6 Apache Cordova Books That Elevate Your Mobile Development

Explore authoritative Apache Cordova books authored by leaders like John M. Wargo, Kerri Shotts, and Chris Griffith offering practical and advanced insights.

Updated on June 28, 2025
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What if you could build powerful mobile apps across platforms without mastering multiple native languages? Apache Cordova has empowered developers to do just that, bridging web technologies with native device features. As mobile ecosystems evolve, mastering Cordova remains crucial for streamlined development and efficient deployment across Android, iOS, and Windows.

These six books stand out for their depth and practical guidance. Authored by seasoned professionals like John M. Wargo, who manages SAP’s mobile platform and contributes to the Apache Cordova project, and Kerri Shotts, an IT consultant with a focus on secure enterprise apps, these works offer insights from API intricacies to enterprise-grade architecture.

While these expert-curated books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific experience level, development goals, or niche use cases might consider creating a personalized Apache Cordova book that builds on these insights for a more focused learning journey.

Best for mastering Cordova APIs with examples
John M. Wargo brings extensive expertise from over twenty years designing enterprise applications to this focused guide on Apache Cordova APIs. Now a Product Manager at SAP for the Mobile Platform and Kapsel SDK, Wargo draws from his deep involvement with mobile development to provide practical, example-rich instruction. His background in collaboration and process automation underpins a clear explanation of how to effectively use Cordova’s APIs for cross-platform mobile apps, making this book a solid choice for developers seeking real application insights.
Apache Cordova API Cookbook (Mobile Programming) book cover

by John M. Wargo··You?

2014·320 pages·Apache Cordova, Mobile Development, Cross Platform, API Integration, Device Sensors

John M. Wargo leverages over two decades of software development experience to demystify Apache Cordova’s API landscape for seasoned mobile developers. This book goes beyond superficial code snippets, offering fully functional examples—more than thirty complete applications—that demonstrate how to integrate Cordova APIs across Android, iOS, and Windows platforms. You’ll gain hands-on knowledge of device capabilities like accelerometers, geolocation, media capture, and notifications, plus insights into platform-specific limitations and clever workarounds. If you’re aiming to deepen your mastery of cross-platform mobile app development with real-world code, this guide delivers precise, digestible instruction without fluff.

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Best for cross-platform app developers
PhoneGap Essentials offers a focused dive into building mobile applications that run smoothly across multiple platforms using Apache Cordova. The book guides you through practical steps—from environment setup to deploying apps on Android, iOS, BlackBerry, and more—while demonstrating how to leverage PhoneGap’s APIs for accessing device features like the camera and GPS. If you want to reduce the overhead of writing separate codebases for each platform, this book lays out a clear path using familiar web technologies, making it a valuable resource for developers seeking efficiency in mobile app production.
2012·384 pages·PhoneGap, Apache Cordova, Mobile Development, Cross Platform, API Integration

After analyzing the challenges developers face in cross-platform mobile app development, John M. Wargo crafted this book to fill a crucial documentation gap for PhoneGap, Adobe’s distribution of Apache Cordova. You’ll learn how to build native mobile apps using familiar web technologies like HTML5, JavaScript, and CSS, and deploy them across multiple platforms with minimal recoding. The book walks you through setting up development environments and mastering core PhoneGap APIs, such as accessing the device camera, GPS, file system, and contacts, with detailed examples. If you’re aiming to streamline app development across Android, iOS, BlackBerry, and more, this book offers practical insights, though it’s best suited for developers already comfortable with web and mobile fundamentals.

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Best for personalized learning paths
This personalized AI book about Apache Cordova development is created based on your background, skill level, and specific interests in Cordova technologies. By sharing your goals and preferred topics, you receive a book that matches exactly what you want to learn, whether it’s plugin development, debugging, or deployment. This tailored approach makes complex Cordova concepts easier to grasp by focusing on what matters most to you.
2025·50-300 pages·Apache Cordova, Mobile Development, Cross Platform, Plugin Development, API Integration

This tailored AI-created book explores Apache Cordova development in a way that aligns precisely with your experience and goals. It covers essential concepts, core APIs, plugin creation, debugging, and deployment, focusing on the areas you find most relevant. By concentrating on your background and specific interests, it presents Cordova's capabilities in a way that resonates with your development needs. The book examines cross-platform integration, device features, and performance considerations, revealing insights tailored to your learning path. This personalized approach ensures you gain a clear, focused understanding of Cordova’s potential, making complex topics approachable and relevant to your projects.

