If you are looking out to the best Arduino books, you probably already know what Arduino is and what it is used for. Nevertheless, we will brief you with a small introduction as a quick refresher.
Arduino is an open-source platform having easy to use hardware and software. It is a board that can read various inputs like a button press, sensor lights, twitter messages, etc. and generate an output – like switching on a motor, turning on a light, posting something on the web, etc. The board consists of a microcontroller which can be coded for instructions on what has to be done for specific inputs. This code is written in the Arduino programming language (wiring) and the IDE (processing).
Arduino is simple to learn and use even for kids. If you want to get started on programming and robotics, this is the language you want to start with!
Features and Benefits of Arduino
Arduino is different from other programming languages because it is easy to learn and hides all the difficulties of writing programs in microcontrollers by providing a package that simplifies and wraps all the important details. Some key features and advantages of Arduino are:
- User-friendly environment
- Cost-effective
- Open-source and extensible
- Cross-platform
To get started with the basics, we suggest you go through their website page, which has good information. This would greatly supplement your learning along with books.
10 Best Arduino Books to Read
Here are some good Arduino books that are available for your read:
1. Programming Arduino: Getting Started With Sketches (second edition)
The book can be used by those who have an Arduino Uno board, Mega 2560 kit, or other popular boards. It covers a good amount of basic and advanced C that is the foundation for learning Arduino. Some topics are explained very well; however, some advanced topics like IoT are not that greatly written. The author seems to be rushing through the code and the concepts in those. However, it is a great book for beginners as well as intermediate programmers. It also acts as a handy reference if you are working on a project. The author provides a lot of extra information in the sidebars, which you can google to get more details about if you would like to.
Features
- Starts with simple concepts and goes systematically to more complex topics
- Covers basics of C, enough for the reader to start with Arduino
- The code examples are available online (GitHub) and accessible anytime.
- Some concepts are just mentioned and not explained in detail – although you can refer to the internet for more explanations.
- It is not an in-depth book but covers all the important aspects of programming in Arduino.
- Although the projects are not from the real world, the reader can get the intention and idea behind using those.
Rating: 4.6
Cost: Kindle: $8.92
Paperback: $11.92
2. Arduino Workshop: A Hands-On Introduction with 65 Projects 1st Edition
This book is a very practical approach to learning Arduino. It will be an interesting reading experience as if you are reading fiction. The first few pages are just a basic introduction, which you can skip if you have some ideas about Arduino. Once you start working on the projects, you would be engrossed in the core. Each project is different, and the author also explains the entire process and goal of the project. Each line of code is explained well, so as you go on with more projects, you will be able to write the code on your own.
Features
- Detailed explanation including goal, process, code and the concept behind each project
- The author gently introduces C in bits and pieces so you can see the language put to practical use.
- The book covers integration with different Arduino shields and electronic devices.
- Great presentation of projects and explanation of the concepts alongside
- The author touches upon the fundamentals of electricity including how to read electrical diagrams which is an essential part of understanding the board
- The projects are quite extensive; however, you can add your ideas to the projects and extend them further for more learning
Rating: 4.6
Cost: Kindle: $17.99
Paperback: $18.79
Recommended Course
Arduino For Beginners - 2024 Complete Course
3. Arduino Cookbook
The cookbook remains true to its name. It follows a problem-solving approach; however, it is not like a tutorial or a structured book. The author assumes that you have a good basic understanding of Arduino. There are about 200 tasks or problems, associated circuit diagrams, sample code, and description. These problems cover both hardware and software aspects of Arduino and practically cover unique concepts. The author’s writing style is clear, with no verbosity. Once you start practising each detailed problem, you will be into the same mindset and start solving some parts of the problems, or even the entire problem yourself.
Features
- The book doesn’t explain why something is done in a particular way; it just gives you a method to solve a problem.
- Though the author gives sufficient technical details about the particular recipes, it is not extensive or comprehensive.
