7 Beginner-Friendly Smart Contracts Books to Kickstart Your Coding

Discover beginner Smart Contracts books written by leading experts such as Kevin Solorio, Ritesh Modi, and Akhil Mittal to build a solid foundation.

Updated on June 26, 2025
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Every expert in Smart Contracts started exactly where you are now — eager but uncertain about where to begin. The world of blockchain and decentralized applications may seem complex, but the beauty of smart contracts lies in their accessibility. These books open the door for newcomers by breaking down Solidity programming, Ethereum fundamentals, and deployment processes into manageable, approachable lessons.

The authors featured here come with strong backgrounds: Kevin Solorio, Randall Kanna, and David Hoover combine years of software development and teaching experience to guide readers through hands-on smart contract creation. Ritesh Modi and Rangel Stoilov offer clear, practical insights into the Solidity language and Ethereum ecosystem, while experts like Akhil Mittal bring enterprise-level blockchain application knowledge to the table.

While these beginner-friendly books provide excellent foundations, readers seeking content tailored to their specific learning pace and goals might consider creating a personalized Smart Contracts book that meets them exactly where they are. This option ensures your journey into smart contracts aligns perfectly with your background and ambitions.

Kevin Solorio has spent nearly a decade developing software and four years teaching blockchain development, bringing a rare combination of hands-on experience and educational skill to this guide. His background at Dev Bootcamp shaped the book’s approachable style, helping you grasp complex concepts like the Ethereum Virtual Machine and Solidity programming without feeling overwhelmed. This book is designed to get you coding quickly while grounding you in the core principles necessary to build secure, functional smart contracts.

This book removes barriers for newcomers eager to learn smart contract development on Ethereum. Kevin Solorio, Randall Kanna, and David Hoover, all experienced developers and educators, guide you from the basics of the Ethereum protocol and Solidity language to deploying and testing your own smart contracts. You’ll get hands-on experience with the Truffle framework and learn how to connect contracts to user-friendly frontends using Web3. The final chapters address smart contract security and auditing, providing a solid foundation for anyone aiming to build reliable decentralized applications. If you're looking for a clear, practical introduction that balances code with contextual knowledge, this is a fitting place to start.

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Best for step-by-step Solidity learners
Ritesh Modi is an ex Microsoft senior technology evangelist and regional lead who has deeply engaged with Ethereum and Solidity development. With a background spanning blockchain, AI, and DevOps, he brings a wealth of practical expertise to this book. His ability to break down Solidity programming into clear, beginner-friendly lessons makes this guide especially valuable for newcomers eager to build smart contracts on Ethereum.

What started as a mission to demystify blockchain programming became a straightforward guide in Solidity Programming Essentials. Ritesh Modi draws on his extensive experience at Microsoft and in blockchain to walk you through the Solidity language step-by-step, from basic syntax and data types to deploying and testing smart contracts on Ethereum. You’ll explore practical coding concepts like function modifiers, event logging, and exception handling, supported by clear examples, including how to use Truffle for debugging. If you’re new to Ethereum and smart contracts, this book breaks down complex ideas into manageable pieces without assuming prior knowledge of the Ethereum Virtual Machine, making it an accessible entry point.

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Best for custom learning pace
This AI-created book on Solidity development is tailored to your specific skill level and goals. By sharing your background and learning preferences, you receive a book that unfolds smart contract concepts progressively, matching your comfort zone. The personalized approach helps demystify complex blockchain ideas, making your path to mastering smart contracts smoother and less overwhelming. It’s designed to focus on what you want to learn, so you can gain confidence step-by-step without unnecessary distractions.
2025·50-300 pages·Smart Contracts, Solidity Basics, Ethereum Fundamentals, Contract Deployment, Blockchain Concepts

This personalized book offers a step-by-step introduction to Solidity and smart contract development, tailored specifically to your background and goals. It unfolds the fundamentals progressively, helping you build confidence as you learn at your own pace. The content focuses on removing the overwhelm often associated with blockchain technology by presenting targeted foundational concepts that suit your individual comfort level. By concentrating on your interests and skill set, this tailored guide ensures you grasp the core principles of smart contracts and Solidity programming through clear explanations and practical examples. You'll experience a learning journey designed around your needs, making complex topics accessible and engaging.

