Welcome to John Wargo Books, my site listing the books and magazine articles I've written/published. To date, I've written
6 books, plus a series of magazine articles I wrote that were later published into an anthology, making a
total of 7 books. Most of my books cover mobile development topics, but my first book was a book for Soccer
Officials (Referees). You'll find information about all of them here, plus links to purchase the books if
you're so inclined.
Read more about my publications by making a selection from the following list, or using the menu at the top of the page.
I semi-regularly post articles on a wide range of random topics on my personal blog at
www.johnwargo.com. You can also read more about my books on my
Amazon Author Page.
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As a mobile developer, I became interested in Apache Cordova (Adobe PhoneGap) as a way to build cross
platform mobile apps. I quickly learned what I could about the framework and started writing about
it. Over the years, I've written several books on the topic: two core books and several rewrites
of one of them. I eventually became a contributor to the Cordova project and contributed what I could.
As a Product Manager at SAP, I was responsible for the Cordova plugins distributed in the SAP Mobile
Platform. Click the section title above to view the list of my Cordova/PhoneGap books.
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For several years, I worked at Research In Motion (RIM, later renamed BlackBerry) as an evangelist working
with RIM's largest carrier and its customers, helping them learn how to build mobile applications
for the BlackBerry platform. During this time, I recognized that while the BlackBerry development
documentation was helpful, it was a tough starting point for beginning BlackBerry developers. Once
I left RIM, I decided to write a book for beginning BlackBerry developers, which ended up being the
first book dedicated to BlackBerry development. Click the section title above to view information
about this book.
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I worked as a IBM Lotus Notes/Domino developer for many years, for several employers; I even created
several award winning commercial software products for Lotus Notes. Toward the end of my Notes career,
I started writing articles for The View, a magazine dedicated to IBM Lotus Notes and Domino administrators
and developers. By this time, I was focusing on mobile development, and in order to learn many of
the different mobile development approaches, I decided to write a series of articles for The View
describing how to use each. Over time, I published about 20 articles (or so) on mobile development
for Domino, which were published into an anthology. Click the section title above to view information
about this anthology.
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I was a Soccer (what most of the world knows as Football) Referee for 22 years; working amateur, high
school, and professional matches locally and across the US. During this period, I became a Referee
Instructor and spent many weekends teaching new Referees how to become Soccer Referees and teaching
new topics to experienced Referees. I eventually retired, and, as I walked out of my last Referee
gathering, I decided to write a book for beginning Soccer Referees. This book covered everything
I knew a beginning Soccer Referee needed to know to start his career. Click the section title above
to view details about this book.
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Over the years, I've used every opportunity to publish articles in external publications. All technical
articles (so far), and something I hope to continue to do as opportunities arise. Click the section
title above to view the list of articles.
Links to external references:
Over the years, I've written several books on the Apache Cordova project. I started with the first book, then
delivered updates to that particular book as Cordova updated. Eventually, I took the API portion of my latest
book and dramatically expanded it into its own volume. Read about each of the books below.
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This book is a complete rewrite of
Apache Cordova 3 Programming, updated for Apache Cordova 4. This book also dramatically expanded
the depth of topic coverage from the previous edition, delivering many more details on how to use
the framework for cross-platform mobile app development. It weighs in at about 200 pages longer than
the original
PhoneGap Essentials.
Coupled with
Apache Cordova API Cookbook, the two volumes deliver almost 800 pages of materials; providing
the most complete coverage of Apache Cordova available anywhere.
Here's the description from the book's back cover:
Using Apache Cordova 4, you can leverage native technologies and web standards to quickly build cross-platform
apps for any mobile device. You can deliver a high-end user experience where it matters, while radically
simplifying code maintenance and reuse. Apache Cordova 4 Programming is the most concise, accessible
introduction to this remarkable technology.
In this essential guide, expert mobile developer John Wargo quickly gets you up-to-speed with all the
essentials, from installation and configuration to building plugins and using Cordova’s powerful
APIs. Wargo helps you make the most of Cordova 4’s major enhancements, while offering practical guidance
for all versions, including Adobe PhoneGap. Full chapters are dedicated to five major mobile platforms:
Android, iOS, Windows Phone, Firefox OS, and Ubuntu.
Using rich, relevant examples, Wargo illuminates both the anatomy of a Cordova app and its entire lifecycle,
including cross-platform testing and debugging. Throughout, he illuminates Cordova development best
practices, helping you write high-quality code right from the start.
Topics include
- Installing and configuring Cordova’s development environment
- Working with the Cordova command line interface
- Creating Cordova plugins, using Plugman and the PhoneGap CLI
- Cordova’s support for Firefox OS and Ubuntu devices
- Automation (Grunt and Gulp) and Cordova CLI hooks
- Microsoft’s hybrid toolkit for Visual Studio
- Third-party tools such as AppGyver, GapDebug, THyM, and more
- Extending Cordova with third-party HTML frameworks such as Bootstrap, OpenUI5, Ionic, and Onsen UI
- Running, testing, and debugging Cordova apps on each major mobile platform
View the book's web site.
