8 Best-Selling PhoneGap Books Millions Love

Discover PhoneGap books authored by leading experts like Ivan Turkovic and Tom Igoe, featuring best-selling guides that empower mobile developers.

Updated on June 26, 2025
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There's something special about books that both critics and crowds love, especially in fast-evolving areas like mobile development. PhoneGap stands out as a framework that bridges web and mobile, enabling developers to create cross-platform apps with familiar web technologies. Its popularity continues because it offers a proven path to reaching users on multiple devices without the overhead of native languages.

The 8 books featured here come from authors who have shaped how developers approach PhoneGap, including Ivan Turkovic and Tom Igoe. Their works focus on practical application, cloud integration, and emerging technologies like NFC, offering readers reliable, field-tested knowledge. These titles have earned their place through widespread adoption and clear guidance that resonates with both newcomers and seasoned developers.

While these popular books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific PhoneGap needs might consider creating a personalized PhoneGap book that combines these validated approaches. This option lets you focus on your unique background, goals, and areas of interest, enhancing learning efficiency and relevance.

Best for pragmatic PhoneGap developers
PhoneGap Essentials by Ivan Turkovic offers a practical guide for developers eager to build mobile applications that work across platforms using familiar web technologies. This book’s focus on integrating device capabilities through plugins and its straightforward approach to setting up development environments make it highly accessible. It addresses the common challenge of transitioning from native to hybrid app development, providing clear workflows and tips that can help you develop and deploy PhoneGap apps efficiently. If you want to expand your mobile development skills without diving deep into native SDKs, this book meets that need well.
1753·PhoneGap, Mobile Development, Cross Platform, Cordova, Plugin Integration

Unlike most PhoneGap books that focus heavily on theoretical aspects, Ivan Turkovic’s work zeroes in on hands-on application development using HTML5, JavaScript, and CSS. You’ll learn to set up your development environment across Linux, Mac OS, and Windows, then move into integrating device capabilities like GPS and camera through plugins, with clear guidance on using Cordova CLI and Plugman. The book suits mobile developers transitioning from native iOS or Android environments, or web developers eager to build cross-platform apps efficiently. For example, chapters on embedding plugin support provide practical ways to enhance existing apps, making this a solid choice if you want a pragmatic, example-driven introduction to PhoneGap.

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Best for integrating NFC with PhoneGap
Beginning NFC stands out by combining NFC technology with accessible platforms like Arduino and PhoneGap, offering a clear path for developers to create interactive applications. The book’s practical approach, filled with sample code and projects, appeals to those eager to leverage NFC in mobile and embedded environments. It addresses the growing need for expertise in close-proximity data exchange, making it relevant for anyone invested in the expanding Internet of Things landscape.
2014·243 pages·PhoneGap, Software Development, Mobile Development, NFC Technology, Arduino Programming

What happens when seasoned developers like Tom Igoe, Don Coleman, and Brian Jepson turn their attention to NFC technology? They craft a practical guide that demystifies Near Field Communication by bridging it with familiar tools like Arduino, Android, and PhoneGap. You learn to work with NFC Data Exchange Format (NDEF) through real-world projects—like controlling home devices or building a hotel check-in system—using JavaScript and HTML. This isn’t just theory; it’s hands-on coding that helps you grasp NFC architecture, tag reading, and peer-to-peer messaging. If you’ve got basic programming skills and want to explore NFC’s potential, this book fits the bill without overwhelming you.

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Best for custom development plans
This custom AI book on PhoneGap development is created based on your specific skill level, background, and goals. By sharing the areas you want to focus on, such as plugin integration or performance optimization, the book is tailored to cover exactly what you need. This tailored approach helps you deepen your expertise efficiently without wading through unnecessary content.
2025·50-300 pages·PhoneGap, PhoneGap Basics, Cross Platform, Plugin Integration, Performance Tuning

This tailored book explores advanced techniques and best practices in PhoneGap app development, crafted to match your background and goals. It focuses on delivering a personalized learning journey that covers core concepts, plugin integration, performance tuning, and deployment nuances. By concentrating on your specific interests, it reveals how to efficiently build versatile, cross-platform applications using PhoneGap, blending popular approaches validated by millions with your unique development needs. This personalized guide encourages deeper understanding and skill refinement, empowering you to confidently navigate complex scenarios and adapt to evolving mobile technologies.

Tailored Guide
Performance Tuning
3,000+ Books Created
Best for web developers new to PhoneGap
Beginning PhoneGap provides a practical approach for web developers eager to transition into mobile app creation without learning new programming languages. The book guides you through installing development tools and progressively builds knowledge of PhoneGap's capabilities, covering essential device features like camera and geolocation. Its focus on using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript makes it accessible for those familiar with web technologies, enabling you to develop apps for multiple platforms including iPhone and Android. This resource addresses common challenges in mobile development, making it a useful starting point for developers looking to expand their skill set in the PhoneGap ecosystem.
Beginning PhoneGap book cover

by Thomas Myer·You?

