7 Best-Selling SharePoint Development Books Millions Trust

Explore these best-selling SharePoint Development books authored by leading experts, offering proven strategies and trusted insights for developers and administrators alike.

Updated on June 28, 2025
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When millions of readers and seasoned professionals turn to a select group of books again and again, it signals something worth your attention. SharePoint Development remains a vital skill as organizations rely on this platform to build collaboration, business workflows, and custom apps that drive productivity. Navigating SharePoint’s evolving features requires guidance that’s both accessible and authoritative.

These 7 best-selling SharePoint Development books come from authors deeply embedded in Microsoft’s ecosystem or recognized as MVPs. From Vanessa L. Williams’ approachable primer on SharePoint 2010 to Scot Hillier’s detailed app development insights, these works blend practical advice with real-world applications, reflecting years of hands-on experience and industry evolution.

While these popular books provide proven frameworks and strategies, you might want content tailored specifically to your unique SharePoint Development goals and skill level. Consider creating a personalized SharePoint Development book that combines these validated approaches with your individual needs for an even more focused learning journey.

Best for SharePoint app developers
Scot Hillier, a Microsoft SharePoint Most Valuable Professional and seasoned consultant, brings a wealth of expertise to this book. With 15 published works and extensive speaking experience at events like Tech Ed, Scot’s background in SharePoint and .NET technologies uniquely qualifies him to guide you through app development. His military discipline and practical consulting insights inform the clear, focused approach that makes this book a reliable companion for developers seeking to extend SharePoint’s functionality.
Microsoft SharePoint 2013 App Development (Developer Reference) book cover

by Scot Hillier, Ted Pattison··You?

2013·208 pages·SharePoint Development, Microsoft Sharepoint, App Development, JavaScript Programming, Security

Scot Hillier's decades of experience as a Microsoft SharePoint Most Valuable Professional shine through in this focused guide on SharePoint 2013 app development. You learn concrete skills like designing SharePoint-hosted and developer-hosted apps, managing app lists, and crafting event handlers, all illustrated with practical code samples. The book breaks down complex topics such as client-side programming with JavaScript and establishing security in SharePoint apps, making it a solid resource for developers looking to extend SharePoint's capabilities. If you're aiming to build robust, secure SharePoint apps with a clear understanding of the platform's new app model, this book offers targeted insights without unnecessary filler.

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Best for new SharePoint developers
What makes this book unique in SharePoint development is its comprehensive update tailored specifically for SharePoint 2013, reflecting the major platform overhaul. The authors, including Microsoft’s Steve Fox, have crafted this resource to serve as a starting point for developers eager to build and deploy applications confidently. Covering everything from managed and unmanaged app development to security essentials and cloud integration with Windows Azure, it addresses the core needs of anyone stepping into SharePoint development at this level. Its practical approach ensures that you can leverage new features effectively while gaining a solid understanding of the platform’s capabilities.
Beginning SharePoint 2013 Development book cover

by Steve Fox, Chris Johnson, Donovan Follette·You?

2013·456 pages·SharePoint Development, Application Development, Security, Cloud Integration, Office Services

Drawing from their deep expertise at Microsoft, Steve Fox and his co-authors present an updated guide designed to get you started with SharePoint 2013 development. You’ll find clear explanations on building both managed and unmanaged applications, leveraging new platform features, and navigating critical security considerations. The book delves into practical aspects like packaging and deploying apps, with helpful insights on incorporating Office services and Windows Azure integration. If you’re new to SharePoint development and want a solid yet focused foundation, this book offers the essentials without overwhelming you with extraneous details.

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Best for custom SharePoint solutions
This AI-created book on SharePoint development is crafted based on your experience and specific challenges. By sharing your background, skill level, and areas of interest, you receive a book that focuses precisely on the SharePoint development methods you need. This personalized approach helps you learn efficiently, concentrating on the aspects that matter most to your goals in app creation and deployment.
2025·50-300 pages·SharePoint Development, App Architecture, Customization, Integration, Security

This tailored book explores proven SharePoint app development techniques, carefully matched to your unique challenges and background. It examines popular development practices, focusing on aspects that align with your personal goals and interests. The book covers essential concepts such as app architecture, customization, integration, and security, providing a clear path through the complexities of SharePoint development. By offering a personalized journey, this book reveals effective methods that millions of developers have found valuable, while addressing your specific needs. It emphasizes practical learning through a customized lens, making it easier to grasp key development approaches and deepen your mastery of SharePoint app creation.

