10 ESP32 Books That Separate Experts from Amateurs

Vedat Ozan Oner's extensive background as an IoT product developer and software architect shapes this guide on ESP32-based IoT projects. You gain concrete skills in integrating peripherals like GPIO and I2C, managing WiFi connectivity including provisioning and ESP Rainmaker framework, and implementing security features such as secure boot and OTA updates. The book's chapters also dive into cloud integration with AWS IoT and real-time data visualization using Grafana, while exploring advanced topics like tinyML on ESP32-S3. This resource suits embedded developers and technologists comfortable with programming and networking, aiming to build production-grade smart devices with ESP32.

When Harish Kondoor first discovered the potential of MicroPython for embedded systems, he set out to demystify programming microcontrollers with limited memory. Drawing from his expertise in MicroPython and hands-on experience with ESP32 and ESP8266, he guides you through everything from installing the Thonny IDE to controlling GPIO pins and connecting your device to WiFi. You'll learn practical skills like flashing firmware, working with sensors such as DHT11, and handling multitasking on microcontrollers. This book suits beginners and hobbyists eager to build flexible IoT projects without wading through overly technical jargon or unrelated theory.

This personalized ESP32 programming book provides a focused blueprint that aligns with your unique background and objectives, offering an in-depth exploration of ESP32 hardware and IoT applications. It emphasizes practical programming techniques, hardware interfacing, and network integration strategies tailored to your skill level and project goals. The book presents a personalized framework that cuts through generic advice, concentrating on embedded system design, communication protocols, sensor integration, and power management within your specific context. By blending foundational concepts with advanced implementation tactics, it equips you to build robust, customized IoT solutions using the ESP32’s versatile capabilities.

Harry Fairhead's deep experience in electronics and C programming reshapes how you approach ESP32 development by focusing on mastering the Espressif IoT Development Framework (ESP-IDF) and VS Code. You gain detailed insights into controlling GPIO lines, handling interrupts, using communication buses like SPI and I2C, and managing WiFi connectivity. The book dives into advanced topics such as FreeRTOS for asynchronous processing and power-saving sleep states, making it clear how to build efficient, reliable embedded systems. If you're aiming to move beyond basic tutorials and truly understand the hardware-software interface for real-world ESP32 applications, this book equips you with the necessary skills and confidence.

When Neil Cameron realized how critical communication protocols are for leveraging the full potential of the ESP32 microcontroller, he set out to clarify these complex topics. You’ll explore diverse protocols like MESH, ESP-NOW, and LoRa, understanding their practical applications from Bluetooth Low Energy beacons to microsatellite communications. Cameron’s methodical chapters each focus on one protocol or ESP32 format, allowing you to grasp their unique advantages and select the right combination for your projects. This book suits electronics enthusiasts and developers eager to deepen their technical skills with the latest ESP32 communication methods, though beginners might find the detail challenging without prior microcontroller experience.

When Simon Monk discovered the challenge beginners face in learning both Python programming and electronics simultaneously, he crafted this guide to bridge that gap clearly. You’ll start by mastering Python fundamentals through practical examples like Morse Code, then progress to controlling ESP32 boards—specifically the ESP32 Lite and DevKit 1—with sensors, LEDs, and servomotors. The book walks you through flashing firmware, using the Thonny editor, and tapping into WiFi features for web services, making it ideal if you want hands-on experience without prior knowledge. If you’re eager to build foundational coding and electronics skills focused on ESP32 devices, this book matches your pace and goals.

This personalized ESP32 programming book offers a focused 30-day plan that guides you through practical project development with daily actionable steps. It provides a tailored framework that integrates core programming concepts, hardware interfacing, and real-world application building specifically suited to your skill level and goals. The book emphasizes efficient learning by cutting through generic advice to present relevant techniques for ESP32 microcontroller setup, programming in C and MicroPython, peripheral integration, and wireless communication protocols. By concentrating on incremental project milestones, it ensures a structured yet flexible approach that fits your specific context, enabling rapid skill growth and confident application of the ESP32 in IoT and embedded systems.

When Robert Chin first realized the potential of combining ESP32 CAM modules with Android phones, he crafted a guide that demystifies building custom wireless spy cameras. This book teaches you how to assemble hardware and configure software to create a functional home security system capable of real-time video monitoring, motion-triggered image capture, and notifications via email or SMS. You’ll gain practical skills in integrating ESP32 CAMs with your existing internet and devices, all explained in straightforward steps accessible even if you’re not technically inclined. If you want hands-on experience creating a low-cost, wireless surveillance system using DIY electronics, this book fits the bill perfectly.

When Harry Fairhead and Mike James first explored the ESP32, they recognized its unique blend of affordability and capability, especially when programmed with MicroPython. This book guides you through using the ESP32’s GPIO pins with sensors, motors, and communication buses like SPI and I2C, emphasizing practical skills like PWM control and asynchronous programming with uasyncio. You’ll learn how to integrate peripherals such as SD card readers and manage power with sleep states, all tailored to make advanced features accessible without overwhelming complexity. If you’re diving into ESP32 development and prefer Python’s readability over C’s speed, this focused introduction offers exactly what you need to get started and beyond.

Agus Kurniawan brings over 18 years of hands-on experience in software development and wireless networking to this focused guide on ESP32-based IoT projects. Drawing from his background as a technology consultant and lecturer, he walks you through practical applications starting with GPIO programming and sensor integration, advancing to real-world projects like weather stations and smart home devices. You gain a solid understanding of how to leverage ESP32's Wi-Fi and BLE capabilities for cloud connectivity, mobile app interaction, and network monitoring. This book is especially useful if you want a clear, project-driven path from beginner to more complex IoT implementations with ESP32, whether you’re new to IoT or transitioning from platforms like Arduino or Raspberry Pi.

When Luc Volders realized how inaccessible home automation projects could be for newcomers, he wrote this book to bridge that gap. You’ll learn to program the ESP32 microcontroller using a language based on Arduino, covering everything from connecting various sensors to leveraging its Wi-Fi for remote monitoring. The book walks you through practical examples that demystify controlling your home via the internet, making it suitable for both beginners eager to start and hobbyists looking to deepen their skills. Chapters on sensor integration and network connectivity provide hands-on steps, though those seeking advanced IoT security might need supplementary sources.

What if everything you knew about programming embedded systems was challenged by the complexities of resource constraints and debugging limitations? Warren Gay, drawing from his extensive background in embedded systems and real-time operating systems, presents a methodical approach using FreeRTOS with the ESP32 Arduino environment to simplify these challenges. You learn to implement preemptive multitasking, manage communication through queues and semaphores, and utilize real-time task priorities, all supported by practical breadboard experiments and exercises. This book is tailored for engineers and students ready to deepen their understanding of FreeRTOS concepts and apply them confidently to ESP32 projects, though casual hobbyists might find the depth demanding.