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20 Best Web Development Books for Developers in 2024
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27th Dec, 2023
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Web development jobs are rewarding! From a sea of opportunities to lucrative jobs - there’s a lot for an aspirant to look forward to. Moreover, you have an array of tutorials, and all-encompassing certification programs to boost your skill set. But there’s no such thing as ‘too much learning’ - especially when you have incredibly helpful web development books to read.
Enrolling in the best Full Stack Development course helps you sharpen your knowledge with interactive learning, real world projects, mock interviews, much more. But nothing beats keeping a stack of books by your side and catching up on them to study specific topics deeper.
We’ve come up with a list of top 15 web development books for web developers that will help you gain more understanding of the various aspects of the field - and crack your next big interview with more ease.
Why Learn Web Development?
It is one of the first questions one has when they are introduced to Web Development. So let us answer it for you. There are not 1 but 4 significant reasons why you should learn this exciting subject.
1. You don't Need a Classroom
Unlike the subjects we learn in school, web development primarily needs a good internet connection and a laptop with an updated OS. The journey begins with you learning to code in various languages like HTML, Javascript, Python, etc. You can learn all these from the renowned Web Designing course online created by experts for every type of audience. You can even purchase the web development books mentioned in this article if you wish to have the best ones in the market.
2. It Enhances Your Problem-Solving Skills
As a web developer, you are not just designing any website. You are creating a platform that will help solve any single or multiple client problems. You can use your coding skills to solve these problems just like Uber solved the problem of waiting for a Taxi.
3. Earn Well
For everything we do, we need to have a driving force to complete it. In the case of web development, one of the major driving forces is the vast earning potential. With the enhancement of the digital world, the need for web developers is increasing daily. However, since the demand and supply are still not at par, the chances of making good money in this field are enormous.
4. You Learn How to Work as a Team
Developing a website successfully is not a one-person job. You need a team of people working in the front and backend before you can create a website per the client's requirements. Coordinating with every team and team member helps in developing the soft skills that are a necessity for every successful person.
Best Web Development Books for Beginners and Experienced
This list consists of the 15 Best books for anyone who wishes to become a Web Developer.
1. HTML and CSS: Design and Build Websites, 1st Edition - Jon Duckett
- Author Name: Jon Duckett
- Year of Release and Version: 2011, 1st Edition.
- Good Reads Rating: 4.3
- Publisher: Wiley
Overview:
- HTML and CSS: Design and Build Websites are our top pick for any beginner Web developer. The book is written by one of the most renowned authors Jon Duckett. Apart from being an author, he is also known for designing and delivering Web and mobile projects for world-famous brands like Nike and Xerox.
- This book is a perfect choice for anyone wishing to hone their Web development skills. Whether you are a beginner or a veteran developer, this book contains information for everyone.
Key Benefits and Takeaways:
- Another attractive feature of this book is the presentation. It is not like any other book, with pages of black text boring out the reader by the end. Instead, this book is printed in full color and designed to look like a magazine capturing the reader's attention.
- This book is currently one of the most popular Web development books in the market, having a rating of 4.6 stars on Amazon.
2. JavaScript and jQuery: Interactive Frontend Web Development, 1st Edition
- Author Name: Jon Duckett
- Year of Release and Version: 2014, 1st Edition.
- Good Reads Rating: 4.31
- Publisher Info: Wiley
Overview:
- The book primarily revolves around basic programming concepts in JavaScript and jQuery. If you have fundamental knowledge about coding and are looking for books for a Web developers at the beginner level, then this is the best option.
- This book is also beautifully illustrated to make your learning experience more enjoyable.
Key Benefits and Takeaways: Basic introduction to javascript/jquery.
3. Eloquent JavaScript, 3rd Edition: A Modern Introduction to Programming
- Author Name: Marjin Haverbeke
- Year of release and version: 2018, 1st Edition.
- Good reads rating: 4.14
- Punisher info: No Starch Press.
Overview:
- Learning only the basic coding literature is not enough if you do not practice writing real-life applications. The 3rd Edition of Eloquent JavaScript, written by Marijn Haverbeke, is a gold mine for anyone working with JavaScript in a modern Web application framework.