Tailored Guide
App Development Mastery
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for business solution builders
This book stands out in the SharePoint Development field by focusing on building practical business solutions using SharePoint 2013. Its updated coverage reflects the latest version's features, addressing common information management challenges with detailed explanations and real-world examples. The authors provide a balanced approach that benefits professionals seeking to configure and customize SharePoint for their organization’s needs. Whether you’re managing permissions or automating workflows, the book offers a solid foundation for leveraging SharePoint 2013 effectively in business environments.
Beginning SharePoint 2013: Building Business Solutions book cover

by Amanda Perran, Shane Perran, Jennifer Mason, Laura Rogers·You?

2013·672 pages·SharePoint Development, Microsoft Sharepoint, Business Solutions, Content Management, Workflow Automation

Drawing from the extensive experience of Amanda Perran, Shane Perran, Jennifer Mason, and Laura Rogers, this book offers a practical guide to mastering SharePoint 2013 for business applications. You’ll explore real-world scenarios that tackle common challenges like managing permissions, configuring workflows, and customizing content types, all tailored to the 2013 environment. Chapters on social features, reporting, and business connectivity services provide actionable insights for making SharePoint a versatile platform in your organization. If your goal is to understand how to leverage SharePoint 2013 effectively in a business context, this book delivers straightforward techniques without unnecessary jargon.

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Best for practical SharePoint users
Stephen Cawood is a SharePoint MVP and former Microsoft Program Manager on the MCMS and SharePoint product teams. Having authored multiple books and earned three patents for web-based content management, he brings deep expertise to this guide. His insider perspective ensures you gain clear instructions on maximizing SharePoint 2013’s capabilities, from site setup to development basics, making it a valuable resource for users seeking hands-on knowledge from a proven authority.
2013·288 pages·SharePoint Development, Microsoft Sharepoint, Collaboration, Content Management, SharePoint Sites

Stephen Cawood, a SharePoint MVP and ex-Microsoft Program Manager, developed this guide to help users unlock the full potential of Microsoft SharePoint 2013. You’ll learn to create and manage SharePoint sites, use document libraries with versioning and approval features, and enable collaboration through blogs, wikis, and social tagging. The book also covers taxonomy creation with managed metadata and offers an introduction to SharePoint development and administration. This book suits those new to SharePoint aiming to build strong foundational skills, as well as intermediate users seeking practical examples to streamline their workflows.

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This book stands out for its focus on the intersection of branding and responsive web design within SharePoint 2013, a topic that remains critical as organizations seek to deliver seamless experiences across devices. Combining expertise from multiple SharePoint developers, it demonstrates how to harness new web standards and Microsoft tools to enhance site aesthetics and functionality. If you develop SharePoint sites and want to keep pace with evolving front-end technologies, this book offers a detailed roadmap for integrating modern frameworks and responsive techniques into your projects.
Pro SharePoint 2013 Branding and Responsive Web Development (The Expert's Voice) book cover

by Oscar Medina, Kanwal Khipple, Rita Zhang, Eric Overfield, Chris Beckett, Benjamin Niaulin·You?

2013·612 pages·SharePoint Development, Web Design, Responsive Design, Branding, HTML5

Unlike most SharePoint development books that concentrate narrowly on backend coding, this one delves into the art and science of branding and responsive design within SharePoint 2013. The authors—seasoned developers and Microsoft insiders—offer deep insights into combining SharePoint's new HTML5 and JavaScript capabilities with modern frameworks like Bootstrap to create adaptive, visually engaging sites. You'll learn practical ways to optimize user experience across devices by leveraging SharePoint's client object model alongside tools like Expression Blend and Visual Studio. This book suits web developers aiming to modernize SharePoint portals with sleek interfaces and responsive layouts, though those seeking purely administrative guidance may find it less relevant.

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Best for rapid SharePoint wins
This AI-created book on SharePoint development is crafted based on your background and specific goals. By tailoring the content to your experience level and preferred focus areas, it ensures you spend time on what matters most to you. SharePoint development involves many moving parts, and this custom book simplifies your learning by zeroing in on actions that deliver rapid, practical results. With personalization, you avoid wading through irrelevant details and gain a clear path to making a real impact quickly.
2025·50-300 pages·SharePoint Development, Custom Workflows, App Customization, Site Configuration, Document Management

This tailored book explores step-by-step SharePoint development actions designed to generate rapid impact. It covers essential techniques to build, customize, and optimize SharePoint environments focusing on delivering fast, tangible results within a 30-day timeframe. The content matches your background and addresses your specific goals, offering a tailored path through SharePoint’s capabilities that aligns with your interests. Readers discover practical development approaches that integrate popular, reader-validated knowledge with their unique learning needs. This personalized guide reveals how to navigate SharePoint’s core features efficiently, empowering you to implement solutions that produce meaningful outcomes quickly and confidently.

