8 SharePoint Development Books That Separate Experts from Amateurs

Recommended by Vlad Catrinescu, Rosemarie Withee, and Randy Holloway for mastering SharePoint Development

Updated on June 24, 2025
We may earn commissions for purchases made via this page

What if the key to mastering SharePoint Development lay not only in hands-on experience but in the pages of a few carefully chosen books? SharePoint's evolving landscape demands more than casual familiarity; it requires targeted knowledge to navigate its complexities effectively. Whether you're setting up your first SharePoint site or architecting enterprise solutions, the right book can accelerate your learning curve and sharpen your skills.

Industry professionals like Vlad Catrinescu, a Microsoft Certified Trainer and MVP known for his deep expertise in hybrid SharePoint environments, and Rosemarie Withee, President of Portal Integrators LLC, have shaped their careers through insights gained from authoritative texts. Randy Holloway, a Microsoft technical advisor, credits detailed guides on Office integration for enabling him to build robust enterprise workflows. Their journeys underscore how well-chosen books provide practical frameworks and real-world strategies.

While these expert-curated books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific background, skill level, and learning goals might consider creating a personalized SharePoint Development book that builds on these insights to accelerate growth and practical application.

Best for practical SharePoint 2016 beginners
Rosemarie Withee, President of Portal Integrators LLC and founder of Scrum Now, brings her deep industry experience to this guide. Her leadership roles and practical knowledge shine through, making complex SharePoint concepts approachable. She wrote this book to demystify SharePoint 2016 for administrators and tech professionals, offering clear explanations and hands-on insights that reflect her extensive background in portal integration and Office 365 environments.
SharePoint 2016 For Dummies book cover

by Rosemarie Withee··You?

2016·384 pages·SharePoint Development, Microsoft Sharepoint, Site Management, Content Management, Workflow Automation

Drawing from her extensive leadership as President of Portal Integrators LLC, Rosemarie Withee offers a grounded introduction to SharePoint 2016 that strips away the usual jargon and complexity. You learn how to set up and manage a SharePoint site, navigate Office 365 integration, and leverage cloud-based features with practical clarity. Chapters detail essential tasks like content management, workflow development, and mobile collaboration, making it accessible for both newcomers and those transitioning from earlier versions. If you're seeking a straightforward, no-frills guide to get your SharePoint environment operational and productive, this book aligns well with your needs.

View on Amazon
Best for Office 365 integration novices
Rosemarie Withee, President of Portal Integrators and founder of Scrum Now, teams up with Ken Withee, a Microsoft 365 team member and former SharePoint consultant, to deliver an approachable guide rooted in deep industry experience. Their combined backgrounds in SharePoint consulting and software development shape this book’s practical focus, aimed at making SharePoint’s complex features accessible to you. They wrote this to help both newcomers and seasoned users get productive quickly with SharePoint Online and Server, especially leveraging the latest tools in Office 365 integration.
SharePoint For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech)) book cover

by Ken Withee, Rosemarie Withee··You?

2019·416 pages·SharePoint Development, Microsoft Sharepoint, Collaboration Tools, Office 365 Integration, Portal Management

Drawing from their extensive experience in Microsoft technologies and SharePoint consulting, Ken and Rosemarie Withee crafted this guide to demystify SharePoint for users at any level. You’ll learn how to navigate both SharePoint Online and SharePoint Server, leveraging integrations with Office 365 apps like Teams, Word, and Excel to boost team productivity. The book breaks down complex setup processes, from site aggregation to managing portals, making it accessible for administrators and everyday users alike. Specific chapters focus on the latest SharePoint 2019 features, offering practical insights on streamlining collaboration without overwhelming technical jargon. This book suits those launching their SharePoint journey or looking to sharpen their operational skills within Microsoft’s ecosystem.

