Last updated on March 29th, 2024 at 11:14 am
If you’re just getting started with Arduino, and looking for some good books to help you learn then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we have listed the 17 best Arduino books for beginners.
With these books, you’ll learn everything from the basics of programming and circuitry to more advanced concepts like working with sensors, building robots, and even creating your video games. So, without further ado, let’s get started.
Things to consider before purchasing an Arduino book
A basic understanding of certain fundamental ideas will benefit you, particularly if you are new to electronics. Here’s a list of things you might want to familiarize yourself with before starting:
Basic electronics: Understanding concepts like voltage, current, resistance, circuits, and components (such as resistors, capacitors, LEDs, etc.) will provide a solid foundation.
Circuit Diagrams: Learn how to read and interpret circuit diagrams. They are essential for understanding the connections and functionality of electronic circuits.
Programming: While Arduino uses a simplified version of the C/C++ programming language, having some basic programming knowledge will be beneficial.
Sensors and Actuators: Understand different types of sensors (e.g., temperature sensors, light sensors, motion sensors) and actuators (e.g., motors, servos, LEDs) commonly used with Arduino.
By having a basic knowledge of these concepts. you’ll be better prepared to understand and implement the projects and examples presented in Arduino books.
“Our top picks based on Arduino applications“:
Best Overall- Programming Arduino: Getting Started with Sketches by Simon Monk
If we have to pick one book that is overall the best Arduino book for beginners, it would have to be “Programming Arduino: Getting Started with Sketches” by Simon Monk. This book is a great starting point if you want to learn about programming microcontrollers.
The book begins with the basics of programming and works its way up to more advanced topics. Along the way, you’ll learn how to program Arduino to do things like control motors and read sensors. You’ll also build several fun projects, such as a theremin and a motion-sensing game controller.
This book will help you to program the Arduino in a simple and fun way. You will learn how to avoid difficulties with code, and how to start programming the Arduino using the basics of the C programming language.
Pros:
- Even if you lack programming skills, you can still follow up as the author has started with the basics.
- The book includes practical examples that will help you in solving real-world problems.
Cons:
- Certain chapters require the use of an Arduino board, so if you don’t have one, consider buying it prior to purchasing this book.
Best for beginners– Arduino For Dummies by John Nussey
Arduino For Dummies is a comprehensive guide to the popular open-source electronics platform. Written by John Nussey, an experienced electronics engineer, the book covers everything from the basics of programming and circuitry to more advanced concepts such as data logging and sensor input.
With clear explanations and step-by-step instructions, Arduino For Dummies is ideal for anyone looking to get started with Arduino, whether they are complete beginners or more experienced makers. The book also includes some projects that readers can complete using an Arduino board, providing a hands-on way to learn about the many different applications of the platform.
Whether you want to build a simple circuit or create a complex interactive system, Arduino For Dummies shows you how to harness the power of Arduino to create devices that are both useful and fun.
Pros:
- This book is perfect for someone with no prior technical experience.
- Both drawings and schematics are provided for each project, as well as the code explanations in detail.
Cons:
- The book has some minor errors, which might be discouraging for a person trying to learn all this tricky stuff.
Best Beginner Projects– Arduino Workshop by John Boxall
In this book, you’ll learn about all the different ways that Arduino can be modified to work for your specific needs. You will also get an introduction to various electronic components and concepts which are covered hands-on throughout each chapter, with Practical Projects at every turn!
The book covers a total of 65 projects, which includes some basic ones like a handy tester that checks the voltage of a single-cell battery, to a binary quiz game that challenges your number conversion skills.
Pros:
- The projects in the book are designed to be built on top of one another, which is better than starting from scratch each time.
- The book also covers the fundamentals of electricity and how to read electrical diagrams.
Cons:
- Before purchasing this book, we would advise you to get a starter kit that includes different components like resistors, input buttons, LEDs, etc.
Best for Programming– Arduino Programming in 24 Hours by Richard Blum
Arduino Programming in 24 Hours by Christine Bresnahan and Ryan Owens is an excellent guide for those new to programming with Arduino. The book is well-organized and easy to follow, with clear explanations of each concept. The authors also provide helpful examples and exercises to practice each skill.
