top 10 best object-oriented programming books this year [learn oop]

Top 10 Best Object-Oriented Programming Books for 2024 [Learn OOP]

Did you know Object oriented programming (OOP) has been around for over 50 years?

🤓 Fun fact: Simula is the world’s first object-oriented programming language, introducing us to objects, classes, and other OOP goodness.

Today, OOP is used everywhere: software apps, websites, mobile apps, and more.

It’s a good skill to have as a software developer.

So today we’re showing you the top 10 best object-oriented programming books for this year.

(That said, if you prefer online courses, check out our list of top 10 best object-oriented programming courses.)

This post contains affiliate links. I may receive compensation if you buy something. Read my disclosure for more details.

TLDR: Top 10 Best Object-Oriented Programming Books

Object-oriented programming (OOP) is a programming paradigm that creates objects within code. These objects contain functions and data.

We picked the best of the best object-oriented programming books.

💥 Best Value 💥
Head First: Object-Oriented Analysis and Design

💥 Best for New Programmers 💥
Beginning Java Programming: The Object-Oriented Approach

What is object-oriented programming?

Object-oriented programming (OOP) is a programming paradigm. It creates objects within code that contain functions and data.

OOP binds the data and functions together.

No other parts of the code can access that data except that function.

These objects are reusable.

Now that we have that out of the way – here are the best object-oriented programming books for this year.

1. Programming Python: Powerful Object-Oriented Programming

With in-depth tutorials, Programming Python covers application domains in system administration, graphical user interfaces and the Web.

In addition, you’ll learn about how Python is used in:

  • databases
  • text processing
  • networking

And beyond.

Also, Programming Python examines frequently used Python tools and libraries.

But beware, this book is massive.

It’s 1557 pages broken down into 5 sections:

  • The Beginning – OOP classes, behavior, inheritance, refactoring
  • System Programming – script execution, parallel system tools, file and directory tools
  • GUI Programming – tkinter, coding techniques, programs
  • Internet Programming – network scripting, client-side scripting, PyMailCGI server
  • Tools and Techniques – databases and persistence, data structures, Python/C integration
Scrolled canvas lesson in Programming Python: Powerful Object-Oriented Programming

You should understand Python fundamentals before reading this book.

🔥 Pick up Programming Python: Powerful Object-Oriented Programming. 🔥

2. PHP Advanced and Object-Oriented Programming: Visual QuickPro Guide

First and foremost, PHP Advanced is focused on using PHP in real-world applications.

So you’ll learn how to build web applications using advanced PHP.

However, there’s an added section on OOP, which is what we really care about!

First, you’ll start with basic OOP fundamentals such as:

  • defining a class
  • creating an object
  • designing classes with UML
  • creating constructors and destructors

And more.

Then, the book touches on more advanced OOP concepts like:

  • inheriting classes
  • access control
  • interfaces
  • traits
  • type hinting

And beyond.

Finally, Advanced PHP proceeds to cover more PHP concepts.

So in all, there are approximately 100 pages dedicated to OOP.

… It’s a good introduction to OOP programming in PHP with plenty of useful samples …

Mr. P. A. Brown, Amazon customer

🔥 Pick up PHP Advanced and Object-Oriented Programming: Visual QuickPro Guide. 🔥

3. Head First: Object-Oriented Analysis and Design

Head First: Object-Oriented Analysis & Design shows readers how to analyze and design object-oriented software.

So that means creating software that’s reusable, maintainable and extendable.

In addition, you’ll be able to add new features without breaking existing ones.

Also, you’ll learn how to build flexible applications using object-oriented principles such as delegation and encapsulation.

Then, you’ll learn how to use OOP design patterns to solve problems more efficiently.

Finally you’ll learn about:

  • gathering requirements
  • analysis
  • architecture
  • design principles
  • iterating and testing

And beyond.

🔥 Geena’s Hot Take

Whenever I get the chance, I will always recommend a Head First book.

These books are rad!

It’s so easy for programming books to be dull walls of text. Heck, a lot of them are.

But not Head First.

They speak in layman’s terms, plain English.

In addition, they write a ton of notes down and pair them with swaths of imagery to drive concepts home.

So it’s kind of like they clarify something, then clarify the clarification.

This is especially helpful with difficult concepts such as OOP.

Feature magnets in Head First: Object-Oriented Analysis and Design

🔥 Pick up Head First: Object-Oriented Analysis and Design. 🔥

4. Mastering JavaScript Object-Oriented Programming

Are you a web developer? You’ll want to check this book out. In Mastering JavaScript Object-Oriented Programming, you’ll learn about popular OOP principles and design patterns in ES6.

First, the book starts off with a refresher on objects.

Then you’ll go through some OOP essentials like abstraction, encapsulation and inheritance.

So from there, you’ll move onto more complex concepts like defining contracts with duck typing.

In addition, you’ll cover advanced object creation and SOLID principles.

Also, some other core concepts you’ll learn include:

  • mastering JavaScript OOP features
  • identifying and applying common patterns
  • build robust and maintainable code
  • use modular architecture to design applications

This book is for developers with a solid foundation in JavaScript that are looking to build more robust code in ES6.

A great read for getting into the OO sides of web dev.

Michael Sankovich, Amazon customer

🔥 Pick up Mastering JavaScript Object-Oriented Programming. 🔥

5. Mastering Object-Oriented Python

Using practical examples, Mastering Object-Oriented Python teaches advanced OOP concepts in Python.

So you’ll learn how to create Python programs using design alternatives.

Then, you’ll learn how to handle object conversions, hashing and object comparison.

In addition, you’ll learn how to locate the best algorithms and data structures.