View on Amazon
Best for personal learning paths
This AI-created book on SharePoint development is crafted based on your background, skill level, and specific learning goals. You share which aspects of SharePoint you want to focus on, whether it's workflow automation, custom solutions, or hybrid deployments. The resulting book is tailored to guide you through the topics that matter most to your projects and career growth. This personalized approach makes navigating SharePoint's complexities more efficient and relevant.
2025·50-300 pages·SharePoint Development, Site Architecture, Content Management, Workflow Automation, Office 365 Integration

This tailored book explores the essential domains of SharePoint development, offering a personalized learning experience that matches your background and goals. It covers foundational concepts such as site architecture and content management while delving into advanced topics including workflow automation, hybrid deployment scenarios, and custom solution design. By focusing on your specific interests, it reveals the nuanced complexities of integrating Office 365 tools and optimizing SharePoint performance. The book synthesizes expert knowledge with your unique needs, providing a clear, focused pathway through the intricacies of SharePoint development. This personalized approach ensures you engage deeply with the material most relevant to your professional growth and project requirements, supporting mastery in this dynamic field.

Tailored Guide
Solution Architecture
3,000+ Books Created
Best for integrating Office and SharePoint 2007
Randy Holloway, a seasoned technical advisor for Microsoft's enterprise customers, draws on his extensive background in software engineering and IT leadership to craft this detailed guide. His experience working directly with enterprise solutions shines through, offering you practical knowledge on merging Office 2007 capabilities with SharePoint 2007. This book reflects Randy's commitment to helping developers and IT professionals build integrated systems that meet complex organizational needs.
Sharepoint 2007 and Office Development: Expert Solutions book cover

by Randy Holloway, Andrej Kyselica, Steve Caravajal··You?

324 pages·SharePoint Development, Office Integration, Workflow Building, Business Intelligence, Excel Reporting

Unlike most SharePoint development books that scratch the surface, this one dives into integrating Office 2007 and SharePoint 2007 for complex enterprise solutions. Randy Holloway and co-authors bring their deep technical expertise to scenarios like programmatically generating Office documents and crafting document-based workflows tied to business applications. Chapters explore building workflow solutions, programming SharePoint lists and libraries, and leveraging Business Intelligence tools such as Excel and Access reporting within SharePoint. If you're responsible for bridging Microsoft Office tools with SharePoint in a business context, this book lays out concrete techniques and integration patterns that you can directly apply.

View on Amazon
Best for hybrid SharePoint 2019 administrators
Vlad Catrinescu is a SharePoint and Office 365 consultant with extensive expertise in PowerShell, SharePoint, and hybrid scenarios. As a Microsoft Certified Trainer and MVP, he has guided countless IT professionals in maximizing their SharePoint deployments globally. His recognized influence in the Office 365 community and contributions to sites like CMSWire and ComputerWorld underscore his authority. This book reflects his deep technical knowledge and hands-on experience, making it a valuable reference for those managing SharePoint 2019 in complex environments.
2019·493 pages·SharePoint Development, Microsoft Sharepoint, Hybrid Scenarios, System Configuration, High Availability

Drawing from their deep expertise in SharePoint and Office 365, Vlad Catrinescu and Trevor Seward offer a detailed guide to deploying SharePoint 2019 with a focus on both on-premises and hybrid environments. You’ll gain practical knowledge on installation, configuration, and optimization while exploring modern features like Flow, PowerApps, and Power BI integration. The book systematically covers designing physical architectures and implementing high availability and disaster recovery strategies, helping you navigate the complexities of SharePoint 2019’s cloud-born foundations. Ideal for IT professionals familiar with earlier SharePoint versions, it sharpens your ability to manage migrations and hybrid setups with confidence.

View on Amazon
Best for mastering SharePoint 2010 management
Emer McKenna founded N2C Inc., a consulting service focused on Microsoft technologies and has been involved with SharePoint since its initial beta release. Her deep experience with this platform informs the detailed guidance offered in the book, making it a useful resource for anyone needing to understand or manage SharePoint 2010 effectively. The authors’ expertise ensures that complex topics are broken down into manageable sections, empowering you to approach SharePoint with confidence.
Sharepoint 2010 All-in-one for Dummies book cover

by Emer McKenna, Kevin Laahs, Veli-Matti Vanamo··You?

