Website development is a broad field. You need to pay attention to many things to learn about this field. Typical examples are maintaining and administering a website, a database and optimizing a website to enhance the user experience.
Here are the 10 web dev books covering all the basics and advanced information you shouldn’t miss. Whether you want to refresh your knowledge of specific web development or expand your web development knowledge, you can find a book that meets your needs.
The books included in this list are diverse in content. You can find options suitable for both beginners and experts. Consider your request carefully and refer to the reviews below to choose a suitable book.
1. Web Design with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and jQuery Set
Specifications:
- Language: English.
- Paperback: 1152 pages.
- Item Weight: 6.04 pounds.
- Dimensions: 7.4 x 2.6 x 9.3 inches.
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Reason To Buy
- Easy to understand, even for beginners.
- Provide the basic knowledge of structure and text
- Guide to using quite a few tools for web design.
- Present in an intuitive way with accessible language.
- Suitable for people who are oriented to become front-end developers.
Review
Author Jon Duckett is one of the reasons why I chose this book. With more than a decade of experience in web design and construction, Jon Duckett’s books are always packed with valuable knowledge and experience.
The Web Design with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and jQuery Set is no exception. It is a book that anyone aiming to become a web designer or front-end developer should read through at least once.
It covers the structure, text, and HTML5 knowledge you use when developing the web. The author even dedicates several chapters to introducing SEO, Google Analytics, and other related technologies.
Another thing I appreciate about this book is that it is presented reasonably intuitively, with accessible language. Even for those with little web development experience, this book is still quite engaging and easy to understand.
2. Eloquent JavaScript: A Modern Introduction to Programming
Specifications:
- Language: English.
- Paperback: 472 pages.
- Item Weight: 2 pounds.
- Dimensions: 7 x 0.82 x 9.2 inches.
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Reason To Buy
- Lots of vivid extensible examples.
- Add a lot of new knowledge.
- A variety of practice exercises.
- Provides basic knowledge of JavaScript
- A detailed guide to writing beautiful and efficient code.
Review
JavaScript is an integral part of building current web applications. This programming language is quite flexible and straightforward for beginners.
However, you will need to learn more complex knowledge to build a comprehensive application with JavaScript.
And Eloquent JavaScript: A Modern Introduction to Programming is the book that includes the complex knowledge you are always looking for.
This book provides more than just the basics of JavaScript. It also dives into teaching readers how to write beautiful and efficient code.
I was particularly impressed with the additions in the book, such as instructions for using class notation, iterators, and block scoping. Only a few books can simultaneously cover completely new features like Eloquent JavaScript.
Another thing I appreciate about this book is the exercises to reinforce the knowledge. Thanks to these exercises, I could check my learning progress and skills.
3. Secrets of the JavaScript Ninja
Specifications:
- Language: English.
- Edition: Kindle.
- File size: 15551 KB.
- Print length: 464 pages.
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Reason To Buy
- Learn how to work with the DOM.
- Help readers improve their coding skills.
- Introducing powerful skill sets to get the most out of JavaScript.
- For those who are oriented to become professional web developers.
- Includes easy-to-understand illustrations for each technique
Review
JavaScript is one of the most popular languages for web design. Yet, more than understanding JavaScript is required to become an expert in web development and design. You need to code efficiently and be ready to tackle any project.
The Secrets of the JavaScript Ninja is the book to help you improve your coding skills. This book is a complete document that covers the most powerful skills to handle JavaScript in all domains and cases.
Although it covers much complex knowledge, the book has many clear examples of each technique. The book also covers APIs and DOM, which help me better approach web development techniques. It is an ideal book for those who want to improve their coding techniques and save working time.
4. The Road to React
Specifications:
- Language: English.
- Paperback: 288 pages.
- Item Weight: 1.3 pounds.
- Dimensions: 8.5 x 0.65 x 11 inches.
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Reason To Buy
- The chapters are closely related to each other.
- Detailed instructions for building React applications.
- Refers to advanced knowledge
- Exercises to consolidate understanding at the end of each chapter.
Review
As the name suggests, this book guides readers via building a comprehensive React application. The layout of the book is quite peculiar. Each chapter focuses on an essential feature of React. In it, I was surprised by how the author gave instructions and explanations for the steps to build the application.
This book cover covers advanced knowledge, such as reacting with TypeScript, client and server-side search, and more. I appreciate the practical applicability of this book. After completing the road to React, I could confidently deploy my React application.
5. Fullstack Vue: The Complete Guide to Vue.js
Specifications:
- Language: English.
- Paperback: 442 pages.
- Item Weight: 2.25 pounds.
- Dimensions: 8.5 x 0.9 x 11.02 inches.
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Reason To Buy
- Easy to understand for beginners.
- Help readers work more efficiently.
- Present knowledge in an engaging way.
- Share effective methods and tools.
- Guide on how to build an event application
Review
Anyone who is just starting to learn about web development has the desire to master the framework in a short time.
Fullstack Vue: The Complete Guide to Vue.js is one of the best books for beginners to be more productive. I almost didn’t feel like a single moment in spending time with this book. It fascinates me with methods that I had never known before.
The author also mentions some practical examples I can apply immediately to my project. This book shows how to build event apps, voting apps, authenticated forms, and other practical works. This book is truly a must-have for beginners.
6. PHP and MySQL for Dynamic Web Sites
Specifications:
- Language: English.
- Paperback: 704 pages.
- Item Weight: 2.43 pounds.
- Dimensions: 7 x 1.5 x 8.95 inches.
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Reason To Buy
- Mention methods for creating dynamic web pages.