- The book uses the best code practices, so if you start writing your code and want to compare, the book will act as an excellent tutor for mentoring.
- Whether you are a beginner or experienced programmer – this book will help you in different ways – writing code for simple to complex problems, understanding electronics, and electrical engineering concepts, fine-tuning code, assembling the board, and much more.
Rating: 4.6
Cost: Kindle: $29.85
Paperback: $45.78
4. Arduino Programming in 24 Hours, Sams Teach Yourself
This book claims to teach you, Arduino, in 24 hours and rightly so. Each chapter is written as a set of topics that can be covered in one hour. The book teaches you Arduino setup and programming from scratch. It is fast-paced and covers a lot of information that you need to research if you want more details on it. The author covers C, although it would be better to know C before purchasing this book.
Features
- The book covers all the important concepts of Arduino, including how to use libraries and create new customized ones.
- The last few chapters cover some advanced topics like network programming, file handling, and creating a project from scratch, including designing a breadboard circuit.
- The book is more detailed than you would think – starting from microcontrollers to C and Arduino, it is well-written and covers all these in detail.
- Allows you to add your imagination to various code samples so you can ultimately build what you want to
- The author explains many ways of doing the same thing, and then also explains why one of them is the best approach.
- This book is not for those who are new to programming itself. Additionally, little knowledge about Arduino (like the basic information available on their official website) will help a lot in faster learning.
Rating: 4.5
Cost: Kindle: $10.84
Paperback: $29.84
5. Arduino: Advanced Methods and Strategies of Using Arduino
This is an advanced book, though beginners can use it with some guidance. The book brings out the true capabilities of Arduino beautifully and helps you understand how you can control things and why! Each project keeps you hooked and is interesting and easy to make. The author encourages you to buy the board of your choice – uno, Leonardo, mega, due, etc.
Features
- The author explains all the concepts with Windows in mind; however, the code works in both Mac and Linux (takes time)
- The book covers various topics as chapters – each chapter defines the theme of the project. For example, the first chapter talks about how to control the LED with Arduino. However, you will be able to learn all the basics, including writing your first code.
- There are many useful strategies to follow best practices in the hardware as well as software.
- This book can be used by professionals as well as lay-man hobbyists who want to learn something new and fun.
Rating: 4.5
Cost: Kindle: $4.99
Paperback: $19.99
6. Arduino For Dummies
As always, the ‘for dummies’ books are interactive and witty. The author builds a solid foundation and covers a wide range of topics, including how you can get different parts, work with motors, soldering, improving your code, and integration between the hardware and software. You wouldn’t even realize how much you already covered; you never get bored with this book. The book covers both hardware and software aspects of Arduino. If you already know about diodes, circuits, gates, microcontrollers, and other electronic concepts, this book could be too easy for you.
Features
- Good buy for absolute beginners or those who studied electronics during college but forgot most of it now.
- There are loads of external references and other materials that help you enhance your knowledge further as you read on.
- The author provides a lot of code examples with description – sometimes, the description could take time to be understood, but over the next few pages, you will be able to follow it.
- The author mentions some advanced topics; however, it doesn’t go much into detail.
Rating: 4.4
Cost: Kindle: $14.39
Paperback: $19.06
7. Arduino Robotics (Technology in Action)
The book covers step by step instructions for basic as well as advanced robots. It helps you enhance your imagination to customize your hardware and arrange the PCB all by yourself. The code examples given in the book are available on Apress. The book is less theory and more practical learning and is fast-paced. It is good for anyone – students, IT professionals, hobbyists – who want to learn new stuff and can think differently.
Features
- Before diving into robotics, the author briefly explains the electrical concepts like electrical properties, circuits, and different types of connections. The author then discusses basic electronics – diodes, gates, integrated circuits, semiconductors, etc.
- the flow of concepts is good, and each topic is explained with code examples as well as descriptions
- A lot of topics like transistors, relays, and motor controllers are covered in a basic way. However, for more information, you can google for it.