In just 24 hours, readers will be able to create their programs and take advantage of the many capabilities of Arduino. Whether you want to build a simple project or create something more complex, this book will give you the foundation you need to get started.
Pros:
- The book is divided into 24 one-hour lessons, making it easy to learn at your own pace.
- Each lesson builds upon the previous one, so you can gradually increase your knowledge and skills.
Cons:
- Some of the projects require additional hardware that is not included in the kit, such as an LCD screen.
- The book does not cover advanced topics such as networking or programming Arduino for Internet of Things applications.
Best for C– Beginning C for Arduino by Jack J Purdum
Although Arduino IDE is based on the popular open-source electronics prototyping platform, it can be difficult for beginners to learn. That’s where Jack J Purdum’s “Beginning C for Arduino” comes in. Purdum has written this book specifically for people who are new to programming.
The book starts with the basics of the C programming language and moves on to more advanced topics like data structures and object-oriented programming. Each chapter includes plenty of examples and exercises to help readers practice what they’ve learned.
So, if you want to get a deep insight into the C language the Arduino “Beginning C for Arduino” is the perfect book for you.
Pros:
- This book provides a grasp of fundamental C programming concepts, as well as a deeper understanding of the Arduino internals.
Cons:
- The font is really small, so if you are over 45 years old and your eyesight is declining, make sure you have enough lighting.
Official Arduino Book– Getting Started with Arduino by Massimo Banzi
This book is written by one of the creators of Arduino, so you can be sure that it’s a great resource for learning about this popular open-source platform. The book covers all the basics of working with Arduino, from choosing the right board and components to programming and using sensors. You’ll also build several fun projects, such as a light-sensitive nightlight and a treasure-hunting game.
The book also covers the basics of electricity and electronics. It starts with drawing the schematics to building a custom plant watering system.
Pros:
- The book covers good examples of Arduino, together with some electronic info and programming info.
- This book has a lot of good information and explanations. The series is excellent and that is what makes this book a value for money.
Cons:
- The book starts well by teaching beginners the basics. However, some readers may find the coding of the last chapters a bit difficult to understand.
Best for Robotics– Arduino Robotics by John David Warren and Josh Adams
Arduino Robotics by “John-David Warren and Josh Adams” will teach you how to control a variety of different robots with your Arduino, as well as the whole robot-building process in steps. You’ll learn about the fundamentals and various types of motors used in robotics.
You’ll learn about controller methods and failsafe methods as well as how to apply them to your project. The book begins with simple robots and progresses to more complex projects, including a GPS-enabled robot, a grass-cutting robot, a fighting bot, and even a DIY Segway replica.
Pros:
- The information is presented in a detailed manner. It’s jam-packed with spectacular images and has a lot of helpful diagrams.
- It even includes a chapter on how to make your own PC boards.
Cons:
- The print version of this book is black & white, due to which some images would be difficult to see. But, the eBook is in full color.
- There isn’t much of a technical explanation of the Arduino.
Best for IoT projects– Building Arduino Projects for the Internet of Things by Adeel Javed
In this book, you will learn about the building blocks of IoT, and then apply them to construct a range of useful applications. Projects in the books teach you fundamental concepts such as internet connectivity with Arduino, common IoT standards, custom web visualization, and Android apps that receive sensor data on-demand and in real-time gradually.
With clear instructions and diagrams, the book is an ideal resource for anyone interested in learning more about Arduino or exploring the possibilities of the Internet of Things. By the end of the book, readers will have gained a valuable skillset that they can use to create their own innovative projects.
Pros:
- It covers topics such as custom web visualization, and Android apps that receive sensor data on-demand and in real-time.
Cons:
- Though the author has started with the basics, some users may find it difficult if they had no prior knowledge of IoT.
Best RF projects– Radio Frequency Communications in Arduino Projects by Yury Magda
If you want to get a deep insight into RF (Radio Frequency) and use it with Arduino, then this book is perfect for you. It provides a step-by-step tutorial for creating wireless measurement systems that work on the FM broadcast frequency (88 to 108 MHz) and the ISM band, which runs from 433.075 to 434.775 MHz.