880 pages·SharePoint Development, Microsoft Sharepoint, Collaboration, Content Management, User Management

Emer McKenna, a pioneer who has worked with SharePoint since its earliest beta, brings clarity to the complexities of SharePoint 2010 in this guide. The book breaks down the platform into eight focused minibooks, each dedicated to critical areas like installation, configuration, enterprise content management, and deployment. You’ll gain practical knowledge on managing users, architecting solutions, and troubleshooting performance issues, making it suitable whether you’re just starting or looking to deepen your expertise. The modular structure allows you to dive into specific topics without feeling overwhelmed, providing a solid foundation for administrators, developers, and content producers alike.

View on Amazon
Best for personal action plans
This AI-created book on SharePoint development is crafted based on your current skills and what you want to achieve. You share your experience level and specific SharePoint areas to focus on, and the book is created just for you. This tailored approach makes learning more relevant and efficient, helping you progress faster by concentrating on the topics and projects that matter most for your goals.
2025·50-300 pages·SharePoint Development, Custom Solutions, Workflow Automation, Office 365 Integration, Site Configuration

This tailored book delves into a personalized, practical roadmap for advancing your SharePoint development skills over three months. It explores core concepts and advanced techniques, focusing specifically on your background and goals to ensure relevance and engagement. The content reveals how to effectively build, customize, and optimize SharePoint environments, emphasizing hands-on improvements aligned with your learning pace. By synthesizing extensive SharePoint knowledge into a clear, structured journey, the book fosters deeper understanding and skill enhancement. Tailored to your interests, it bridges expert insights with your unique development needs, guiding you through real-world scenarios and coding best practices to transform your SharePoint proficiency efficiently.

Tailored Guide
Practical Skill Growth
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for advanced SharePoint 2010 developers
Reza Alirezaei is the founder of Development Horizon and a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional since 2006. His deep expertise in architecting large-scale M365 and Dynamics 365 applications makes this book a practical resource for developers seeking to build advanced SharePoint 2010 solutions. Reza’s extensive speaking experience and numerous publications underscore his authority on this topic, providing you with a grounded perspective on SharePoint development challenges and strategies.
Professional Sharepoint 2010 Development book cover

by Jeff Fried Tom Rizzo Scot Hillier Kenneth Schaefer Paul J. Swider··You?

SharePoint Development, Enterprise Architecture, M365 Integration, Custom Solutions, Application Architecture

Reza Alirezaei, a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional since 2006 and founder of Development Horizon, leverages his extensive experience architecting large-scale M365 and Dynamics 365 applications to inform this detailed guide on SharePoint 2010 development. You’ll gain hands-on insights into building and customizing SharePoint solutions, including practical frameworks for deploying scalable M365 architectures. This book suits developers and IT architects aiming to deepen their mastery of SharePoint’s capabilities, particularly within enterprise environments. The authors’ collective expertise ensures you’re not just learning theory but applying strategies honed through real-world implementation.

View on Amazon
Best for efficient SharePoint document managers
SharePoint: Efficient Document Management, Version Control, and Libraries in SharePoint by Lynn Brown stands out by focusing on practical methods to improve how organizations handle content within SharePoint. This book dives into SharePoint’s core strengths—document storage, team collaboration, and workflow automation—providing a roadmap for maximizing productivity through centralized management. It highlights how to customize team sites, manage permissions, and integrate seamlessly with Office 365 applications, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to boost their SharePoint environment’s effectiveness. Whether deployed on-premises or in the cloud, this guide addresses common challenges faced by teams striving for streamlined communication and organized information management.
2023·190 pages·SharePoint Development, Microsoft Sharepoint, Document Management, Version Control, Team Collaboration

What if everything you knew about managing SharePoint documents was wrong? Lynn Brown challenges conventional approaches by focusing on efficiency in document management, version control, and libraries within SharePoint. You’ll learn how to leverage SharePoint’s built-in features like team sites, customizable lists, and workflow automation to streamline collaboration and maintain up-to-date records. The book breaks down complex functions into understandable segments, such as integrating SharePoint with Office 365 apps and managing permissions for secure access. If you’re responsible for organizing content or overseeing SharePoint environments, this book offers clear insights into optimizing your workflows without fluff.

