7 Solidity Books for Beginners to Build Strong Foundations

Explore Solidity Books endorsed by Kevin Solorio, Chris Dannen, and Ritesh Modi—top experts guiding beginners through the essentials.

Updated on June 24, 2025
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Starting your journey with Solidity can feel like stepping into a vast, complex world. The beauty of Solidity lies in its accessibility—anyone willing to learn can unlock the power of smart contracts on Ethereum. As blockchain technology reshapes industries, mastering Solidity opens doors to creating decentralized applications that matter.

Experts such as Kevin Solorio, who blends years of software development and teaching experience, and Chris Dannen, a self-taught programmer and cryptocurrency strategist, have crafted resources that demystify blockchain programming. Their insights help beginners navigate Solidity's syntax and practical applications without getting lost in jargon.

While these 7 beginner-friendly books provide a solid foundation, if you want content tailored precisely to your background, pace, and goals, consider creating a personalized Solidity book designed to meet you exactly where you are.

Best for no-nonsense beginners
C.J Freeman is a programmer and early-stage investor deeply involved in Web3 companies like Ethereum and Chainlink. His passion for decentralization and hands-on experience with blockchain technology inspired him to write this guide. Freeman’s approachable teaching style and insider knowledge make this book a gateway for anyone eager to grasp the essentials of Solidity without wading through academic fluff.

When C.J Freeman noticed the lack of straightforward, no-nonsense guides to Solidity, he penned this book to cut through the jargon and complexity. You’ll explore the core mechanics of smart contracts with chapters that unpack modifiers like 'onlyOwner' and the nuances of payable functions, all delivered with a candid and humorous voice that keeps the material approachable. This isn’t a textbook for theorists; it’s crafted for developers ready to jump into Web3, whether you’re fresh off the blockchain starting line or a coder eager to master decentralized finance apps and NFTs. If you want an unfiltered, practical introduction to Solidity that respects your time and intelligence, this book fits that bill.

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Kevin Solorio has spent nearly a decade developing software and four years teaching at Dev Bootcamp, focusing on blockchain application development. His blend of real-world programming experience and educational expertise drives this book’s approachable style, helping you move from foundational Ethereum concepts to hands-on smart contract creation. This background makes the book especially suited for anyone ready to start coding on the blockchain with clear guidance and practical tools.

Kevin Solorio's years of teaching and hands-on software development experience shine through in this accessible guide to smart contract programming. You’ll start by understanding Ethereum's core concepts and Solidity basics, then quickly advance to building, testing, and deploying your own smart contracts using tools like Truffle and Web3. The book breaks down complex blockchain mechanics into manageable sections, such as how smart contracts interact with decentralized applications and common security pitfalls to watch for. If you're eager to move beyond theory and write real Ethereum contracts, this book gives you the foundational skills in a digestible format.

Published by O'Reilly Media
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Best for personalized learning paths
This AI-created book on Solidity coding is crafted specifically for your skill level and learning objectives. By sharing your background and the areas you want to focus on, you receive a tailored guide that progresses at your own pace. This personalized approach helps you avoid overwhelm and builds your confidence step-by-step, making Solidity approachable and engaging. It’s like having a coding tutor that meets you exactly where you are in your journey.
2025·50-300 pages·Solidity, Solidity Basics, Smart Contracts, Ethereum Platform, Programming Syntax

This tailored book offers a progressive, beginner-friendly exploration of Solidity designed uniquely for your background and goals. It begins by introducing the fundamentals with clarity and patience, allowing you to build confidence at a comfortable pace. The content focuses on removing overwhelm by zeroing in on foundational concepts that match your current skill level, providing a guided path through the essentials of smart contract development. As you progress, it examines key Solidity syntax and practical coding techniques, ensuring you acquire hands-on understanding that prepares you for real-world application. This personalized approach ensures a focused learning experience that fits your interests and ambitions in blockchain programming.

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Best for foundational clarity
Ritesh Modi is an ex Microsoft senior technology evangelist and regional lead with deep expertise in blockchain and Solidity development. His background includes advising companies on Ethereum and speaking regularly at conferences, making him well-equipped to guide beginners. This book reflects his teaching skills and practical knowledge, providing a clear, approachable introduction to writing and deploying smart contracts on Ethereum. Modi’s experience brings clarity to complex concepts, making this a valuable starting point for anyone new to Solidity programming.

Ritesh Modi's extensive experience as a Microsoft technology evangelist and blockchain architect shapes this accessible guide to Solidity programming. You’ll find a clear introduction to Ethereum and smart contracts, with practical explanations of Solidity’s syntax influenced by JavaScript. The book walks you through setting up your environment, writing smart contracts, handling functions, events, and exception management, and deploying on private blockchains. If you want a straightforward path into Solidity without prior Ethereum knowledge, this book offers a solid foundation and practical coding examples to get you started confidently.

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Best for blockchain newcomers
Chris Dannen is a partner and founder at Iterative Instinct, combining investment savvy with self-taught programming skills. His background includes corporate strategy at Fortune 500 firms and senior editorial roles, equipping him to explain complex blockchain topics clearly. His passion for technology and thorough experience led him to write this approachable guide to Ethereum and Solidity, aimed at welcoming newcomers to smart contract development. Drawing from diverse personal achievements, Dannen provides you with a solid foundation to start building blockchain applications with confidence.

What happens when a seasoned corporate strategist dives into blockchain? Chris Dannen, blending his investment insight with a programmer's curiosity, guides you through Ethereum and Solidity from the ground up. This book demystifies blockchain protocols and smart contracts, starting with basics like programming fundamentals and crypto-economics, then walks you through deploying your own decentralized applications. For example, it clearly explains how to connect smart contracts to JavaScript web apps, making it approachable even if you’re new to blockchain. This book suits tech professionals and enthusiasts eager to build real-world blockchain projects without getting lost in jargon.