2011·384 pages·PhoneGap, Mobile Development, Cross Platform, HTML, CSS

After exploring the challenges faced by web developers transitioning to mobile app creation, Thomas Myer developed this guide to simplify the process using PhoneGap. You learn how to leverage familiar web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to build functional apps across iPhone, Android, and BlackBerry platforms. The book details installing the necessary software, understanding PhoneGap's components, and applying device features such as the accelerometer, camera, and geolocation through practical projects. If you're a web developer aiming to enter mobile app development without mastering new languages, this book offers a clear pathway, though those seeking the latest PhoneGap updates should consult the author's online addenda.

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Best for Java developers using PhoneGap
Building Mobile Applications with Java: Using the Google Web Toolkit and PhoneGap offers a focused approach to mobile app development using Java combined with two powerful open source tools. It guides you through projects that transform Java code into cross-platform applications compatible with major mobile operating systems, tapping device capabilities from GPS to camera. Readers gain practical insights into adapting web apps for mobile, building touch-friendly interfaces, and packaging apps with PhoneGap, making it a valuable resource for developers looking to efficiently target multiple devices with shared codebases.
2012·82 pages·PhoneGap, Mobile Development, Cross Platform, Java Programming, Google Web Toolkit

Joshua Marinacci's expertise in Java and open source frameworks shines through in this concise guide to building mobile applications. He walks you through leveraging Google Web Toolkit and PhoneGap to write Java code that seamlessly transforms into cross-platform JavaScript and HTML, enabling apps to run on iOS and Android devices. Chapters include practical projects like creating a Twitter search app, a GPS-enabled wine journal, and a mobile video game using HTML5 Canvas. If you want hands-on experience developing portable apps that tap into device features like camera and accelerometer, this book provides clear examples, though its brevity means it's best suited for developers with some Java background seeking a focused introduction.

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Best for cloud-based PhoneGap development
PhoneGap Build: Developing Cross Platform Mobile Applications in the Cloud stands out by focusing on harnessing the cloud to simplify mobile app development across multiple platforms. This book’s detailed approach to using PhoneGap alongside HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript frameworks like Sencha Touch and jQuery Mobile caters to developers aiming to reduce complexity and speed deployment. It addresses platform differences and backend integration, making it an invaluable resource for intermediate developers exploring cloud-based mobile app creation with PhoneGap.
2013·303 pages·Mobile Development, PhoneGap, Cloud Computing, Cross Platform, HTML5

After analyzing numerous cross-platform frameworks, Bintu Harwani developed this guide to simplify mobile app development using PhoneGap Build. You learn how to leverage HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript alongside cloud services to create apps that run seamlessly across multiple platforms without native code complexity. The book dives into integrating PhoneGap with popular libraries like Sencha Touch and jQuery Mobile, plus managing back-end databases. If you’re comfortable with intermediate coding and want to streamline deployment in the cloud, this book offers actionable insights and clear examples to help you develop feature-rich mobile applications efficiently.

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Best for custom project plans
This AI-created book on PhoneGap projects is tailored to your specific goals and experience level. By sharing your background and the particular aspects of PhoneGap you want to focus on, you receive a custom-crafted guide that targets your learning needs. This personalized approach makes learning more efficient, helping you quickly gain practical skills through projects designed just for you. Rather than wading through generic material, this book offers a clear path aligned with what you want to achieve.
2025·50-300 pages·PhoneGap, PhoneGap Basics, Cross Platform, Plugin Integration, Mobile UI

This tailored book offers a step-by-step guide to mastering PhoneGap through focused project-based learning. It covers essential PhoneGap concepts and practical applications, delivering content that matches your background and goals. By concentrating on your interests, this book explores key PhoneGap components such as plugin integration, cross-platform development, and device feature access, helping you build real-world apps efficiently. It reveals how to navigate typical challenges while accelerating learning with targeted projects curated specifically for you. This personalized approach ensures you engage deeply with the material, gaining hands-on experience that aligns with your pace and desired outcomes.

Tailored Guide
Project-Focused Learning
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for beginners mastering PhoneGap 3
What makes this guide stand out in the PhoneGap world is its focus on helping web developers quickly adapt their skills to mobile app creation. The book’s step-by-step approach to using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for building hybrid applications addresses a clear need for accessible mobile development resources. It covers essential topics like setting up your environment, working with PhoneGap plugins, and deploying apps across platforms. This makes it a solid choice for anyone aiming to move from web to mobile development effectively and efficiently.
Phonegap 3 Beginner's Guide book cover

by Purusothaman Ramanujam·You?