View on Amazon
Best for Visual Studio focused SharePoint developers
Eric Carter is a development manager on the Bing team at Microsoft, with prior leadership in the Visual Studio team where he helped design key features developers rely on today. His hands-on experience with Microsoft's core development tools uniquely positions him to write this guide, aimed at making SharePoint 2010 development accessible to .NET developers. This book reflects his deep understanding of both Visual Studio and SharePoint, providing you with expert insights into building robust SharePoint solutions efficiently.
SharePoint 2010 Development with Visual Studio 2010 (Microsoft .NET Development Series) book cover

by Eric Carter, Boris Scholl, Peter Jausovec··You?

863 pages·SharePoint Development, Visual Studio, Microsoft Sharepoint, Business Collaboration, Application Packaging

The breakthrough moment came when Eric Carter and his co-authors, drawing on their deep involvement with Microsoft's Visual Studio and Bing teams, crafted a guide specifically for mainstream developers venturing into SharePoint 2010. You’ll learn how to utilize Visual Studio 2010’s integrated tools to build, package, and deploy SharePoint Foundation 2010 applications without the complexity often associated with enterprise setups. The book focuses on practical scenarios, starting from no SharePoint experience, guiding you through real business collaboration solutions. If you want a clear path to leverage Microsoft's development environment for SharePoint, this book offers a solid foundation without unnecessary overhead.

View on Amazon

Get Your Personal SharePoint Development Guide Fast

Stop sifting through generic advice. Get custom strategies tailored to your SharePoint goals in minutes.

Targeted learning paths
Efficient skill building
Personalized content

Trusted by SharePoint professionals worldwide

SharePoint Mastery Blueprint
90-Day SharePoint Transformation
SharePoint Trends & Innovations
Insider SharePoint Secrets

Conclusion

Across these eight standout books, a few themes emerge: the importance of foundational knowledge, the value of integrating SharePoint with Office and cloud services, and the need for practical, scenario-based learning. If you're just beginning, books like "SharePoint 2016 For Dummies" and "SharePoint For Dummies )" offer accessible introductions that ground you in essential concepts and workflows.

For those ready to build custom solutions, "Professional Sharepoint 2010 Development" and "SharePoint 2010 Development with Visual Studio 2010" provide detailed, developer-focused guidance. Meanwhile, "Deploying SharePoint 2019" stands out for administrators managing hybrid environments seeking advanced configuration and optimization techniques.

If you want to bridge the gap between general principles and your unique challenges, you can create a personalized SharePoint Development book tailored to your experience and goals. These books can help you accelerate your learning journey with targeted, trusted knowledge at your side.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Start with "SharePoint 2016 For Dummies" for a clear, practical introduction. It covers essential tasks and sets a solid foundation for deeper learning.

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

Not at all. Titles like "SharePoint For Dummies )" and "Sharepoint 2010 All-in-one for Dummies" break down complex topics into manageable sections for beginners.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with foundational guides, then progress to specialized titles like "Professional Sharepoint 2010 Development" and "Deploying SharePoint 2019" for advanced administration and development.

Do these books assume I already have experience in SharePoint Development?

Some do, like "Professional Sharepoint 2010 Development," but others such as "SharePoint For Dummies )" welcome readers at all skill levels with clear explanations.

Are any of these books outdated given how fast SharePoint Development changes?

Older editions focus on previous SharePoint versions but still offer valuable concepts. For the latest features and hybrid scenarios, "Deploying SharePoint 2019" is highly relevant.

Can I get a SharePoint Development book tailored to my specific needs and skill level?

Yes! While these expert books provide solid foundations, you can create a personalized SharePoint Development book that aligns content with your background and goals for efficient learning.

📚 Love this book list?

Help fellow book lovers discover great books, share this curated list with others!