8 Best-Selling Xamarin Books Millions Trust and Use

Discover Xamarin books authored by leading experts like Jonathan Peppers and Dimitris Tavlikos, offering best-selling, reader-validated guidance.

Updated on June 27, 2025
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There's something special about books that both critics and crowds love, especially in a dynamic field like Xamarin development. Xamarin continues to shape mobile app development by enabling C# developers to build native apps across iOS and Android efficiently. Whether you're expanding your skills or diving into cross-platform apps, these books have been widely embraced for offering practical, tested approaches that resonate with professional developers worldwide.

The eight books featured here come from seasoned authors whose expertise spans from deep Xamarin.Forms architecture to hands-on platform-specific guidance. Titles like Jonathan Peppers' and Dimitris Tavlikos' works reflect years of real-world experience, presenting readers with authoritative frameworks and actionable insights. These books have earned their place through reader trust and industry respect, making them reliable resources for mastering Xamarin development.

While these popular books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific Xamarin needs might consider creating a personalized Xamarin book that combines these validated approaches with customized learning paths suited to your unique background and goals.

Jonathan Peppers' book on Xamarin Cross-platform Application Development offers a focused path for C# developers eager to build native iOS and Android apps using a unified toolset. Its stepwise approach to incorporating native device functionalities and cloud services has made it a go-to guide for developers transitioning into mobile app production. By covering everything from lifecycle management to app store submissions, it equips you with the knowledge to deliver fully functional mobile applications that meet industry expectations.
1714·Xamarin, Mobile Development, Cross Platform, iOS Development, Android Development

Jonathan Peppers leverages his deep experience in C# development to guide you through mastering cross-platform mobile app creation with Xamarin. This book breaks down complex topics like Apple's MVC design pattern, Android activity lifecycle, and integrating native features such as GPS and camera into your apps. You'll also learn how to share code efficiently, implement Azure Mobile Services, and navigate app store submission processes. If you're a developer familiar with desktop or web applications aiming to expand into mobile, this book offers concrete, practical knowledge to get you building production-ready iOS and Android apps with confidence.

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Best for practical iOS Xamarin solutions
Ios Development With Xamarin Cookbook offers a direct, example-driven approach for C# and .NET developers eager to create native iOS applications using Xamarin. Its recipe format allows you to jump into specific topics, from UI construction to deployment, supported by practical hints and best practices throughout. This book addresses the challenge of crossing over from traditional desktop or server C# development to mobile iOS environments, making it a valuable resource for developers aiming to expand their skill set without prior Xamarin experience. For anyone wanting to build iOS apps efficiently with familiar tools, it fills a practical niche in mobile software development.
2014·386 pages·Xamarin, iOS Development, Mobile Apps, C# Programming, App Deployment

Drawing from his extensive experience in .NET and mobile development, Dimitris Tavlikos crafted this cookbook-style guide to help developers bridge the gap between C# and iOS app creation using Xamarin. You’ll find practical code recipes and detailed examples that walk you through building and deploying iOS applications without prior Xamarin knowledge. Each chapter offers targeted solutions, like user interface handling or App Store deployment, making it especially useful if you want to leverage your existing C# skills on the iOS platform. This book suits both seasoned Objective-C developers seeking a fresh approach and .NET developers venturing into mobile development.

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Best for custom Xamarin techniques
This personalized AI book about Xamarin development is created based on your unique background, skill level, and the specific project challenges you want to tackle. By sharing what you want to focus on, you receive a tailored guide that concentrates on the Xamarin topics most relevant to you. This approach helps you learn more efficiently, avoiding unnecessary content and diving straight into what matters for your app development needs. The AI-crafted book delivers focused insights that complement expert knowledge with your individual goals in mind.
2025·50-300 pages·Xamarin, Xamarin Fundamentals, Cross Platform, Xamarin.Forms, Mobile UI

This tailored book explores proven Xamarin development techniques that align specifically with your background and project goals. It covers the essentials of cross-platform mobile app creation using Xamarin, focusing on your unique interests and skill level. By blending widely validated knowledge with your personalized learning path, it reveals how to integrate Xamarin.Forms, optimize code reuse, and handle platform-specific challenges. This personalized guide examines the nuances of building native iOS and Android apps with C#, addressing your specific objectives to maximize efficiency and app performance. Readers will engage with content that matches their experience, making complex concepts accessible and directly applicable to their projects.