- Help readers master PHP and MySQL databases.
- Support readers to improve website creation skills.
- Change the reader’s working mindset.
Review
PHP and MySQL for Dynamic Web Sites: Visual QuickPro Guide is an in-depth book on creating dynamic web pages. In the first pages, the author presented methods to master the PHP language and MySQL database.
By learning about these two areas simultaneously, readers can improve their website creation skills, bringing about differences in working methods. Another thing that impressed me was its open-source technology. The book’s detailed guides have enabled me to create powerful websites with high interactivity.
7. Learning PHP, MySQL & JavaScript
Specifications:
- Language: English.
- Paperback: 832 pages.
- Item Weight: 3.25 pounds.
- Dimensions: 7 x 1.5 x 9.5 inches.
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Reason To Buy
- Various exercises.
- Suitable for people who have the basic knowledge.
- Combined introduction to PHP and MySQL.
- Readers can create professional dynamic web pages.
- Technologies for website developers on the Linux platform
Review
I recommend Unix/Linux web developers to read Learning PHP, JavaScript & MySQL: With jQuery, HTML5 & CSS. This book covers the most critical technologies a developer on Linux must master.
I love the chapters that combine PHP and MySQL. The book also captivated me with all the technologies that help web developers on Linux platforms.
The book also includes quite a few practice exercises. After learning the book’s information, you can create professional websites similar to Gmail and Facebook.
My only complaint about Learning PHP, JavaScript & MySQL is that it starts with something other than an introduction to HTML. You need to set up a simple static web page for this book to be easily readable.
8. Don’t Make Me Think
Specifications:
- Language: English.
- Paperback: 216 pages.
- Item Weight: 14.8 ounces.
- Dimensions: 6.95 x 0.7 x 8.95 inches.
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Reason To Buy
- Witty voice.
- Provide up-to-date information.
- Different from the existing books on the market.
- Mention the rules most understandably and engagingly.
- Condensed and highly applied knowledge.
Review
Don’t Make Me Think, Revisited: A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability is unlike any book on web development I’ve read.
It inspires anyone oriented to become a web designer and developer. The author’s witty voice made me unable to take my eyes off it.
Yet, this book is more than just an inspirational book. Behind the fresh perspective are principles of intuitive navigation, information design, and others.
In particular, the author also dedicated a chapter to a rather exciting issue today: developing a mobile-friendly website. The up-to-date information and rich illustrations make it impossible for me to stop rereading this chapter.
9. Flask Web Development
Specifications:
- Language: English.
- Paperback: 288 pages.
- Item Weight: 1.3 pounds.
- Dimensions: 8.5 x 0.65 x 11 inches.
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Reason To Buy
- Scientific structure.
- Guide readers to create a simple but applicable website.
- A detailed presentation is easy to understand.
- Offer many solutions to problems that readers face.
- Answer to readers’ why and how questions.
Review
Robin Wieruch’s main desire when writing Flask Web Development was to help readers create a simple yet highly functional website. By presenting details, Flask Web Development exceeded the above expectations.
The book is built in a reasonably scientific structure. First, it gives detailed instructions on how to build an app, solutions to problems you may encounter, and answers to readers’ whys and hows.
10. PHP & MySQL: Server-side Web Development
Specifications:
- Language: English.
- Paperback: 672 pages.
- Item Weight: 3.65 pounds.
- Dimensions: 7.7 x 1.7 x 9.3 inches.
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Reason To Buy
- Instructions on how to use PHP.
- Details on how to use MySQL.
- A guide to building new apps from scratch.
- Provide many examples of infographics
- Suitable for even beginners.
Review
PHP is one of the essential programming languages you need to master if you want to build a website. Meanwhile, MySQL is a tool used to store website information to help developers use the database to create websites.
The PHP & MySQL: Server-side Web Development is a book that details the above essential tools. One of the most significant differences in this book is that the author guides you to build new applications from scratch.
The author’s infographic and code examples are easy to understand and inspire. So even beginners can put the instructions in the book into practice. The author also spends a lot of time mentioning techniques to create websites.
I was impressed with exciting information in this chapter: instructions on registering as a member, logging in, and receiving email notifications.
Buying Guides
It is easy to find books that provide information on website development. However, not all books include the information you are looking for. Here are my experiences you can refer to choose the most helpful book for you.
Popularity
If you have little time, focus on the most famous books in web development. These books were published long ago, and recommended by many experts. And you can completely trust the accuracy of the cs knowledge in these titles.
User Reviews
Reader reviews are also an essential basis for helping you find the right book for you. Look to the reviews of readers of the same level as you for an accurate view.
Price
There is no fixed number for the cost of web development books. The book’s price may depend on the number of pages, the author, the printing method, etc.
FAQs
Should I learn web development from books?
There are quite a few learning methods you can choose from. Yet, books are one of the most trusted sources for providing complete, detailed knowledge.
What is the best resource for web development?
Some ideal web development resources are books, website tutorials, videos, and online courses.
Which platform is best for web development?
You can visit some websites like GitHub and Chrome Developer Tools to improve your web development skills.
What is the essential part in web development?
Content is an essential part of web development. Without content, the website you create will only act as advertising, not positively impacting the visitor.
What are the two main sides of web development?
The two main groups in web development are front-end development and back-end development. These two groups will combine to create a website, a web application with visual interaction.
Conclusion
I have introduced you to the most exciting web development books on the list.
Those looking to become web developers can look at Web Design with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and jQuery Set. Meanwhile, those who want to learn about PHP may be interested in PHP & MySQL: Server-side web development.
Hopefully, some books will inspire you to improve your skills.