2015·284 pages·PhoneGap, Mobile Development, Hybrid Apps, JavaScript, CSS

After analyzing the surge in mobile app development, Purusothaman Ramanujam developed this guide to help web developers transition smoothly into mobile platforms using PhoneGap. You’ll learn how to use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create hybrid apps, navigate mobile-specific frameworks like iOS and Android, and integrate device APIs such as contacts and geolocation. The book walks you through setting up your environment, debugging, and deploying apps, with practical examples that clarify each step, making it accessible even if you have minimal prior mobile experience. If you want a clear, hands-on introduction to building cross-platform mobile applications, this book offers focused guidance without overwhelming complexity.

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Best for quick PhoneGap cross-platform start
Phonegap Beginner's Guide stands as a clear introduction to building cross-platform mobile applications using the PhoneGap framework. This book’s appeal lies in its focused approach to teaching developers how to harness open-source tools to create apps that function across iOS, Android, and other platforms. By guiding you through setting up your environment and utilizing JavaScript to interact with native device capabilities, it opens the door to mobile development without requiring deep prior experience. It’s designed to help you quickly move from concept to app, making it a practical choice for newcomers eager to enter the mobile development space.
2011·242 pages·PhoneGap, Mobile Development, Cross Platform, JavaScript, App Building

Andrew Lunny's Phonegap Beginner's Guide offers a straightforward entry point into cross-platform mobile app development using the PhoneGap framework. Drawing from his hands-on experience with open-source tools, Lunny breaks down the essentials you need to build apps that work seamlessly across multiple devices. You’ll learn practical aspects like setting up your development environment, creating user interfaces, and accessing native device features through JavaScript. This guide suits developers new to mobile programming who want to quickly grasp PhoneGap’s approach without being overwhelmed by technical jargon or complex theory.

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Best for practical PhoneGap coding recipes
Jamie Munro’s "20 Recipes for Programming PhoneGap" offers a straightforward approach to mastering cross-platform mobile app development. This guide distills PhoneGap’s potential into practical, immediately usable code snippets that help you integrate device-specific capabilities like GPS, camera, and audio recording into your apps. Ideal for developers with web experience, it simplifies the transition to mobile by focusing on real tasks rather than theoretical concepts. Its focused recipes make it a go-to for anyone wanting to build functional apps across Android and iPhone without switching languages or frameworks.
2012·74 pages·PhoneGap, Mobile Development, Cross Platform, JavaScript, HTML

After exploring the challenges of cross-platform mobile development, Jamie Munro crafted this collection of practical recipes to bridge the gap between web development skills and native mobile functionality. You’ll learn how to leverage PhoneGap’s capabilities to access device-specific features like GPS, camera, and local storage using familiar HTML, CSS, and JavaScript—without rewriting your app for each platform. The book’s hands-on code samples and explanations, such as creating contacts or uploading files, empower you to build fully functional apps for iOS and Android with efficiency. This guide is particularly useful if you’re a web developer aiming to expand into mobile app development without diving deep into native languages.

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Proven Methods, Personalized for You

Get proven popular PhoneGap strategies tailored to your unique development goals and challenges.

Custom learning paths
Targeted skill building
Efficient app development

Validated by thousands of developers and industry experts

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Conclusion

This collection of 8 best-selling PhoneGap books highlights frameworks and methods widely validated by developers transitioning to cross-platform mobile development. Whether you're starting out with the step-by-step guidance in "Beginning PhoneGap" or diving into cloud deployment with "PhoneGap Build," these works provide solid foundations and actionable insights.

If you prefer proven methods, start with Ivan Turkovic’s "PhoneGap Essentials" for hands-on practices. For validated approaches blending theory and practical projects, pair it with Jamie Munro’s recipe-driven guide. Developers interested in niche topics like NFC will find Tom Igoe’s "Beginning NFC" particularly enlightening.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized PhoneGap book to combine proven methods with your unique needs. These widely-adopted approaches have helped many readers succeed in building versatile, efficient mobile applications across platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Starting with "PhoneGap Essentials by Ivan Turkovic" is a solid choice. It offers practical, example-driven guidance perfect for developers new to PhoneGap who want clear, hands-on instruction.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to PhoneGap?

Not at all. Titles like "Beginning PhoneGap" and "Phonegap 3 Beginner's Guide" are designed specifically for newcomers, gradually introducing core concepts and practical development steps.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with beginner-friendly guides such as "Beginning PhoneGap," then explore specialized topics like cloud deployment in "PhoneGap Build" or NFC integration in "Beginning NFC" as you grow your skills.

Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?

You can pick based on your goals. For example, choose "20 Recipes for Programming PhoneGap" for practical coding tasks or "Building Mobile Applications with Java" if you prefer Java-based development.

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

While PhoneGap evolves, these books teach foundational skills and proven techniques that remain relevant. Supplementing with current online resources ensures you stay updated.

How can I get content tailored to my specific PhoneGap learning goals?

You can combine expert insights from these books with a personalized PhoneGap book tailored to your background and goals. It offers focused content that complements popular methods. Learn more here.

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