Tailored Guide
Progressive Learning
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for coding-first beginners
Rangel Stoilov is a blockchain developer and educator with extensive experience in smart contract development and the Ethereum ecosystem. His dedication to teaching practical blockchain skills shines through in this book, designed to guide beginners through creating smart contracts on Ethereum using Solidity. By focusing on hands-on learning with tools like Remix and Metamask, Stoilov makes blockchain programming approachable for newcomers eager to enter the decentralized app space.
2019·95 pages·Smart Contracts, Ethereum, Solidity, Smart Contract Development, Wallet Security

What started as a need to demystify blockchain programming became Rangel Stoilov's guide to Solidity and smart contract creation within the Ethereum ecosystem. You’ll learn how to build your first smart contracts using Remix, a browser-based IDE, even if you’re new to programming. The book walks you through Ethereum fundamentals, wallet security with Metamask, and both basic and advanced Solidity concepts, all supplemented by hands-on assignments to reinforce your skills. This is a straightforward introduction perfect for anyone eager to understand and create decentralized applications without prior experience in coding or blockchain.

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Best for broad blockchain newcomers
Matthew Connor is a financial technology analyst and self-taught programmer with a master’s degree from Princeton University, currently working at a Fortune 500 company in New York City. After making his first million through Bitcoin investments, he wrote this book to share his insights and help beginners enter the cryptocurrency space with confidence. His background in data analysis and passion for numbers shape a methodical, accessible guide that covers everything from smart contracts to mining machines, providing you with a well-rounded foundation in blockchain technology.
2018·160 pages·Blockchain, Smart Contracts, Cryptocurrency Technology, Cryptocurrency, Distributed Ledger

What happens when a financial technology analyst with a computer science background tackles blockchain? Matthew Connor, drawing from his experience as a self-taught programmer and Bitcoin investor, offers a clear pathway for beginners through the complex world of cryptocurrencies and smart contracts. You’ll explore how blockchain technology reshapes industries, learn practical aspects like building a mining machine, and understand investment strategies tailored to varying risk levels. Chapters detail distributed ledgers, fintech applications, and regulatory developments, making this a solid introduction if you want to grasp both technical and financial angles without feeling overwhelmed.

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Best for programmers new to blockchain
DEAD5EC Publishing, founded by experienced developers and educators in emerging tech, brings you a beginner-friendly guide to Ethereum smart contracts. Their expertise in cybersecurity, cryptography, AI, and blockchain shapes this book's clear explanations and practical approach. They aim to demystify complex concepts and empower you to build decentralized applications with confidence, making this an ideal starting point for newcomers eager to master Solidity and the broader blockchain ecosystem.

DEAD5EC Publishing, a team of seasoned developers and educators specializing in emerging technologies, crafted this guide to make smart contract development approachable. You’ll navigate Solidity from the ground up, gaining hands-on skills like writing, testing, and deploying contracts on Ethereum. The book goes beyond basics, covering DeFi principles, NFTs, Layer 2 scaling, DAOs, and security practices, giving you a well-rounded understanding. If you’re aiming to launch decentralized apps or grasp blockchain’s inner workings without getting overwhelmed, this book offers a clear path. It’s particularly useful for programmers new to blockchain who want practical examples tied to current industry trends.

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Best for confident contract building
This custom AI book on Solidity programming is created specifically for you based on your current knowledge and the goals you want to achieve. By sharing your background and which Solidity topics you want to focus on, you receive a tailored learning experience that matches your pace and skill level. This approach helps you build confidence gradually, avoiding overwhelm, so you can develop smart contracts comfortably and effectively.
2025·50-300 pages·Smart Contracts, Solidity Basics, Contract Structure, Data Types, Control Flow

This personalized AI book explores essential Solidity programming techniques tailored to your background and goals, offering a clear, focused learning path for confident smart contract development. It covers foundational concepts like data types, control structures, and contract architecture, progressively building your skills with targeted explanations that match your pace. The book reveals how to write secure, efficient contracts while demystifying complex topics through examples and practical exercises designed specifically for your experience level. By concentrating on your interests and addressing your specific goals, this tailored guide removes overwhelm and provides a comfortable, effective learning experience that empowers you to build Solidity smart contracts with assurance.

Tailored Guide
Contract Confidence
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for concise beginner overviews
Ismail Raja, an author and software architect with a master’s degree in computer science, brings over twenty years of IT and financial sector experience to this beginner’s guide. His passion for blockchain technology and commitment to teaching shines through as he simplifies smart contract creation for newcomers. This book reflects his blend of practical expertise and clear instruction, making complex ideas accessible for those starting their blockchain journey.
Smart Contract 101 Series: Beginner Guide (Smart Contract 101 Series I) book cover

by Ismail Raja, Fazith Mohamed··You?

