7 Books to Start or Improve Your Elixir Career

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Elixir is a modern, functional programming language that is gaining popularity in the software development industry. It is built on top of the Erlang Virtual Machine, which provides excellent support for concurrency and distributed systems. If you are new to Elixir or looking to improve your skills, there are a plethora of books available that can help you get started and enhance your understanding of the language. In this article, we will take an in-depth overview of the top books that can help you start or improve your Elixir career.

“Programming Elixir 1.6” by Dave Thomas

This book is a comprehensive guide to the Elixir programming language. The book covers the basics of the language, including its syntax, data structures, and functions, as well as more advanced topics such as pattern matching, concurrency, and distributed programming. Throughout the book, Thomas uses real-world examples and clear explanations to illustrate the concepts and help readers understand how to effectively use Elixir in their own projects. Whether you are a seasoned programmer or just starting out, this book will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to build robust and scalable applications using Elixir.

“Elixir in Action” by Saša Jurić

This book provides a solid foundation in the basics of Elixir, including its syntax, data structures, and programming patterns. The author takes a hands-on approach, demonstrating how to build scalable, concurrent applications using Elixir’s functional programming features. Throughout the book, Jurić provides real-world examples and practical exercises, making it an ideal resource for developers looking to learn Elixir or improve their existing skills. Overall, “Elixir in Action” is a valuable resource for developers who want to gain a deeper understanding of this powerful language and its potential for building high-performance, scalable applications.

“Metaprogramming Elixir” by Chris McCord

Metaprogramming Elixir is a comprehensive guide to the art of writing programs. Written by Chris McCord, one of the lead developers of the popular Elixir programming language, the book provides a deep dive into the world of metaprogramming and how it can be used to make code more efficient, expressive, and reusable. The book covers a range of topics, from basic metaprogramming techniques such as code generation and macro expansion to more advanced topics like abstracting control structures and defining custom syntax. The book provides a wealth of examples and exercises, helping readers to put the concepts into practice and gain a deeper understanding of the power of metaprogramming. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting out with Elixir, Metaprogramming Elixir is an essential resource for anyone looking to take their coding skills to the next level.

“Functional Web Development with Elixir, OTP, and Phoenix” by Lance Halvorsen

The author, Lance Halvorsen, starts by introducing the basic concepts of functional programming and how Elixir and OTP can help with building scalable and robust web applications. The book then goes on to cover the basics of Phoenix and how it can be used to create modern, fast, and interactive web applications. Throughout the book, the author provides hands-on examples and practical advice on best practices for developing, deploying, and maintaining web applications with Elixir and Phoenix. The book is aimed at web developers looking to learn about functional programming and the Elixir ecosystem, as well as experienced Elixir developers looking to expand their skills.

“Elixir Cookbook” by Ben Wilson

Elixir Cookbook by Ben Wilson is a comprehensive guide to the Elixir programming language. The book covers various aspects of the language, from basics such as syntax, variables, and functions, to more advanced topics like OTP, concurrency, and distributed systems. The author has provided numerous code examples and recipes that are easy to understand and implement. The book aims at both new and experienced Elixir developers and provides a solid foundation for building robust, scalable, and maintainable applications. Overall, Elixir Cookbook is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to master the Elixir language and build their skills as an Elixir developer.

“Introducing Elixir” by Simon St. Laurent

This book is a beginner-friendly guide to the Elixir programming language. This book comprehensively introduces Elixir’s syntax, design principles, and libraries. It is ideal for those who are new to functional programming or have limited experience with programming in general. The author breaks down complex topics into easy-to-understand explanations, making the book accessible to everyone. Readers will learn how to create robust, scalable, and reliable applications using Elixir through numerous examples and exercises. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn a new language or an experienced programmer looking to expand your skill set, “Introducing Elixir” is a must-read.

“Elixir for Programmers” by Dave Thomas

It provides a comprehensive introduction to the Elixir programming language, including its syntax, functional programming concepts, and its use in building scalable, concurrent, and fault-tolerant applications. The book covers topics such as functional programming, process-based concurrency, distribution and communication between processes, OTP and its components, building scalable systems, and more. It is written for experienced programmers who want to learn the Elixir programming language and its features.

The Elixir-related books will provide you a comprehensive and in-depth overview of the language and its features. They also offer a structured way to learn, with chapters and sections that build on each other to provide a solid foundation of knowledge. Additionally, many books are written by experienced developers and experts in the field, providing valuable insights and best practices. Some of these books also come with examples and exercises that help you better understand and apply the concepts in practice.

Books can also be a valuable resource for learning about specific topics or advanced features of the language that may not be covered in online tutorials or other resources.