Kotlin in Action by Dmitry Jemerov and Svetlana Isakova is a well-structured guide to understanding Kotlin. The book is instrumental for developers wishing to explore the world of Kotlin, elucidating the intricacies of the language and its pragmatic applications.
What You'll Learn:
The readers will be enlightened about the robustness of Kotlin, its syntax, functionalities, and how it interoperates with Java, which will enable them to write more concise and expressive code.
Why You Should Read It:
Kotlin is renowned for its conciseness and expressiveness, and this book is the gateway to mastering these traits. It’s a must-read for anyone looking to get acquainted with Kotlin and leverage its capabilities to the fullest.
Quote From The Book:
“With Kotlin, we can write more robust and readable code with much less boilerplate.”
About The Author:
Dmitry Jemerov is a seasoned software developer with extensive knowledge of Kotlin, and Svetlana Isakova is renowned for her proficiency in programming languages. Connect with Svetlana Isakova on Twitter.
11. Flutter in Action by Eric Windmill
Summary:
Eric Windmill’s Flutter in Action is a comprehensive resource for developers diving into the realm of Flutter. The book is meticulously crafted, unraveling the facets of Flutter and guiding the reader through the creation of fluid and aesthetically pleasing apps.
What You'll Learn:
This book delves into the framework of Flutter, its widgets, and the Dart programming language, equipping developers with the skills to create dynamic and visually appealing applications.
Why You Should Read It:
Flutter is pivotal in creating cross-platform applications, and this book serves as a beacon for all things Flutter. Its structured approach makes it an essential read for those wanting to master Flutter and create stunning applications.
Quote From The Book:
“Flutter lets you build beautiful, fast, native apps for any device with one programming language and one codebase.”
About The Author:
Eric Windmill is a software developer specializing in Flutter and Dart. Interact with him on Twitter and his website.
12. Mastering Xamarin.Forms by Ed Snider
Summary:
Mastering Xamarin.Forms by Ed Snider is a pivotal read for developers keen on Xamarin.Forms. This book is a treasure trove of knowledge, revealing the advanced features and techniques of Xamarin.Forms, enabling the development of highly optimized and sophisticated applications.
What You'll Learn:
The book provides insight into Xamarin.Forms, its controls, navigation, and various advanced features, allow developers to develop powerful and efficient cross-platform mobile applications.
Why You Should Read It:
If creating cross-platform applications with a shared codebase is your goal, this book is your companion. It unveils the techniques and features that are crucial in mastering Xamarin.Forms and develops top-notch applications.
Quote From The Book:
“Xamarin.Forms allow us to build native UIs for iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and WatchOS from a single, shared codebase.”
About The Author:
Ed Snider is a renowned expert in Xamarin.Forms and a prominent figure in the app development community. Engage with Ed Snider on Twitter, LinkedIn, and his website.
13. Building Progressive Web Apps: Bringing the Power of Native to the Browser by Tal Ater
Summary:
In Building Progressive Web Apps, Tal Ater presents an insightful guide for developers looking to harness the capabilities of web apps that perform like native apps. The book sheds light on the innovative world of Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) and the extensive benefits they offer.
What You'll Learn:
Understand the fundamentals and advanced aspects of creating PWAs, including service workers and push notifications, enabling the creation of web apps that are reliable, fast, and engaging.
Why You Should Read It:
If the fusion of web and native apps intrigues you, this book is your gateway to developing apps that combine the best of both worlds, offering a richer user experience. It’s essential for developers keen on pushing the boundaries of web development.
Quote From The Book:
“Progressive Web Apps combine the best of the web and the best of apps.”
About The Author:
Tal Ater is a passionate developer and author specializing in web technologies. Connect with him on LinkedIn, Twitter, and his website.