2018·40 pages·Smart Contracts, Smart Contract Development, Smart Contract Deployment, Blockchain Basics, Contract Automation

While working as a solution architect in financial services, Ismail Raja noticed a gap in beginner-friendly resources for smart contracts. This concise guide walks you through creating your first smart contract, breaking down complex blockchain concepts into manageable steps. You’ll gain hands-on understanding of smart contract deployment and development tailored for newcomers. The book’s clear explanations make it especially useful if you’re transitioning from traditional software roles or exploring blockchain for the first time. If you want a straightforward introduction without jargon overload, this book fits that need perfectly.

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Akhil Mittal brings his extensive background as a two-time Microsoft MVP and seasoned consultant to this accessible guide for smart contract development. His experience designing enterprise applications and working with blockchain technologies shines through in a book that guides you from blockchain fundamentals to deploying contracts on Azure. Mittal’s clear, structured approach makes complex concepts approachable, making this an ideal starting point for developers stepping into the blockchain space.

Drawing from over a decade of experience in Microsoft technologies and blockchain, Akhil Mittal offers a clear pathway into smart contract development with this book. You’ll learn foundational blockchain concepts, cryptographic principles, and the lifecycle of Ethereum transactions before diving into hands-on Solidity programming and deploying smart contracts on Azure. Chapters on setting up your development environment and exploring real-world blockchain applications ground the technical material in practical contexts. This book suits developers and enthusiasts eager to integrate blockchain into their projects without getting bogged down by jargon or overly complex theory.

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Begin Smart Contracts Confidently

Gain personalized guidance to master smart contracts without overwhelm.

Clear learning path
Customized content
Build real skills

Many professionals began with these foundations

Smart Contracts Jumpstart
Solidity Fundamentals Toolkit
Ethereum Smart Contracts Guide
Smart Contract Confidence Builder

Conclusion

These seven books collectively emphasize clear explanations, practical coding exercises, and gradual skill-building — key for anyone new to smart contracts. If you're completely new, starting with the 'Smart Contract 101 Series' offers a concise introduction without overwhelming details. For those ready to dive deeper, progressing to 'Hands-On Smart Contract Development with Solidity and Ethereum' provides hands-on experience with deployment and security.

Broader blockchain context is also valuable, so 'Blockchain' by Matthew Connor helps round out your understanding of the ecosystem where smart contracts operate. For developers interested in Microsoft Azure integration, Akhil Mittal’s book connects blockchain concepts with enterprise applications.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Smart Contracts book that fits your exact needs, interests, and goals to create your own personalized learning journey. Remember, building a strong foundation early sets you up for success in this dynamic and evolving field.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

If you're just beginning, the 'Smart Contract 101 Series' offers a straightforward, jargon-free introduction to smart contracts. It’s designed to ease you into the core concepts before moving on to more hands-on guides like 'Hands-On Smart Contract Development with Solidity and Ethereum.'

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Smart Contracts?

No, each book is crafted with beginners in mind. For example, 'Solidity Programming Essentials' breaks down Solidity step-by-step, assuming no prior blockchain experience, making complex topics approachable.

What's the best order to read these books?

Start with 'Smart Contract 101 Series' for basics, then 'Solidity Smart Contracts' and 'Solidity Programming Essentials' to build coding skills. Finish with 'Hands-On Smart Contract Development with Solidity and Ethereum' to deepen practical knowledge and deployment skills.

Do I really need any background knowledge before starting?

Not necessarily. These books start with fundamental blockchain and Ethereum concepts. For instance, 'Blockchain' by Matthew Connor covers the broader technology and investment insights useful for beginners.

Will these books be too simple if I already know a little about Smart Contracts?

Some might feel introductory if you have basic knowledge, but books like 'Solidity Is Easy' and 'Smart Contract Development with Solidity and Ethereum' offer intermediate topics such as DeFi concepts and Azure blockchain integration to deepen your expertise.

Can I get a book tailored exactly to my learning pace and goals?

Absolutely. While these expert books provide solid foundations, you can also create a personalized Smart Contracts book tailored to your specific experience level, interests, and objectives, ensuring an efficient and customized learning path.

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