4 MQTT Books That Accelerate Your IoT Mastery

Dive into MQTT Books authored by Stephen Cope, Robert Thas John, Gastón Hillar, and Tim Pulver—leading figures in IoT and networking.

Updated on June 27, 2025
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What if mastering MQTT could be simpler than you think? In the rapidly evolving world of IoT, MQTT stands as a lightweight protocol fundamental to countless connected devices, from smart homes to industrial sensors. Understanding this protocol is no longer optional but essential for developers, engineers, and data architects alike.

The four books featured here come from authors whose deep technical backgrounds and hands-on experience offer unmatched clarity and practical guidance. Stephen Cope, Robert Thas John, Gastón Hillar, and Tim Pulver each address MQTT from unique angles, whether you're starting fresh, seeking robust data communications knowledge, or building complex IoT prototypes.

While these expert-curated books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific background, skill level, or IoT application might consider creating a personalized MQTT book that builds on these insights for a more focused learning path.

Best for foundational MQTT learners
Stephen Cope is a technical author and full-time webmaster with a degree in Electronics and extensive experience in telecommunications, Microsoft products, networking, and website technologies. His expertise forms the foundation of this book, offering you an accessible introduction to MQTT tailored for IoT engineers and developers. Cope’s background ensures the book covers essential MQTT features clearly, helping you build confidence to start practical MQTT projects, particularly in smart home and IoT contexts.
2022·71 pages·MQTT, Networking, IoT, MQTT Protocol, Smart Home

Stephen Cope brings his extensive background in electronics and telecommunications to demystify MQTT for newcomers. This book breaks down the protocol’s core principles and walks you through its key features, including the updates introduced in MQTTv5. You’ll gain a solid grasp of how MQTT operates within IoT environments, especially smart home applications, enabling you to confidently start your own projects. While concise at 71 pages, it targets developers and engineers who need a straightforward yet thorough introduction rather than overwhelming technical detail. If you want to understand MQTT’s role and practical use without wading through jargon, this book is a fitting start.

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Best for hands-on IoT developers
Gastón C. Hillar is an Italian computer scientist with an MBA and a prolific author honored eight times with the Intel Black Belt Software Developer award. His deep expertise shines through in this guide, which covers everything from setting up secure MQTT brokers to developing cross-platform IoT applications. Drawing on his extensive experience, Hillar delivers a resource that connects MQTT theory directly to practical IoT implementations, making it a valuable reference for anyone serious about mastering this lightweight messaging protocol.
2017·280 pages·IOT Development, MQTT, EMQ, Networking, Security

Gastón C Hillar draws on his extensive experience as a computer scientist and eight-time Intel Black Belt awardee to unpack the MQTT protocol with clarity and practical focus. You learn not just MQTT theory but how to install and secure a Mosquitto broker, control IoT devices like drones with Python, and integrate MQTT messaging across multiple platforms including Java, Swift, and JavaScript. The book’s detailed examples, such as building an iOS app with Swift 3 and controlling home automation via Node.js, make it especially useful if you want hands-on skills for real IoT projects. If you’re building or managing IoT communications and want to understand MQTT beyond basics, this book offers a solid technical foundation without unnecessary fluff.

Intel Black Belt Software Developer Award (8 times)
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Best for practical MQTT mastery
This custom AI book on MQTT mastery is created based on your background, skill level, and specific goals with this protocol. You tell us which aspects of MQTT interest you most—whether it's basic concepts, security, or integration—and the book focuses on your unique learning path. By tailoring the content to your needs, the book helps you grasp complex ideas efficiently and apply MQTT confidently in your projects.
2025·50-300 pages·MQTT, Networking, IoT Fundamentals, MQTT Protocol, Message Patterns

This tailored book explores MQTT with a focus that matches your background, interests, and goals. It reveals the core principles and practical applications of MQTT, a lightweight protocol central to IoT communications, and guides you through its evolving features and real-world uses. By weaving together foundational concepts and the nuances relevant to your specific needs, the book offers a learning experience that connects expert knowledge with your unique context. The personalized content examines MQTT protocol mechanics, message patterns, security considerations, and integration techniques. It also covers how MQTT fits within broader IoT ecosystems, making complex topics approachable and meaningful for your projects and ambitions.