All of the projects are extremely basic and may be readily repeated or improved as needed. The author breaks down difficult topics like assembling and tuning FM transmitters/ receivers into simple steps, which can help novices get acquainted with the fundamentals of RF circuit design.
Pros:
- This book is ideal for those who are new to Arduino and want to learn how to use it for communication. This book organizes everything in one location.
Cons:
- Some projects require parts that may be difficult for users to find.
Learn Machine Learning– TinyML: Machine Learning with TensorFlow Lite on Arduino
The TinyML book is all about using TensorFlow Lite to run machine learning on Arduino and other microcontrollers. The book starts with an introduction to machine learning concepts, followed by a section on installing and configuring TensorFlow Lite.
Next, the book covers how to train and deploy models, how to work with data, and how to optimize performance. Finally, the book includes a section on troubleshooting and debugging. Throughout the book, there are numerous code examples and illustrations to help readers understand the concepts being presented. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced developer, this book will teach you everything you need to know about TinyML.
Book for Engineers– Arduino: A Technical Reference by J.M Hughes
Written by J.M. Hughes, Arduino: A Technical Reference is an essential guide for anyone who wants to use Arduino in their engineering projects. The book covers everything from the basics of programming and hardware to more advanced topics like data logging and network communication.
In addition, the book includes a number of projects that can be used to learn more about the platform. The full-color illustrations and diagrams make it easy to follow along. So don’t wait any longer, pick up a copy of Arduino: A Technical Reference today.
Pros:
- This is a fantastic and complete guide to hardware, with details on chip types, numerous board options, and how to connect things up.
Cons:
- The book concludes with a marketing-oriented picture tour of several firms’ Arduinos, shields, and sensors.
- Although the software toolchain is mentioned and a few programs and flowcharts are provided, this book is not about programming.
Advance Projects– 30 Arduino Projects for the Evil Genius by Simon Monk
This is a fantastic book for both beginner and intermediate users, whether they’re interested in doing something more creative or just want to integrate smaller components into a larger project. You don’t need to be an expert in electronics, just familiar with the principles of reading a schematic and recognizing common components, and the longest code listings are no more than three full pages long, making them easy to comprehend and modify.
The book focuses on the Uno and Leonardo boards, with one additional project based on the LilyPad just for the sake of aesthetics (it’s the exposed “movement” of a binary wall clock). In most cases, other than a Protoshield, binary clock, and a few peripheral components, there isn’t much soldering required.
Pros:
- The book explains beginning and intermediate Arduino concepts with fun and interesting projects.
- It includes a bonus chapter that uses the special USB keyboard/mouse-impersonation functionality available to the Arduino Leonardo.
Cons:
- It may be difficult for persons who have no prior C or Objective C programming knowledge.
Arduino Cookbook by Michael Margolis
If you want to create devices that interact with the physical world, this cookbook is perfect for you. You will find more than 200 tips and techniques for building various objects and prototypes. These include toys, detectors, robots, and interactive clothing that can sense and respond to touch, sound, position, heat, and light.
The book covers a wide range of topics, from working with sensors and actuators to communication and networking. All these topics are divided into 18 chapters. Each section contains instructions for a task, a circuit diagram, and/or sample computer code where necessary, as well as a detailed discussion that serves as a mini-tutorial.
Pros:
- This is one of the few Arduino books that has been updated for Arduino 1.0. The material is divided into “recipes,” and you may combine them to create all sorts of things.
- The author’s tone is concise and extremely clear. He does not patronize his reader or add unnecessary humor to entertain them.
Cons:
- Although the book is excellent, if you lack electronics and programming skills, then we must not prefer this book to you.
Practical Arduino: Cool Projects for Open Source Hardware by Jonathan Oxer and Hugh Blemings
This book is geared toward those who are already familiar with electronics and programming but want to learn more about Arduino and what it can do. The book focuses on using your imagination instead of repeating material that you have already learned.
The illustrations frequently show how to build circuitry using discrete components mounted on perfboards, rather than buying or using kits or pre-built modular construction.