Finally, you’ll learn how to implement object-oriented designs in your programs.

RST lesson in Mastering Object-Oriented Python

So here are some specifics you’ll learn:

  • examine design patterns for __init__()
  • how to use Flask
  • use SOLID principles
  • create classes
  • design testable code

And much more.

You should have a solid Python background before reading this book. In addition, you should have prior knowledge of OOP design patterns and concepts.

🔥 Pick up Mastering Object-Oriented Python. 🔥

6. Modern Programming: Object Oriented Programming and Best Practices

In Modern Programming, you’ll learn how to break down OOP into its core building blocks.

Then, you’ll learn how to build efficient and maintainable programs.

Also, you’ll learn how to use tools like an integrated development environment (IDE).

Finally, you’ll learn how to work with other developers.

Modern Programming also covers:

  • testing
  • architecture
  • documentation
  • critical analysis
  • ethics

Also much more.

While this book caters to experienced programmers, there are a lot of good bits for beginners too (teamwork, IDEs, etc.).

🔥 Pick up Modern Programming: Object Oriented Programming and Best Practices. 🔥

7. Python 3 Object-Oriented Programming

In Python 3 Object-Oriented Programming, you’ll first learn syntax and libraries for Python 3.8.

In addition, you’ll learn about data encapsulation, classes and exceptions. Then you’ll learn when to use each of them.

Therefore, by studying high-level design patterns, you’ll learn how to create maintainable applications.

Also, Python 3 Object-Oriented Programming covers:

  • when objects are alike
  • when to use OOP
  • Python data structures
  • strings and serialization
  • Python design patterns

And much, much more.

AsyncIO lesson in Python 3 Object Oriented Programming

This book is for developers who are completely new to object-oriented programming. It’s also suitable for devs who have a basic understanding of Python 3 concepts.

🔥 Pick up Python 3 Object Oriented Programming. 🔥

8. Beginning Java Programming: The Object-Oriented Approach

Beginning Java Programming teaches Java using an object-oriented approach.

Therefore, you’ll learn OOP in Java right off the bat.

First, you’ll learn how to apply OOP to Java concepts.

Then you’ll make apps accessible to graphical user interface (GUI) users.

OOP is covered in about half of the book. You’ll also learn about setting up your dev environment, Java fundamentals and beyond.

Some core OOP concepts covered include:

  • classes and objects
  • variables and methods
  • class inheritance
  • information hiding
  • packages
  • and more

In addition, every chapter uses real-world exercises based on educational and business scenarios.

This book is for programmers with no Java experience.

It covers the principles of OOP with detailed examples and breakdown on steps in explaining the code.

Beginner, Amazon Customer

🔥 Pick up Beginning Java Programming: The Object-Oriented Approach. 🔥

9. Practical Object-Oriented Design in Ruby: An Agile Primer

Practical Object-Oriented Design in Ruby is a handy little guide for applying OOP to Ruby.

You’ll learn how to create new manageable and extensive code. But you’ll also be able use it to repair existing code.

Some core topics covered include:

  • avoiding entangling objects
  • applying inheritance
  • building objects via composition
  • improve poorly designed Ruby code
  • combining objects with composition

But most importantly, you’ll learn how you can craft Ruby code… with OOP that’s easy to maintain.

This book is intended for Ruby developers of all levels. What you get out of it depends on your skill level.

🔥 Pick up Practical Object-Oriented Design in Ruby: An Agile Primer. 🔥

10. The Principles of Object-Oriented JavaScript

It’s hard to envision how JavaScript can be object-oriented when you compare it to Java or C++.

In The Principles of Object-Oriented JavaScript, you’ll learn about what makes JavaScript functions unique.

Then, you’ll learn how to create objects, define constructors and inheritance patterns.

Some concepts covered include:

  • primitive and reference types
  • functions
  • understanding objects
  • object patterns

And beyond.

Types lesson in The Principles of Object-Oriented JavaScript

This guide is for developers with some background in JavaScript programming.

🔥 Pick up The Principles of Object-Oriented JavaScript. 🔥

Best Object-Oriented Programming Books: Conclusion

Today we showed you our top 10 picks for best object-oriented programming books:

1. Programming Python: Powerful Object-Oriented Programming

2. PHP Advanced and Object-Oriented Programming: Visual QuickPro Guide

3. Head First: Object-Oriented Analysis and Design

4. Mastering JavaScript Object-Oriented Programming

5. Mastering Object-Oriented Python

6. Modern Programming: Object Oriented Programming and Best Practices

7. Python 3 Object-Oriented Programming

8. Beginning Java Programming: The Object-Oriented Approach

9. Practical Object-Oriented Design in Ruby: An Agile Primer

10.
The Principles of Object-Oriented JavaScript

And whether you’re a hardcore JavaScripter, Pythonista or exploring Java, learning OOP is an excellent skill to have in your developer toolbox.



Up Next: Top 10 Best Object Oriented Programming Courses [Learn OOP]

  1. What are the best object-oriented programming books?

    There are many excellent object-oriented programming books. But a big part of choosing a book is how you learn best. For example, do you thrive while reading textbooks? Then Programming Python: Powerful Object-Oriented Programming and its 1557 pages might be best for you. But if you prefer reading books that feel like the author is talking to you on a personal level, Head First: Object-Oriented Analysis and Design. It’s filled with illustrations and notes to reinforce concepts.

  2. What is the first object-oriented programming language?

    The first object-oriented programming language is Simula. Simula was developed in the mid 1960s by Norwegian computer engineers. It was the first language to use objects, classes, subclasses and inheritance. Simula 67 was another version of Simula. You’ll find Simula-type objects in C++, Java and other modern programming languages.