- Through this book, you get to learn about asynchronous programming, bug fixing, and, of course, error handling.
Key Benefits and Takeaways:
- A great book for intermediate to advanced programmers.
- Very detailed.
4. JavaScript: The Definitive Guide: Master the World's Most-Used Programming Language, 7th Edition
- Author Name: David Flanagan
- Year of release and version: 2020, 7th Edition.
- Good Reads Rating: 4.08
- Publisher Info: O’Reilly
Overview:
- The 7th Edition of The Definitive Guide: Master the World's Most-Used Programming Language by David Flanagan is now not limited to only professional software developers. This book is appropriate for anyone starting from computer science students and going all the way up to professional veteran developers.
- This book by David Flanagan will tell you everything about JavaScript. The primary topics include data structure, components, values, and language extensions. This is unquestionably one of the best book for Web Development.
Key benefits and takeaways:
- Great for leveling up JS skills.
- To-the-point and very detailed.
5. Learning PHP, MySQL & JavaScript: With jQuery, CSS & HTML5 - Robin Nixon
- Author Name: Robin Nixon
- Year of Release and version: 2015, 4nd Edition.
- Good reads rating: 3.87
- Publisher info: O’Reilly
Overview:
- If you are looking for a book that teaches you more than one language, you should definitely get this book. Learning PHP, MySQL & JavaScript: With jQuery, CSS & HTML5 is a book designed for all beginners who have a basic knowledge of HTML and want to garner a more profound knowledge in this field.
- At the end of this book, the author, Robin Nixon, assures the readers that they would now be capable of designing a totally functional dynamic social networking website.
Key benefits and takeaways:
- A comprehensive introduction to to PHP and MySQL.
- Interactive.
- Useful for beginners in PHP coding.
6. CSS Secrets: Better Solutions to Everyday Web Design Problems - Lea Verou
- Author Name: Lea Verou
- Year of Release and version: 2015, 1st Edition
- Good reads rating: 4.54
- Publisher info: O’Reilly
Overview:
- CSS Secrets: Better Solutions to Everyday Web Design Problems is one of the best Web development books designed primarily for intermediate to professional CSS developers.
- The topics that this book covers include typography, layout, user experience, and structure.
- The book was inspired by the experience Lea Verou garnered while presenting at over 50 International conferences across the globe.
Key benefits and takeaways:
- One of the best CSS books.
- Problem-solving approach.
7. Don't Make Me Think, Revisited: A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability, 3rd Edition - Steve Krug
- Author Name: Steve Krug
- Year of Release and version: 2014, 3rd Edition.
- Good reads rating: 4.24
- Publisher info: New Riders
Overview:
- This book by Steve Krug was first published in 2000. After the 3rd Edition, the book "Don't Make Me Think, Revisited: A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability" contains new examples and a new chapter focusing on mobile usability.
- This book is a perfect choice for anyone looking for Web dev books focusing on the best practices in web designing, especially in intuitive navigation and user experience.
Key benefits and takeaways:
- Explain web usability easily.
- Must-read for developers.
8. JavaScript: The Good Parts - Douglas Crockford
- Author Name: Douglas Crockford
- Year of Release and version: 2008, 1st Edition.
- Good Reads Rating: 4.23
- Publisher info: O’Reilly
Overview:
- JavaScript: The Good Parts is one of the perfect Web development books for beginners.
- It is designed in a way that anyone who is beginning to learn JavaScript can understand without any doubt. However, it also contains sections for those who are already seasoned Web developers but wish to learn more in the field.
- This book covers all the features, methods, and styles of the language. It also tells the readers about the weaknesses of the language and how to overcome them easily.
Key benefits and takeaways:
- One of the best JS classics.
- Explains ECMAScript core conveniently.
9. Learn JavaScript VISUALLY With Interactive Exercises - Ivelin Demirov
- Author Name: Ivelin Demirov
- Year of Release and version: 2014, 3rd Edition.
