Author: Vedat Ozan Oner
Publisher: Packt
Publication Date: September 13, 2021
Publication Link
Prerequisites: Electrical engineering knowledge VERY helpful
Disclaimer: The publisher sent me a copy of this book for review. I promise that everything said here is my own opinion regardless. All reviews at the Cross Trained Mind are open and honest.
About This Book
This book goes into detail on using the ESP32 device to build projects focusing on automation. It starts with the very basics, progresses through different peripherals that extend its functionality, and finishes with concerns and considerations for projects such as security.
Who Is This For?
The book has a broader focus on anyone with an interest in using the ESP32 for their projects. I would personally argue that this book works better for someone with at least a hobbyist’s background in electronics. You won’t get quite as much out of this book otherwise.
Organization
I really like the overall organization of this book. There are three sections, standard for most Packt books, but each section has a practice project that brings together everything you’ve learned so far and gives even more detail. Each non-practice chapter gives you 2-3 books that can further your understanding of the topic.
Did This Book Succeed?
This is a great book that stays true to its topic. By working through this book, you’ll have the ability to create projects using the ESP32 and easily build upon your knowledge to take it beyond what the book teaches you. The only downside with it, and this is an issue with nearly every hardware book I’ve read, is that there is no price estimate given for each project. Yes, the ESP32 itself is very cheap, but you need more than just it to build up the projects. While a hobbyist or IoT professional might have the remaining hardware laying around, newcomers to the field probably will not.
Rating and Final Thoughts
Overall, I give this book a 4.7 out of 5.
It states exactly what it is and sticks to it. It’s a well-organized and tight book that anyone in IoT will want to pick up.