Tailored Guide
Rapid Implementation
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for SharePoint site administrators
SharePoint 2013 How-To stands out as a pragmatic guide for anyone working with SharePoint 2013, crafted by Ishai Sagi, a recognized SharePoint developer and four-time Microsoft MVP. This book’s strength lies in its focus on practical solutions for everyday tasks, from managing lists and libraries to leveraging social networking features and cloud capabilities. Its clear, task-oriented approach makes it a go-to resource for site managers and content administrators seeking to streamline their SharePoint workflows and security management in both on-premises and cloud environments.
2013·378 pages·SharePoint Development, Microsoft Sharepoint, Content Management, Workflow Automation, Security Management

Drawing from over a decade of experience as a SharePoint developer and architect, Ishai Sagi designed this guide to address the everyday challenges faced by users and administrators navigating SharePoint 2013. You’ll learn how to efficiently manage lists, libraries, and workflows, and gain insights into the platform’s revamped interface across devices including Windows PCs and smartphones. Detailed chapters cover social networking features, site security, and cloud integration with Office 365, making it a practical resource for those responsible for content management or site administration. While it’s thorough in covering core tasks, this book is best suited for professionals looking to deepen their operational knowledge rather than for absolute beginners or developers seeking advanced customization techniques.

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Best for SharePoint 2010 beginners
What makes SharePoint 2010 For Dummies a persistent favorite in SharePoint Development is its straightforward approach to a complex platform. Vanessa L. Williams offers a practical manual to get SharePoint sites operational and tailored to your needs, including the Office 365 cloud enhancements. This book appeals especially to administrators and small-business managers who want to make the most of SharePoint without getting lost in technical detail. It addresses real challenges like site branding, content population, and ongoing management, contributing useful frameworks for leveraging SharePoint as an enterprise portal solution.
SharePoint 2010 For Dummies book cover

by Vanessa L. Williams·You?

2012·504 pages·SharePoint Development, Microsoft Sharepoint, Site Management, Cloud Integration, Office 365

While working as a technology trainer, Vanessa L. Williams realized many users struggled with the complexities of SharePoint 2010, especially when integrating it with evolving cloud services like Office 365. This book walks you through setting up a SharePoint site, customizing its look, and managing content effectively, with clear guidance on leveraging both on-premises and cloud-based features. Chapters covering site branding and long-term management offer practical insights that benefit administrators and small business website managers alike. If you're aiming to harness SharePoint's capabilities without getting overwhelmed by technical jargon, this guide lays out the essentials in an accessible way.

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Proven Methods, Personalized for You

Get proven popular methods without following generic advice that doesn't fit.

Targeted learning paths
Custom SharePoint insights
Faster skill building

Preferred by thousands of SharePoint enthusiasts worldwide

SharePoint Dev Mastery
Rapid SharePoint Wins
Strategic SharePoint Foundations
SharePoint Success Blueprint

Conclusion

These 7 SharePoint Development books share a commitment to practical, proven methods that have helped countless professionals succeed. Whether you're focused on app development with Scot Hillier’s guidance, business solutions inspired by Amanda Perran’s team, or mastering site administration through Ishai Sagi’s experience, these volumes offer tested frameworks and deep insights.

If you prefer proven methods, start with Vanessa L. Williams’ clear introduction or Stephen Cawood’s practical management tips. For validated development approaches, combine the app-focused and branding titles to cover both backend and frontend essentials.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized SharePoint Development book that blends these proven methods with your specific challenges and objectives. These widely-adopted approaches have helped many readers succeed — and they can do the same for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

If you’re new to SharePoint, Vanessa L. Williams’ SharePoint 2010 For Dummies offers an accessible start. For developers, Beginning SharePoint 2013 Development by Steve Fox and colleagues lays a solid foundation. Starting here helps build confidence before moving to more specialized topics like app development or branding.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to SharePoint Development?

Not at all. Several books, like SharePoint 2010 For Dummies and Beginning SharePoint 2013, are designed for beginners. They explain core concepts clearly, making them suitable for those just getting started or transitioning from other platforms.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with foundational guides like SharePoint 2010 For Dummies or Beginning SharePoint 2013. Once comfortable, explore specialized books such as Scot Hillier’s app development or Medina’s branding guide to deepen your expertise in targeted areas.

Should I start with the newest book or a classic?

Focus on relevance to your SharePoint version and goals rather than just publication date. While SharePoint 2010 For Dummies is slightly older, its fundamentals remain vital. Pair classics with newer books like Pro SharePoint 2013 Branding for a balanced perspective.

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

You can certainly pick based on your needs. For app developers, Scot Hillier’s book is a focused choice. If you manage sites, Ishai Sagi’s SharePoint 2013 How-To is practical. The collection offers options tailored to different roles and experience levels.

How can I get SharePoint Development guidance tailored exactly to my needs?

While these expert books provide trusted methods, personalized content can bridge gaps for your unique situation. You can create a personalized SharePoint Development book that combines these proven approaches with your specific goals, skill level, and industry context for more efficient learning.

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