Tailored Guide
Xamarin Optimization
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for mastering Xamarin.Forms fundamentals
Dan Hermes is a Xamarin MVP, Microsoft Regional Director, and founder of Lexicon Systems, a respected Xamarin and .NET consulting firm. His extensive experience includes award-winning projects for Thermo Fisher Scientific and clientele like Fidelity Investments. Combining his deep technical expertise and industry insights, Hermes crafted this book to help developers navigate the complexities of cross-platform mobile development using Xamarin and C#. His guidance reflects both practical consulting experience and a passion for empowering developers to create polished, maintainable mobile applications.
2015·470 pages·Mobile Development, Xamarin, Cross Platform, Xamarin.Forms, Android Development

When Dan Hermes recognized the challenges developers face building truly cross-platform mobile apps, he crafted this guide to bridge those gaps using Xamarin and C#. You’ll learn specific techniques for leveraging Xamarin.Forms to create shared UI components, alongside platform-specific touches for Android and iOS, illustrated through over 200 code examples and 250 screenshots. The book dives deep into architectural practices like MVVM and data access via SQLite, helping you decide when Xamarin.Forms fits your project. If you’re aiming to build well-structured, maintainable apps that run natively across platforms, this book lays out the foundations and nuances clearly without unnecessary fluff.

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Best for hands-on Android app builders
This book stands out in the Xamarin field by focusing on hands-on Android app development using C#. It’s designed to help developers with a solid background in C# and .NET transition smoothly into mobile development, addressing the challenge of utilizing existing skills in a new domain. The guide methodically covers building multi-view applications, managing layouts for different screen sizes, integrating device capabilities like location and camera, and deploying apps to stores. Its example-oriented style makes it accessible for those eager to enter Android development through Xamarin’s platform.
2015·296 pages·Mobile Development, Android, Xamarin, App Development, User Interface

Unlike most Xamarin books that focus heavily on theory, Nilanchala Panigrahy’s guide takes you straight into building Android apps with a clear, example-driven approach. You’ll learn how to create multi-view applications, handle layout managers like LinearLayout and RelativeLayout, and integrate device features such as location sensors and cameras. The book also walks you through using SQLite for data persistence and consuming RESTful services for dynamic content. If you’re a C# developer looking to leverage your existing skills to enter Android development, this book offers practical knowledge tailored to your needs, though it assumes familiarity with .NET and object-oriented principles.

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Best for advanced app architecture skills
Ed Snider is a senior software developer and Microsoft MVP with a strong background in mobile design and Xamarin development. His extensive experience, including roles at InfernoRed Technology and a long history with .NET since 2005, drives the insights in this book. Ed's passion for building cross-platform mobile products informs his clear guidance on creating maintainable and testable Xamarin.Forms apps that meet real-world demands.
2016·162 pages·Xamarin, Mobile Development, Software Architecture, Xamarin.Forms, MVVM Pattern

Ed Snider's decades of experience in .NET and mobile development shaped this deep dive into Xamarin.Forms, targeting C# developers ready to elevate their app architecture. You'll learn how to implement the MVVM pattern for clear separation of concerns, extend navigation with ViewModel-centric services, and apply dependency injection to enhance flexibility. The book guides you through handling online/offline data sync, unit and UI testing, plus integrating crash reporting with Xamarin Insights. If you're already familiar with Xamarin.Forms and want to build maintainable, testable, and feature-rich apps, this book offers concrete patterns and code examples to sharpen your skills without fluff.

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Best for rapid Xamarin progress
This AI-created book on Xamarin development is crafted based on your background, skill level, and specific interests. You tell us which Xamarin topics you want to focus on and your personal goals, and the book is designed to match exactly what you need to learn. This tailored approach helps you make measurable progress quickly, by concentrating on the Xamarin concepts and techniques that matter most to you. Instead of sifting through broad materials, you'll get a focused learning experience geared toward your unique journey.
2025·50-300 pages·Xamarin, Xamarin Fundamentals, Cross Platform, C# Programming, Mobile UI

This tailored AI-created book explores Xamarin development by focusing on your unique interests, background, and goals to accelerate your learning journey. It combines proven, reader-validated knowledge with a step-by-step progression designed to build your skills efficiently and effectively. The book covers core Xamarin concepts alongside practical coding techniques, platform-specific considerations, and user interface design, all aligned with what you want to achieve. By tailoring content to your experience level and objectives, it reveals a clear path toward rapid improvement and measurable progress in Xamarin app development. This personalized exploration ensures you engage deeply with the material that matters most to you, making your learning process both focused and rewarding.