14. Mobile App Development with Ionic, Revised Edition: Cross-Platform Apps with Ionic, Angular, and Cordova by Chris Griffith
Summary:
Chris Griffith’s Mobile App Development with Ionic is a comprehensive guide focusing on the development of cross-platform apps using Ionic, Angular, and Cordova. The book meticulously elucidates the processes and techniques essential for developing efficient and versatile mobile apps.
What You'll Learn:
Acquire knowledge about the Ionic framework, Angular components, and Cordova’s capabilities to build apps that are uniform across different platforms, enhancing the overall app development process.
Why You Should Read It:
This book is indispensable for developers aiming to develop cross-platform apps efficiently, providing insights into the synergy of Ionic, Angular, and Cordova and how to leverage them effectively.
Quote From The Book:
“With Ionic, creating a high-performance, cross-platform mobile app is as easy as creating a website.”
About The Author:
Chris Griffith is an expert in mobile app development and a dedicated educator in the field. Interact with Chris Griffith on LinkedIn, Twitter, and his website.
15. React Up & Running: Building Web Applications by Stoyan Stefanov
Summary:
In React Up & Running, Stoyan Stefanov delivers a profound exploration of React.js, guiding developers through the essential concepts and practices to build dynamic web applications. The book is a valuable resource for understanding the core principles of React and its application in web development.
What You'll Learn:
This book grants insight into the React library, its components, and the Flux architecture, allowing developers to create scalable and responsive web applications with ease.
Why You Should Read It:
For those eager to delve into modern web development, this book offers a concise and coherent introduction to React, making it indispensable for developers wanting to enhance their skills in creating high-quality web applications.
Quote From The Book:
“With React, you can build complex UIs from small and isolated pieces of code called components.”
About The Author:
Stoyan Stefanov is a seasoned software engineer and author with extensive knowledge in web development and React. Connect with Stoyan Stefanov on LinkedIn, Twitter, and his website.
16. Building Microservices: Designing Fine-Grained Systems by Sam Newman
Summary:
Building Microservices by Sam Newman is a pivotal guide in understanding and designing microservices architecture. The book provides comprehensive insights into developing scalable and maintainable systems, emphasizing the significance of fine-grained systems in software development.
What You'll Learn:
Gain deep insights into the development, deployment, and maintenance of microservices, and learn how to structure them effectively to build resilient and scalable software systems.
Why You Should Read It:
This book is a cornerstone for software developers and architects looking to adopt a microservices architecture. It offers valuable knowledge and practical techniques for designing and implementing microservices with precision and efficiency.
Quote From The Book:
“Microservices allow us to manage and understand our software through the bounded context of a service.”
About The Author:
Sam Newman is a renowned software architect and author with a wealth of experience in microservices. Connect with him on LinkedIn, Twitter, and his website.
17. Refactoring: Improving the Design of Existing Code by Martin Fowler
Summary:
In Refactoring: Improving the Design of Existing Code, Martin Fowler presents meticulous strategies for enhancing the design of existing code, addressing the significance of refactoring in software development. The book serves as an essential resource for developers looking to improve the quality and maintainability of their code base.
What You'll Learn:
Understand the principles of refactoring, learn various refactoring techniques, and discover how to improve the quality and readability of your code without altering its external behavior.
Why You Should Read It:
Developers and software engineers seeking to enhance their code's design and structure will find this book invaluable. It lays down the foundational principles and methods of refactoring, paving the way for improved software development practices.
Quote From The Book:
“Any fool can write code that a computer can understand. Good programmers write code that humans can understand.”
About The Author:
Martin Fowler is a highly respected software developer, author, and speaker, specializing in software design and delivery. Reach out to Martin Fowler on Twitter, and his website.
Which Books On App Development Do You Recommend?
I've shared my go-to collection of books on app development, each brimming with insights and strategies to elevate your development journey. If there’s a groundbreaking read that has been pivotal in your books on the app development journey and it didn’t make the list, I invite you to share it. I’m always on the lookout to expand my knowledge and would love to explore more enlightening reads in this ever-evolving field.