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Best for practical beginners
Rangel Stoilov is a blockchain developer and educator with extensive experience in smart contract development and the Ethereum ecosystem. He has dedicated his career to teaching others about blockchain technology and its applications, focusing on practical skills and real-world use cases. This background uniquely equips him to guide you through Solidity programming and smart contract creation, making complex topics approachable for newcomers eager to enter the blockchain space.

What makes this book exceptionally beginner-friendly is Rangel Stoilov's ability to break down complex blockchain concepts into manageable lessons that anyone can follow. He walks you through creating smart contracts on Ethereum using Solidity, starting with basics like setting up wallets and using Metamask, then advancing to coding and testing contracts in Remix IDE. The book includes practical assignments that reinforce your skills rather than just theory, making it accessible even if you've never programmed before. If you're looking to build foundational knowledge in blockchain development with hands-on guidance, this book is well suited for you, though more experienced coders might find it introductory.

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Best for custom learning pace
This AI-created book on Solidity basics is written to match your pace and prior experience. By sharing your background and what parts of Solidity you want to focus on, the book is crafted to build your skills step-by-step without overwhelming you. It’s designed specifically to help you grasp essential concepts comfortably and gain confidence as you progress. This personalized approach makes learning Solidity feel approachable and aligned with your individual goals.
2025·50-300 pages·Solidity, Solidity Basics, Smart Contracts, Ethereum Fundamentals, Programming Logic

This personalized book offers a tailored journey into essential Solidity concepts, crafted to match your unique learning pace and background. It explores fundamental programming principles and smart contract development with an emphasis on building your confidence through a progressive, clear introduction. The book focuses on your interests and skill level, removing overwhelm by presenting core topics in a way that aligns with your comfort and goals. By concentrating on foundational elements adapted to your needs, it reveals the practical steps to grasp Solidity's syntax and functionality without unnecessary complexity. This tailored approach ensures you gain meaningful knowledge efficiently, setting a strong base for further exploration in Ethereum smart contracts.

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Best for approachable learning
DEAD5EC Publishing is at the forefront of emerging technology. Founded in 2023 by seasoned developers and educators, they focus on demystifying complex tech topics like blockchain. Their expertise shines through in this beginner-friendly guide to Ethereum smart contracts, making advanced subjects accessible and equipping you to build decentralized applications with confidence.

This book removes barriers for newcomers eager to master Ethereum's Solidity language by breaking down smart contract development into clear, manageable parts. DEAD5EC Publishing leverages their background in cutting-edge tech education to guide you through everything from setting up your environment to optimizing for gas efficiency. You'll gain hands-on skills in DeFi principles, NFTs, and Layer 2 scaling, with concrete examples illustrating key concepts like DAOs and zero-knowledge proofs. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to deepen your understanding of blockchain development, this book offers a focused path without overwhelming jargon or complexity.

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Best for step-by-step coders
Samuel O'Toole is a recognized expert in blockchain technology and smart contracts, with extensive programming experience. His passion for teaching shines through in this book, designed specifically to guide newcomers through the complexities of Solidity and Ethereum smart contracts. By breaking down the language and providing hands-on examples, O'Toole offers an accessible path for developers to confidently start building decentralized applications.
Solidity for beginners book cover

by Samuel O'Toole··You?

2024·120 pages·Solidity, Smart Contract Development, Blockchain, Smart Contracts, Programming

What started as Samuel O'Toole's deep dive into blockchain technology became a clear, methodical guide to Solidity for those new to the field. You learn not just the syntax, but the rationale behind smart contracts and how they function on Ethereum, with chapters that walk you through everything from basic data types to writing secure, efficient code. Practical examples, like building a simple token and interacting with other contracts, ground the concepts in real tasks. This book suits developers eager to create decentralized applications without getting overwhelmed by jargon or complexity.

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Conclusion

These 7 Solidity books share a commitment to approachable, practical learning—key for building confidence as you explore smart contract development. If you’re completely new, starting with titles like "Introducing Ethereum and Solidity" or "Solidity for beginners" offers gentle introductions to core concepts.

For a steady progression, move from foundational texts such as "Solidity Programming Essentials" to more hands-on guides like "Hands-On Smart Contract Development with Solidity and Ethereum." Each book builds on the last, guiding you toward creating real decentralized applications.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Solidity book tailored to your exact needs and learning style—helping you build a strong foundation that sets you up for success in blockchain development.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Start with "Introducing Ethereum and Solidity" or "Solidity for beginners". They gently introduce key concepts without assuming prior knowledge, making your first steps clear and manageable.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Solidity?

No, all these books are selected for their beginner-friendly approach. For example, "Solidity Is Easy" breaks down complex topics into digestible parts suitable for newcomers.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with foundational books like "Solidity Programming Essentials," then progress to practical guides such as "Hands-On Smart Contract Development with Solidity and Ethereum" to apply your knowledge.

Should I start with the newest book or a classic?

Both have value. Newer books like "Solidity Is Easy" offer updated insights, while established titles provide solid foundational knowledge—combining both gives a well-rounded start.

Do I really need any background knowledge before starting?

No prior blockchain or programming experience is required. These books are designed to build your understanding from the ground up, guiding you through Solidity basics step by step.

Can I get a Solidity learning path tailored just for me?

Yes! While expert books provide great foundations, personalized Solidity books can adapt to your pace and goals, making learning more efficient. Explore custom Solidity books here.

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