A circuit schematic reference, explanations of a variety of electrical engineering concepts, and general hints & tips are included as supplementary material. These go along with the projects to make Practical Arduino: Cool Projects for Open Source Hardware an essential resource for all users of Arduino. You’ll discover a diverse range of methods that you may apply to your own projects.
Pros:
- This book covers some complex and interactive projects, that will help you in understanding the concepts better.
Cons:
- This book doesn’t have enough chapters or appendices to help a beginner get started.
- The picture quality is average, while the code block presentation is not up to the mark.
Arduino Projects For Dummies by Brock Craft
Arduino Projects For Dummies by “Brock Craft” is a great starting point for those who are new to Arduino and want to learn how to build fun and practical projects. This book has 12 projects that you can make yourself. You’ll learn everything you need to know to make your own cool, original objects and devices that interact with the world around them.
The book includes examples in increasing order of difficulty. The simple ones can be completed in a few hours, while the more complex ones may take a couple of days to complete. But, all that depends on your skill.
Pros:
- Every project in the book has an easy-to-follow layout diagram that shows you how to connect everything up.
- The book comes with a programming tool that may be downloaded from the internet, making it very simple to create your animations.
Cons:
- This book uses some outdated parts that are no longer available in the market.
- The book also has some errors in the code.
Arduino Project Handbook: 25 Practical Projects to Get You Started by Mark Geddes
With the Arduino Project Handbook, get started with 25 practical projects that will help you understand how to use the Arduino for a variety of purposes. The projects in this book are divided into three categories: inputs (including working with sensors and buttons), outputs (such as using motors and LEDs), and communication (including sending data over a network).
Each project includes detailed step-by-step instructions, full-color images, and all the code you need to get going. Plus, there’s a bonus chapter on troubleshooting so you can debug your code with confidence.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced maker, Arduino Project Handbook is the perfect introduction to the world of physical computing.
Pros:
- The programs used in this book are available online, so you don’t have to type each one while tinkering.
- The information is explained in a precise manner, with colorful pictures and highlighted keywords.
Cons:
- It does not have a back-of-the-book index, which some users may find a difficult task to find the particular topic.
Hacking Electronics: Learning Electronics with Arduino and Raspberry Pi by Simon Monk
Hacking Electronics: Learning Electronics with Arduino and Raspberry Pi by Simon Monk is a great book to learn Arduino and Raspberry pi in one place. With a clear explanation of the basics, the book also provides practical knowledge by building some cool projects.
The photos and diagrams help readers follow along. Throughout the book, Monk uses the popular Arduino and Raspberry Pi platforms to demonstrate various concepts. For example, he shows how to use sensors to measure temperature, build a basic robot, and create a home automation system.
Pros:
- There’s a good selection of simple projects in the Arduino section to get you up and running.
Cons:
- Some concepts are oversimplified which leads to more questions than solutions after reading them.
Mastering Arduino: A project-based approach to electronics, circuits, and programming by Jon Hoffman
Mastering Arduino is a project-based approach to electronics, circuits, and programming that enables readers to create interactive electronic devices. To understand the concepts, the author starts with the electronic components and circuits. And after that, an insight into the Arduino development platform is given. Using this the readers can create working electronic projects.
The book also covers more advanced topics such as programming Arduino boards, using sensors, and interfacing with other devices. Throughout the book, Hoffman provides clear explanations and step-by-step instructions. As a result, Mastering Arduino is an ideal resource for anyone interested in learning about electronics and programming.
Pros:
- It covers basic fundamentals of computer science and electronics along with detailed insight into Arduino.
- It even includes the schematics and code along with the projects.
Cons:
- This book covers everything from basics, but if you are looking for some complex projects, then you must not buy this book.
Summary- Best Arduino book
Choosing the best Arduino book for you will depend on your level of experience and what you hope to get out of the book. For beginners, we recommend “Getting Started with Sketches” by Simon Monk “Arduino For Dummies” by Brock Craft, or “Arduino Workshop” by John Boxall. If you’re looking for challenging projects, we recommend “30 Arduino Projects for the Evil Genius” by Simon Monk. And if you want to build robots, we recommend “Arduino Robotics” by John-David Warren and Josh Adams.