- Good Reads Rating: 3.76
- Publisher info: CreateSpace
Overview:
- As a coder, you might not love reading pages of text without any hands-on experience. This problem was well understood by the author Ivelin Demirov, and hence she wrote Learn JavaScript VISUALLY With Interactive Exercises. This is one of the Web development books that specifically targets those who are visual and hands-on learners.
- The presence of abundant illustrations helps down the fundamentals of JavaScript for a better understanding of the readers.
- The topics included in this book are methods, constructors, data type, and all the functions. The book explains the readers' fundamentals with the help of analogies, flowcharts, and even metaphors.
Key benefits and takeaways:
- Good book if you have some prior knowledge.
10. Learning Web Design: A Beginner's Guide to HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Web Graphics, 5th Edition - Jennifer Robbins
- Author Name: Jennifer Robbins
- Year of Release and Version: 2018, 5th Edition.
- Good Reads Rating: 4.08
- Publisher info: O’Reilly
Overview:
- If you want to learn Web Development, ensure you have a solid foundation. For that, one cannot have a better book than "Learning Web Design: A Beginner's Guide to HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Web Graphics," the 5th Edition by the famous author Jennifer Robbins. It is undoubtedly one of the best books to learn web development.
- It is an excellent choice for both students as well as for self-learners. This book is written explicitly in a conversational tone that increases the readability and captures the readers' attention. Multiple exercises and short quizzes are present throughout the book, ensuring you can properly understand each concept.
Key benefits and takeaways: Great for new web designers and developers.
11. PHP and MySQL for Dynamic Web Sites: Visual QuickPro Guide - Larry Ullman
- Author Name: Larry Ullman
- Year of Release and version: 2011, 4th Edition.
- Publisher info: Peachpit Press
Overview:
- If you are looking for a book that will guide you perfectly in learning PHP and MySQL, then this is the one. From complete scripts and sample applications to step-by-step instructions and expert tips, this book by Larry Ullman has it all.
- The writer is a renowned author who has more than 20 books under his umbrella explicitly written for programmers and Web developers.
Key benefits and takeaways: Offers smooth transitions from basics to advance concepts.
12. Web Design With HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and jQuery Set - Jon Duckett
- Author Name: Jon Duckett
- Year of Release and Version: 2014
- Good Reads Rating: 5.0
- Publisher info: Wiley
Overview:
- JavaScript might seem a bit difficult if you have no knowledge of HTML and CSS. But don't worry because Jon Duckett has got your back.
- Web Design With HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and jQuery Set consists of two books that have everything you need to learn in HTML and CSS. The set is designed in a way that helps build a future front-end developer.
- The topics covered in this book include Google Analytics, styling books thinking in boxes, and much more.
Key benefits and takeaways: Great pick for people who want to learn HTML, CSS, and JS from scratch.
13. Designing With Web Standards - Jeffrey Zeldman
- Author Name: Jeffrey Zeldman
- Year of Release and version: 2009, 3rd Edition.
- Good Reads Rating: 4.07
- Publisher info: New Riders
Overview:
- You must understand the importance of designing with shared standards as a Web Developer. This is precisely what you will find in Jeffrey Zeldman's "Designing with Web Standards," one of the best Web developer books in the market.
- This is not your regular comprehensive guide to CSS. Instead, this book talks about the history, the values, and the present standards of Web development globally.
- This book is even a great gift to anyone who is a designer, non-programmer, or even a supervisor.
Key benefits and takeaways:
- Easy guide to building websites.
- Makes it easy to understand semantic markup texts.
14. Node Cookbook - Bethany Griggs
- Author Name: Bethany Griggs
- Year of Release and version: 2020, 4th Edition.
- Good Reads Rating: 3.92
- Publisher info: Packt Publishing Ltd.
Overview:
- If you are new to JavaScript then Node JavaScript might trigger quite some interest in you.
- Node Codebook by Bethany Griggs addresses everything that you might want to know about Node JavaScript.
- It is considered one of the best Web dev books for beginners because it is a complete guide that covers multiple practical and real-life situations.
- The core topics of this book include using Web protocols, debugging nodes, working with Web frameworks, and a lot more.
Key benefits and takeaways:
- Comes with many real-world examples to make the concepts clearer.