View the Amazon page for this book.
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Each of my other Cordova books allocated equal space to the Cordova tooling and the Cordova APIs. For
this volume, I delivered an overview and detailed implementation details for each of the Cordova
APIs. The book can stand alone in that it contains a brief introduction to Cordova at the start,
followed by the details for each API. The book includes at least one, but usually more, complete,
functional applications demonstrating the usage of each Cordova API.
Coupled with
Apache Cordova 4 Programming, the two volumes deliver almost 800 pages of materials; providing
the most complete coverage of Apache Cordova available anywhere.
From the book's web site:
Apache Cordova API Cookbook provides experienced mobile developers with details about how each Cordova
API works and how to use the APIs in their own applications. Using Apache Cordova, mobile developers
can write cross-platform mobile apps using standard HTML 5, JavaScript, and CSS, and then deploy
those apps to every leading mobile platform with little or no re-coding. Coverage is included for
all Cordova/PhoneGap 3 APIs.
Instead of just showing short snippets of code to explain a particular API, the book is chock full of
complete, contextual examples. Inside the book, you’ll find more than 30 complete Cordova applications;
chapter content highlights how those applications look and work on Android, iOS, Windows and more.
The sample applications provide developers with applications they can run on every Cordova supported
mobile device platform to see exactly what the API does, how it works and what the limitations are
on each platform.
Through realistic "cookbook" example code, pioneering enterprise mobile developer John Wargo helps you
master the Cordova APIs and understand how to use them in your Cordova applications.
Topics include:
- Accelerometer, compass and geolocation
- Image, video, and audio capture, playback, and management
- Determining connection and device information
- Interacting with contacts
- Responding to application events
- Using the device file system
- Globalizing apps
- Using the InAppBrowser
- Notifications
- Custom splash screens
- and much, much more
Special care has been taken to make the application code easily readable and digestible by the reader.
Weighing in at about 300 pages, you will not find a more thorough coverage of the topic anywhere.
View the book's web site.
View the Amazon page for this book.
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This book is a complete rewrite of
PhoneGap Essentials, updated for Apache Cordova 3; the first release after the project was moved
to the Apache Foundation and renamed to Cordova. This book dramatically expanded the depth of topic
coverage from the previous edition, delivering more details on how to use the framework for cross-platform
mobile app development. This book never went to print, it is only available as an ebook.
View the book's web site.
View the Amazon page for this book.
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This was my first book on Apache Cordova development. Its a long story, but Cordova was originally called
PhoneGap, but then it was changed to Cordova when it joined the Apache foundation. PhoneGap then
became Adobe's distribution of Apache Cordova. Anyway, this PhoneGap book dealt with PhoneGap 2,
the version released before it became Cordova.
Note: This book is woefully outdated and should not be used for anything (unless you happen
to be working with PhoneGap 2.0 for some bizarre reason).
Something cool about this book is that it was translated and published in both Mandarin and Korean. There
were even copies of the book available in the
Singapore Public Library (and may still be available today).
View the Amazon page for this book.
For several years, I worked at Research In Motion (RIM, later renamed BlackBerry) as an evangelist working with
RIM's largest carrier and its customers, helping them learn how to build mobile applications for the BlackBerry
platform. During this time, I recognized that while the BlackBerry development documentation was helpful,
it was a tough starting point for beginning BlackBerry developers. Once I left RIM, I decided to write a
book for beginning BlackBerry developers, which ended up being the first book dedicated to BlackBerry development.
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BlackBerry Development Fundamentals was my first technical book and a lot of fun to write. The book is
an introductory book on BlackBerry Development; at the time, the only book of its kind.
It explains in detail everything you need to develop applications for the BlackBerry platform. It covers
the server components (BlackBerry Mobile Data System), each of the possible development options for
the platform, how to install and operate RIM's free development plus how to deploy applications.
It's not a heavy code book nor is it a book on Java development for BlackBerry, there are other books
out there that cover that well. It's a book that is designed to help new or existing BlackBerry developers
get all of the fundamental skills they need to get started developing applications for BlackBerry.
It explains what you can and cannot do with mobile applications for BlackBerry, the platforms strengths
and weaknesses (from a development standpoint) and contains many tricks that will help save BlackBerry
developers lots of time when building their applications.
View the Amazon page for this book.
Mastering Mobile for Notes/Domino
For several years, I was a technical advisor for The View, a magazine for IBM Lotus Domino developers and administrators.
During that period, I published 20 articles in the publication. The majority of my articles were on mobile
development for IBM Lotus Domino and this anthology contains 16 of my articles out of a total of 22 in the
book.