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Best for advanced Cordova plugin development
John M. Wargo is a professional software developer and contributor to the Apache Cordova Project, currently serving as a Principal Analyst at Forrester Research. With a background in enterprise mobility and multiple books on mobile development, he brings authoritative insight into Cordova 4 programming. Wargo wrote this book to help developers navigate the complexities of multi-platform mobile development, offering hands-on guidance from installation to advanced plugin creation. His expertise makes this a valuable resource for anyone serious about building efficient, native-feeling mobile apps with Cordova.
Apache Cordova 4 Programming (Mobile Programming) book cover

by John M Wargo··You?

2015·560 pages·Mobile Development, Apache Cordova, Cross Platform, Plugin Development, API Integration

Drawing from his extensive experience as a contributor to the Apache Cordova Project and a Principal Analyst at Forrester Research, John M. Wargo offers a detailed guide to mastering Cordova 4. You learn how to set up development environments, create Cordova plugins, and leverage powerful APIs across multiple platforms including Android, iOS, and Windows Phone. Wargo's examples and clear explanations help you streamline app development and testing, with chapters dedicated to integrating popular frameworks like Ionic and Bootstrap. This book suits developers looking to simplify cross-platform mobile app development while maintaining a native feel, especially those ready to deepen their technical skills with practical Cordova enhancements.

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Best for secure enterprise app architects
Kerri Shotts, an experienced Information Technology Consultant specializing in mobile and web application development, brings her extensive expertise to this guide on building secure enterprise mobile apps using PhoneGap. Her background in database management and native as well as HTML5 coding informs a thorough exploration of the PhoneGap framework, focusing on practical security and architecture challenges faced by developers in enterprise environments.
Phonegap for Enterprise book cover

by Kerri Shotts··You?

2014·192 pages·PhoneGap, Apache Cordova, Mobile Development, Enterprise Apps, Security

When Kerri Shotts, an IT consultant with deep experience in mobile development and database management, penned this book, she aimed to demystify building secure enterprise apps with PhoneGap. You’ll learn how to architect cross-platform mobile solutions that effectively communicate with backend services using XHR and WebSockets, while mastering security essentials like SSL, authorization, and local data encryption. Shotts doesn’t just skim the surface; chapters guide you through middle-tier design with Node.js and handling network events, equipping you to be the go-to expert in your organization. This book serves developers comfortable with PhoneGap and web technologies who want practical insight into enterprise-grade app security and architecture.

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Best for web developers entering mobile
Hazem Saleh brings years of expertise in software product development and mobile-web integration to this book. An open source enthusiast and international speaker, Saleh shares practical guidance for creating cross-platform mobile applications using Apache Cordova and jQuery Mobile. His background ensures the book is grounded in real-world software architecture challenges and solutions, making it a valuable reference for developers aiming to leverage web technologies for mobile platforms.
2014·315 pages·Mobile Development, Apache Cordova, Cross Platform, JavaScript, jQuery Mobile

Drawing from his extensive experience in software product development, Hazem Saleh authored this guide to bridge the gap between web technologies and mobile app development. You learn how to configure development environments for Android, iOS, and Windows Phone, then leverage Apache Cordova alongside jQuery Mobile to build cross-platform applications using just JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. The book walks you through accessing native device features and improving app reliability with unit testing frameworks like Jasmine. If you're a web developer wanting to expand into mobile without mastering multiple native languages, this book offers focused, practical insights on building maintainable, robust apps.