- As this is an advanced, practical book, it is recommended to read one of the other basic books from our list or learn through free online tutorials. This will help you understand the advanced topics faster.
- The projects are really good and provide a good balance of electronics as well as programming language knowledge.
Rating: 4.4
Cost: Kindle: $27.99
Paperback: $47.80
8. Arduino Programming: The Ultimate Guide For Making The Best Of Your Arduino Programming Projects
Although a beginner’s guide, this book is a must-buy whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or advanced Arduino programmer. It is a great teaching material, reference manual, and much more. The author gives lots of useful tips in every chapter. The book builds a strong foundation and is extremely easy to comprehend and follow. The style of writing is simple and effective. If you plan to get into robotics in the future, this is one book you should surely read.
Features
- The book focuses on building projects with Arduino, it is like a hands-on training where you have to do things on your own (no spoon-feeding) but with the right guidance.
- Anyone can read this book – the concepts from electronics, microcontrollers, C, robotics, etc. are explained crisply and neatly from scratch.
- The book is well-organized, and the flow of concepts is natural, one after the other, so you can understand why a particular idea came into existence in the first place.
- There are a lot of tit-bits in the book that are detailed enough to get you started on various projects.
Rating: 4.3
Cost: Kindle: $9.99
Paperback: $17.95
9. Arduino: A Technical Reference
This is a comprehensive reference guide that explains Arduino from start to end. It is a good book for intermediate to advanced learners. The depth of the hardware details covered in the book is amazing. It is not just a project-based book for hands-on practice but gives a lot of technical details and descriptions of the Arduino programming language API. There are a lot of links for additional reference. The author’s experience and expertise in Arduino projects are shown quite well throughout the book.
Features
- The kindle version has colorful diagrams for more clarity and visual appeal.
- If you are a beginner, you can google for some basic information about Arduino, and then start with this book once you know the basic concepts and terminologies.
- The author brushes through some basic concepts fast, but the pace slows when he starts explaining more advanced concepts – so you need to have the patience for the first few chapters.
- The book covers in-depth information about the creation of libraries, using the existing ones, using the API and IDE.
- The author also covers interfacing Arduino with IoT devices for controlling.
Rating: 4.1
Cost: Kindle: $24.99
Paperback: $49.88
10. Getting Started with Arduino (Make: Projects)
This is an amazing book for beginners who want to be able to appreciate why they need to learn Arduino or programming for that matter! The author’s tone is quite friendly and engaging. He encourages you to build crazy stuff using Arduino like there is no stop to your imagination. The book covers both software and hardware with just the right amount of detail for beginners. The book will sow the seeds of imagination in you and introduce you to the world of robotics, programming, and electronics, all at the same time.
Features
- Great introduction starting with microcontrollers and how Arduino was developed, and some experiments to create the right frame of mind
- The examples are written most simply, to enable beginners to grasp it faster.
- The author starts with simple apps and then moves on to more complex apps and explains both quite well.
- If you have some prior experience with Arduino or programming, this is not the book for you.
- The diagrams and pictures (that are drawn by hand) are neat and clear and convey much more depth to the topic.
Rating: 3.9
Cost: Kindle: $8.69
Paperback: $31.51
Conclusion
Arduino is perhaps the most popular platform for robotics and IoT, and there are plenty of books in the market to learn, not to mention the free tutorials and other resources over the web. You can start with ‘Arduino for dummies’ or ‘Arduino workshop’ as your first step. If you are low on budget and targeting just one book for the time being, ‘Arduino, A technical reference’ or ‘Arduino Robotics’ are informative and comprehensive. Arduino Cookbook and Arduino Programming: The Ultimate Guide are some books that you can buy once and refer forever without getting bored.
Before buying a book, we would encourage you to read the basics from the Arduino official website. Hackr.io also provides some brilliant courses on IoT and Arduino, including free, paid, featured and most popular courses.
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