AI-Tailored Content
Progress-Driven Learning
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for Xamarin interview preparation
Suthahar Jegatheesan is a Technical Lead and C# Corner MVP known for his expertise in Microsoft technologies and Xamarin cross mobile development. His extensive background and hands-on experience form the foundation of this book, crafted to help developers navigate Xamarin interview challenges. Drawing from his deep knowledge of Xamarin.Android, Xamarin.iOS, and Xamarin.Forms, he offers precise answers to questions frequently asked in technical interviews, making this book a practical tool for your preparation journey.
2018·89 pages·Xamarin, Mobile Development, Cross Platform, Xamarin.Android, Xamarin.iOS

During years of hands-on experience as a Technical Lead and C# Corner MVP, Suthahar Jegatheesan developed this book to address common challenges developers face in Xamarin mobile development interviews. You’ll find over 250 questions spanning beginner to expert levels, covering Xamarin.Android, Xamarin.iOS, and Xamarin.Forms, all answered with clear, concise explanations rooted in official Xamarin documentation. This book serves as a focused resource if you’re preparing for interviews or want to deepen your understanding of cross-platform app development using C#. It’s particularly suited for developers aiming to master practical Xamarin concepts rather than those seeking a broad tutorial or conceptual overview.

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Best for practical cross-platform app creation
Jim Bennett is a Senior Cloud Developer Advocate at Microsoft, specializing in Xamarin mobile apps. With extensive experience speaking at Xamarin and Microsoft conferences worldwide, he brings deep practical knowledge to this book. His expertise shines through as he guides you from foundational concepts to advanced app deployment, making this a solid resource for anyone aiming to master Xamarin development.
2018·608 pages·Xamarin, Software Development, Mobile Development, Cross Platform, MVVM

What started as Jim Bennett's passion for simplifying cross-platform mobile development became a detailed guide to Xamarin and C# for building native apps on iOS and Android. You’ll learn to apply the MVVM design pattern to maximize code reuse, isolate platform-specific UI logic, and prepare apps for deployment with testing and analytics integration. The book walks through device-specific UI creation, multithreading, and app store publishing, making it ideal if you have C# experience and want to expand into mobile app development. While it assumes some programming background, its stepwise approach helps bridge the gap for those new to mobile platforms.

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Best for expert-level UI development
Steven F. Daniel, CEO and founder of GENIESOFT STUDIOS, brings over 17 years of development experience to this guide for Xamarin developers. Passionate about helping others leverage their existing skills, he has crafted a resource that not only teaches the technical aspects of building maintainable mobile UIs but also empowers you to create apps that perform seamlessly across iOS and Android platforms. His hands-on approach reflects a deep understanding of real-world developer needs, making this book a valuable companion for advancing your Xamarin expertise.
2018·584 pages·Xamarin, Mobile Development, UI Design, Xamarin.Forms, C# Programming

Steven F. Daniel draws from nearly two decades of software development expertise to guide you through mastering cross-platform mobile UI design using Xamarin and C# 7. This book walks you through creating native apps for both iOS and Android, demonstrating how to implement complex layouts, animations, and location-based services with practical examples like a photo library and sliding tiles game. You gain hands-on experience with MVVM architecture, data binding, and integrating APIs such as Microsoft Azure and Twitter. If you're comfortable with C# 6.0 and eager to build professional-grade, maintainable mobile interfaces, this book offers a clear path forward without unnecessary complexity.

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Conclusion

This curated collection of eight Xamarin books highlights the value of proven frameworks and widely validated approaches. If you prefer well-established methods, starting with Jonathan Peppers' cross-platform guide or Dimitris Tavlikos' iOS cookbook will ground you in practical skills. For those seeking deeper architectural insights, Ed Snider’s and Steven F. Daniel’s books offer sophisticated strategies to build maintainable, robust apps.

For interview preparation and targeted skill sharpening, Suthahar Jegatheesan's Q&A guide provides focused expertise. Alternatively, combining these resources can give you a comprehensive grasp of Xamarin’s ecosystem.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Xamarin book to blend proven methods with your unique needs. These widely-adopted approaches have helped many developers succeed in building native cross-platform applications with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Start with "Xamarin Crossplatform Application Development by Jonathan Peppers" if you're new to Xamarin and want a broad, practical introduction. It covers core concepts and helps you build confidence with cross-platform apps before diving into more specialized books.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Xamarin?

Not at all. Many books like Dimitris Tavlikos' iOS Cookbook and Jim Bennett's "Xamarin in Action" are designed with practical steps suitable for developers transitioning to mobile development using familiar C# skills.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with foundational titles such as Jonathan Peppers' or Dan Hermes' books, then move to specialized texts like "Mastering Xamarin.Forms" or "Mastering Xamarin UI Development" to deepen architectural and UI skills.

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

You can pick based on your focus: choose platform-specific guides for iOS or Android, or select interview prep if that’s your goal. However, combining a couple can enrich your understanding of Xamarin’s diverse facets.

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

While some books date back a few years, their core principles and architectural patterns remain highly relevant. They provide solid foundations, especially when complemented by up-to-date resources or personalized learning.

Can I get Xamarin guidance tailored to my experience and goals?

Yes! These expert books offer strong foundational knowledge, and you can complement them by creating a personalized Xamarin book that adapts proven methods to your specific background and learning objectives for a more focused experience.

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