7 Software Automation Books for Beginners to Build Skills

What makes Al Sweigart’s approach especially accessible is how he breaks down programming into manageable, useful tasks that even total beginners can tackle. You learn to automate repetitive jobs like renaming files, updating spreadsheets, and scraping web data by writing Python scripts, with each chapter building practical skills through clear examples and projects. This book suits anyone who’s never coded before but wants to save time and reduce frustration by automating daily computer tasks. For instance, the new chapter on input validation and automations with Gmail and Google Sheets expands your toolbox beyond basics, giving you immediately applicable programming capabilities.

What started as Jason Cannon's effort to demystify shell scripting for newcomers became a clear, approachable guide that strips away the complexity often surrounding Linux command-line automation. Drawing on decades of experience at companies like Amazon and HP, Jason shares practical techniques to write bash scripts that automate tedious tasks, including handling user input, command line arguments, and error troubleshooting. You'll find concrete tools like a shell script checklist and templates that eliminate guesswork, alongside real-world script examples and exercises to reinforce learning. If you're new to Linux or Unix systems and want to build automation skills without getting overwhelmed, this book offers a straightforward path to scripting confidence.

This tailored book offers a thoughtfully crafted introduction to software automation designed specifically for beginners. It explores core automation concepts, guiding you through foundational tools and techniques with a pace suited to your comfort and background. By focusing on your interests and skill level, the book reveals practical ways to build confidence while removing the overwhelm often associated with starting automation. From basic scripting essentials to understanding workflow automation, it covers the critical elements that form a solid foundation for further learning. This personalized approach ensures that each chapter matches your goals, making your journey into automation both accessible and engaging.

What started as Alok Mani Tripathi’s personal mission to simplify Robotic Process Automation led to a book that demystifies RPA for newcomers. You’ll learn how to navigate UiPath’s interface, automate tasks across Excel, SAP, and web applications, and handle exceptions and debugging with clarity. The chapters guide you through building and deploying software robots, offering practical insights into orchestrating bots effectively. If you're aiming to enter the RPA field or boost business efficiency through automation, this book offers a hands-on foundation without assuming deep prior programming knowledge.

What started as a collaborative effort among 38 experts including Nicolas Sands and Ian Verhappen, this book offers a broad yet detailed panorama of automation topics, from instrumentation and control valves to advanced manufacturing control and network security. You’ll find chapters that unpack complex concepts like continuous and batch control, digital communications, and safety protocols, making it easier to grasp the many facets of automation. Whether you’re an automation professional stepping into a new specialty or a manager aiming to understand the technical landscape for better decision-making, this guide lays out the knowledge in a structured way that respects your time and learning curve. Its inclusion of project management and troubleshooting also gives you tools to navigate practical challenges beyond theory.

Paul M. Grossman's decades of experience as a test automation framework architect clearly shapes this book into a user-friendly guide for mastering WebdriverIO from the ground up. You’ll learn not just how to install and configure WebdriverIO, but also how to build resilient and adaptive test frameworks using TypeScript and JavaScript, tackling challenges like script instability and element locator changes. The book walks you through practical chapters, such as creating method wrappers and integrating with Jenkins or LambdaTest, making complex concepts approachable. If you’re aiming to boost your automation skills with a focus on frontend testing, this book offers a solid foundation without overwhelming you.

This tailored book explores the essentials of building effective automation scripts using Python, designed specifically to match your background and skill level. It introduces hands-on techniques progressively, focusing on your interests and learning pace to build confidence without overwhelming you. The content covers foundational Python concepts, practical scripting examples, and gradually advances to automating common tasks efficiently. By addressing your specific goals, this personalized guide reveals how to write automation scripts that simplify repetitive workflows, making coding approachable and rewarding. Whether you're a newcomer or looking to strengthen your automation skills, this book offers a clear, engaging path that aligns with your unique learning journey.

Sudaney Cehenar’s "PLC Programming 2024 Guide for Beginners" breaks down complex industrial automation concepts into approachable lessons for newcomers. The book methodically covers everything from the fundamentals of PLC components to the intricacies of RSLogix 5000 programming, with clear explanations that build your technical skills chapter by chapter. You’ll also explore how PLCs integrate into broader automation systems and emerging trends like IoT and AI, making it easier to see the bigger picture. This guide suits anyone eager to build a solid foundation in PLC programming and industrial automation, whether you’re starting fresh or looking to connect theory with practical applications.

What makes this book exceptionally beginner-friendly is how Peter G. Martin and Gregory Hale transform the complex world of industrial automation into clear, approachable insights. They cover essential systems like distributed control systems, programmable logic controllers, and manufacturing execution systems with straightforward explanations that demystify jargon and interconnections. You’ll find practical examples, including simple recipes to illustrate concepts, which make it easier to grasp how automation integrates across enterprise functions. This book suits anyone from students to managers who want a solid foundational understanding without getting overwhelmed by technicalities.