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Best for rapid skill advancement
This AI-created book on Apache Cordova is crafted based on your current skills and specific goals in mobile app development. By focusing on the areas you want to improve and the challenges you face, it creates a personalized pathway through Cordova’s features and tools. This tailored approach helps you gain practical knowledge quickly, making complex concepts accessible and directly relevant to your projects. With this book, you get a learning experience designed exactly for the way you want to develop your Cordova expertise.
2025·50-300 pages·Apache Cordova, Mobile Development, Cross Platform, Plugin Integration, App Deployment

This tailored AI book offers a focused journey through Apache Cordova development, designed specifically around your background and learning goals. It explores essential Cordova concepts and guides you through practical, step-by-step actions that accelerate your skills in mobile app creation. The content matches your interests, ensuring that you engage with topics most relevant to your development experience. From setting up environments to integrating plugins, this tailored resource reveals how to efficiently harness Cordova's capabilities for cross-platform mobile solutions. By concentrating on your specific objectives, it offers a dynamic way to advance your Cordova proficiency in just 30 days, blending expert knowledge with your personal learning needs.

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1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for hybrid apps with Ionic framework
Chris Griffith is the User Experience Lead at a home automation and security company and an instructor at UC San Diego Extension, specializing in mobile app development. As an Adobe Community Professional and frequent speaker at conferences like Adobe MAX and ngConf, his expertise in PhoneGap/Cordova and Experience Design uniquely qualifies him to write this detailed guide. His practical experience developing mobile apps and code tools shines through, making this book a solid resource for developers wanting to leverage Ionic and Apache Cordova for cross-platform projects.

Chris Griffith, a recognized User Experience Lead and educator in mobile app development, wrote this revised edition to guide developers through building hybrid apps using Ionic, Angular, and Apache Cordova. You learn how to harness Ionic's UI components and integrate powerful services like Firebase, Google Maps, and Darksky API to create functional, cross-platform applications. The book walks you through developing three example apps, from a to-do list to a weather application, making it ideal whether you're new to hybrid frameworks or upgrading from Ionic 1. If you want hands-on experience with deploying apps to native stores and exploring Progressive Web Apps, this book delivers clear explanations without oversimplifying.

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Conclusion

The common thread across these six books is a commitment to practical, hands-on learning—whether that’s through John M. Wargo’s detailed API examples, Kerri Shotts’ focus on enterprise security, or Chris Griffith’s guidance on the Ionic framework integration. They collectively address core challenges like plugin creation, cross-platform optimization, and secure app architecture.

If you’re just starting out, “PhoneGap Essentials” and “Javascript Mobile Application Development” provide solid foundations. For those aiming to deepen technical mastery or tackle enterprise-grade solutions, “Apache Cordova 4 Programming” and “Phonegap for Enterprise” offer next-level strategies.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Apache Cordova book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation. These books can help you accelerate your learning journey and build apps that stand out in today’s competitive mobile landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Start with "PhoneGap Essentials" if you're new to Apache Cordova. It introduces core concepts and cross-platform basics using familiar web technologies, laying a solid foundation before moving to more advanced topics.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Apache Cordova?

Not at all. Several books like "PhoneGap Essentials" and "Javascript Mobile Application Development" cater to beginners, gradually introducing concepts with practical examples suited for newcomers.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with foundational guides like "PhoneGap Essentials," then progress to specialized texts such as "Apache Cordova API Cookbook" and "Phonegap for Enterprise" to deepen your skills and explore security and plugin development.

Are any of these books outdated given how fast Apache Cordova changes?

While some books date back several years, their core principles and API explanations remain relevant. For the latest updates, combining these with current online resources or tailored content is recommended.

Which book gives the most actionable advice I can use right away?

"Apache Cordova API Cookbook" offers over thirty complete application examples, making it highly practical for developers wanting hands-on, immediately implementable Cordova solutions.

Can personalized Apache Cordova books complement these expert recommendations?

Yes! While these books provide valuable expert insights, personalized books tailor content to your specific goals and experience, bridging gaps between general knowledge and your unique projects. Explore custom Apache Cordova books for a focused approach.

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