15. Secrets of the JavaScript Ninja, 2nd Edition - John Resig, Bear Bibeault, and Josip Maras
- Author Name: John Resig, Bear Bibeault, and Josip Maras
- Year of Release and Version: 2016, 2nd Edition.
- Good Reads Rating: 4.21
- Publisher info: Manning Publications.
Overview:
- If you want to become a Java Ninja and want to grow your skills significantly, then Secrets of the JavaScript Ninja is going to be your best friend. Written by three authors, John Resig, Bear Bibeault, and Josip Maras, this book consists of practical examples and addresses the core concepts and techniques elaborately.
- This book also teaches you how to manage asynchronous codes easily. The best part about Secrets of the JavaScript Ninja is that you get a free ebook in PDF, ePUB, and Kindle format.
Key benefits and takeaways:
- Absolutely fantastic book for anyone serious about his/her JavaScript skills.
16. You Don't Know JS Yet: Get Started - Kyle Simpson
- Author Name: Kyle Simpson
- Year of Release and Version: 2020, 2nd Edition.
- Good Reads Rating: 4.32
- Publisher info: GetiPub and Leanpub.
Overview:
- As a beginner, starting with a hefty book on JavaScript might be pretty overwhelming. So the best way to start slow but steady is to get yourself "You Don't Know JS Yet: Get Started" by Kyle Simpson.
- It is a set of 6 books with less than 150 pages that tells you everything you need to know about JavaScript to get started.
Key benefits and takeaways:
- The book is a very good intro to advanced JavaScript understanding.
17. A Practical Guide to Linux Commands, Editors, and Shell Programming - Mark G Sobell
- Author Name: Mark G Sobell
- Year of Release and Version: 2017, 4th Edition.
- Good Reads Rating: 4.01
- Publisher info: Addison-Wesley.
Overview:
- Looking for a comprehensive guide to learning Linux? Well, A Practical Guide to Linux Commands, Editors, and Shell Programming by Mark G Sobell is at your disposal. With more than 1100 pages, this book answers every question that you might have regarding Linux.
- It covers all the 102 utilities, as well as the macOS command line. From students to professionals, this book by Mark G Sobell is a go-to solution for every hiccup one might face in their Web Development journey.
18. A Smarter Way to Learn HTML & CSS - Mark Myers
- Author Name: Mark Myers
- Year of Release and Version: 2015, 1st.
- Good Reads Rating: 4.26
- Publisher info: Kindle Edition.
Overview:
- If you are searching for the best Web dev books for beginners, then your search ends here. A Smarter Way to Learn HTML & CSS, written by Mark Myers, is a perfect choice for beginners looking for a concise guide.
- This book comes with interactive online courses that address the basics of both languages absolutely free of cost.
Key benefits and takeaways:
- A remarkably digestible introduction to HTML/CSS.
19. A Smarter Way to Learn JavaScript - Mark Myers
- Author Name: Mark Myers
- Year of Release and Version: 2014, 1st Edition.
- Good Reads Rating: 4.05
- Publisher info: Kindle Edition
Overview:
You know the best way to learn something is to practice it immediately once you understand the concept! Being a writer of many books, Mark Myers knew his audience pretty well. So he designed the book A Smarter Way to Learn JavaScript in a way that you can read a topic in less than 10 minutes, and immediately after that, you can start practicing questions for the next 20 minutes. Following this approach helps in retaining the information better and develops a solid foundation for any subject. It is one of the best books for Web developers willing to learn about the field in an exciting way.
Key benefits and takeaways:
- This book is wonderful as a quick reference guide.
- It is clear and well-organized.
20. A Software Engineer Learns HTML5, JavaScript and jQuery, 1st Edition - Dane Cameron
- Author Name: Dane Cameron
- Year of Release and version: 2013, 1st Edition.
- Publisher info: Createspace Independent Pub.
Overview:
- This book by Dane Cameron is not explicitly targeted at beginners but at someone who has a basic knowledge of HTML and programming.