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Best for prototyping IoT devices
Tim Pulver is a Berlin-based freelance interaction designer and developer who blends experience in physical prototyping with modern technologies like 3D printing and machine learning. His expertise in interface design and hands-on development shaped this practical guide to MQTT and IoT, aimed at helping you build your own connected prototypes. Pulver’s background and multifaceted approach make this book a valuable resource for anyone wanting to bridge software and hardware in the IoT space.
2019·350 pages·Internet of Things, IOT Development, MQTT, Prototyping, Microcontrollers

Tim Pulver's background as a Berlin-based interaction designer and developer informs this hands-on guide to MQTT and IoT prototyping. You’ll learn how to connect microcontrollers and web servers through MQTT while building tangible projects like an automatic pet food dispenser and a smart e-ink to-do list. The book dives into essential concepts such as messaging protocols and microcontroller communication, then extends into prototyping techniques involving laser cutting, 3D printing, and PCB production. If you’re comfortable with Arduino basics and eager to translate software knowledge into physical IoT devices, this book offers a clear path forward.

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Best for advanced IoT data engineers
Robert Thas John is a seasoned data engineer with over twenty years of experience managing teams in data engineering and machine learning. His leadership in promoting machine learning on embedded devices through Google Developers and ARM Ltd programs underscores his deep expertise. This book reflects his extensive background and aims to equip you with the knowledge to design and implement complex IoT data communication systems using Arduino platforms.
2023·286 pages·MQTT, Networking, IoT, Data Storage, REST APIs

When Robert Thas John discovered the complexities behind IoT data transmission, he crafted this book to demystify how Arduino devices communicate and store information. You'll learn to configure databases, leverage MQTT and REST APIs, and use communication protocols like LoRaWAN and HC-12 to build scalable IoT systems. The book offers detailed examples on setting up end-to-end projects, such as transmitting sensor data over RS-485 and managing high availability for multiple devices. If you’re aiming to deepen your practical understanding of IoT communications beyond basic Arduino programming, this book provides concrete skills to architect robust data solutions.

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Conclusion

Together, these four books cover MQTT's essentials, practical implementations, and advanced communication strategies. If you're new to MQTT, Stephen Cope’s clear and concise introduction lays a solid foundation. For those aiming to deepen data transmission skills, Robert Thas John's work provides advanced techniques bridging Arduino and MQTT.

Developers wanting hands-on experience with IoT projects will find Gastón Hillar and Tim Pulver’s books invaluable, especially for securing brokers and prototyping physical devices. Combining these resources accelerates your MQTT mastery, equipping you to tackle real-world IoT challenges confidently.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized MQTT book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation. These books can help you accelerate your learning journey and build the MQTT expertise you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Start with "MQTT For Complete Beginners" by Stephen Cope. It offers a straightforward introduction to MQTT basics, perfect for newcomers before moving on to more advanced texts like "MQTT Essentials."

Are these books too advanced for someone new to MQTT?

Not at all. "MQTT For Complete Beginners" is tailored for those new to the protocol, while other books gradually increase in complexity, allowing you to grow your skills step-by-step.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with Cope’s foundational guide, then explore Hillar's and Pulver's practical IoT applications, and finally dive into John’s detailed data communication strategies for advanced knowledge.

Do these books focus more on theory or practical application?

They blend both. For example, "MQTT Essentials" and "Hands-On Internet of Things with MQTT" emphasize hands-on projects, while "Arduino Data Communications" provides in-depth practical techniques for IoT data handling.

Are any of these books outdated given how fast MQTT changes?

These selections remain relevant by focusing on MQTT fundamentals and widely adopted practices, with updates like MQTTv5 covered in Cope’s book, ensuring you learn current standards.

Can I get MQTT learning tailored to my specific needs?

Yes! These expert books offer solid knowledge, but you can also create a personalized MQTT book that adapts to your background and goals, bridging expert insights with your unique learning path.

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