- The primary topics that are covered in "A Software Engineer Learn HTML5, JavaScript and jQuery, 1st Edition" include implementing offline Web applications, Web storage, and server-sent events. This book definitely deserves a position as one best Web development books 2024.
Key benefits and takeaways:
- A very impressive selection of topics.
- Great intro into how JS works.
How to Choose the Best Books on Web Development?
Once you have made up your mind that you want to become a web developer, it is essential to have your hands on the best web development books. But how do you pick the best ones? There are thousands of web developer books available in the market. However, not all of them will be beneficial. So, follow these parameters below to pick the best one, or use our list of 15 best web development books to get started:
- Check for Customer Reviews: No one will tell you better about a product than a customer who bought it. So when buying any book, make sure you read the customer reviews and testimonials to have a brief idea about its popularity.
- Learn About the Author: It is always a good idea to purchase books from authors who have had successful publications. Even if you don't know the writer, try to research him on social media and gain the necessary information.
- Talk to People Belonging to the Industry: If you are new to the Web Development industry, try to consult with people who have been in this field for quite some time. They will help you pick the best books with much less effort.
How to Learn Web Development?
If you are seriously interested in learning about Web development, then there's nothing that can stop you. It's not true that you need to do a classroom course or need a four-year btech degree to be able to design websites. All you need is to follow a basic outline so that you can learn Web Development quickly and effectively.
- Start with learning HTML, followed by CSS and JavaScript.
- Once you have a basic knowledge of the above-mentioned three languages, use online sources to learn about BOOTSTRAP, PHP, and MySQL.
When you have covered all these, get yourself a KnowledgeHut Web Development certificate to become a certified web developer. KnowledgeHut web development certification will help you master technologies that create seamless websites. Also, through this certification, you can master front-end, back-end, database, and technologies to build scalable websites from scratch. KnowledgeHut web development courses will also support you in building essential web development skills like HTML, JavaScript, CSS, Node JS, React, and more.
Looking to enhance your coding skills? Discover the best Python certificate course that guarantees expertise in just a few weeks. Start your journey towards becoming a Python pro today!
Conclusion
The demand for professional web developers is increasing day by day and it is never too late to pursue your career in this field. Even though web development might seem to be extremely difficult, having the right resources at your disposal makes the journey relatively easy. The list of 20 books shared above is specifically handpicked so everyone can get a comprehensive website development guide. You can buy all the ones mentioned above or pick and choose as per your preference. Furthermore, all the books mentioned in this list are written by authors with hands-on experience in this field. So, you can be sure that whatever knowledge you gain from reading these books will be highly beneficial for you in the web development journey.
Frequently asked questions
1. What are the three most important books every Web developer should read?
As per our recommendation, every Web developer should read the following:
- HTML and CSS: Design and Build Websites, 1st Edition by Jon Duckett
- JavaScript and jQuery: Interactive Frontend Web Development, 1st Edition, also by Jon Duckett
- Eloquent JavaScript, 3rd Edition: A Modern Introduction to Programming by Marijn Haverbeke
2. Best online sources to keep updating yourself related to web development?
There are various best sources that can help you to remain updated about web development. But the three best online sources for keeping yourself updated include Microsoft learn, Pluralsight, and Treehouse.
3. What should I read for web development?
You can read some of the most popular books like:
- JavaScript: The Definitive Guide: Master the World's Most-Used Programming Language, 7th Edition - David Flanagan
- Learning PHP, MySQL & JavaScript: With jQuery, CSS & HTML5 - Robin Nixon
- CSS Secrets: Better Solutions to Everyday Web Design Problems - Lea Verou
- Don't Make Me Think, Revisited: A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability, 3rd Edition - Steve Krug
- JavaScript: The Good Parts - Douglas Crockford
4. What are the 5 essential skills every web developer should have?
Every web developer should possess the following 5 skills:
- Constantly updating themselves
- Good at time management
- Amazing coding skills
- Ability to understand the user interface
- Excellent communication skills and a team player.
5. Is web development a good career?
Web development is a fantastic career in the current world. It not only gives you ample opportunity to grow and succeed but also allows you to pursue your creative side. A web developer is presently one of the highest demanding jobs in the market.
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