In the article series, I wrote about all of the different ways a developer could mobilize IBM Lotus Domino application
data. I also covered several generic topics like cross platform development and how to think like a mobile
developer.
The book contains my articles on the following topics:
- Prepare your Domino developer brain (and applications) for mobile
- Mobilize Domino applications for multiple mobile device platforms
- Build a mobile app using a variety of solutions, including:
- Adobe PhoneGap
- Apple Dashcode
- Appcelerator Titanium
- BlackBerry Widgets
- Kryos Velocity AppXtender
- Rhodes and RhoConnect
- Sencha Touch
- Teamstudio Unplugged
The book also includes articles by Julian Buss and Michael Butcher.
What Now? The Essential Guide for New Soccer Referees was my first book. I decided to write it as I
retired from Soccer officiating.
Having been a US Soccer State Referee Instructor for many years, I had a lot of experience working with brand
new referees. I knew that in the rush to get information on the Soccer Laws of the Game into the brains of
the new Soccer Referee, that only a small amount of time is spent at the end of the standard US Soccer New
Referee Clinic teaching new Referees how to actually be Referees. I knew what I had to do - I had to write
a book that was designed to supplement the New Referee Clinic material.
The purpose of the book then is to cover everything the new Referee needs to know and do between the end of their
first Referee clinic and the beginning of their second game. There's nothing in the book about the Laws of
the Game, but a whole lot of detailed information on:
- How to put together the Referee's kit (the uniform, bag, flags and everything else a new Referee needs to
have with them)
- How to prepare for a game
- How to self-assess after a game
- How to inspect the field
- How to blow the whistle (something many new Soccer Referees struggle with)
- What to do before the game
- What to do at half time
- What to do after the game
- and much, much more
View the Amazon page for this book.
I've recently started performing technical reviews for several of Pearson's Python products. I didn't write or
record these products, but I am listed in the credits.
Learning Python Doesn’t Have to Be Difficult!
Have you ever wanted to learn programming? Have you ever wanted to learn the flexible, easy Python language behind
many of today’s best web, data analytics, and scientific applications? Whether you’re new to programming
or moving from another language, Python Without Fear will quickly make you productive with Python!
Brian Overland has earned rave reviews for his unique approach to teaching programming. He starts with short,
simple examples you can easily enter and run. Within a couple of chapters, you’ll be creating useful utilities,
playing games, and solving puzzles. Everything is simplified to its essentials, patiently explained, and
clearly illustrated with practical examples and exercises that help you make progress quickly.
Overland reveals the “whys” and “tricks” behind each Python language feature. And you’ll never get bogged down
in complex or pointless examples: He keeps you 100% focused on learning what works and what matters—while
having fun!
- Covers installing and using the newest Python 3.x versions, and shows how to adapt your code for older versions
- Teaches with puzzles, games, and relevant exercises
- Offers more “why” and “how-to” coverage—reveals how Python works “under the covers,” so you can avoid time-consuming
mistakes
- Takes you from basic scripting to advanced objects and data management
- Contains an expanded reference section for all your day-to-day programming
- Well-designed for programmers who’ve previously used C, C++, Visual Basic, or Java
Whether you want to learn Python programming for pleasure or you’re considering a career in programming, this
book is an outstanding choice.
View the Amazon page for this book.
Python from Scratch LiveLessons is a gentler, more entertaining, and more practical starting point to learning
the Python programming language. Unlike the typical approach to teaching a programming language that covers
each feature section by section, this course is structured more like a cooking class. You can follow along
and execute all the code being demonstrated in an interactive notebook as you watch the video, much the same
way you would watch a cooking video in your kitchen.
Beginner level for anyone new to Python and object-oriented programming. Builds from scratch from beginner to
more advanced topics through a follow-along approach.
What You Will Learn:
- How to use the interactive Jupyter notebook platform to execute simple commands
- How to use the import statement to use external code and read input from an external source
- How to work with strings and how to use indexing operators
- How to write program controls
- How to use built-in types and write/use user-defined types
- How to access elements in dictionaries
- How to use if and elif control structures
- How to take advantage of dictionaries and tuples
- How to write complex functions
- How to use keyword arguments in functions
- How to write classes and use inheritance
- How to read data in and push data out to other programs
- How to create callbacks and mock classes
- How to use third-party libraries
- How to document Python code
View the Safari page for this Video Series.
For several years, I worked for a North American carrier, so I had access to many different models of smartphones.
Because of this, I was well suited to perform a technical review for a book on a popular smartphone model.
I didn't write this book, but I am listed in the credits.
The book provides step-by-step instructions with callouts to Motorola Atrix 4G photos so that you can see exactly
what to do
Available to help when you run into Motorola Atrix 4G problems or limitations
Delivers Tips and Notes to help you get the most from your Motorola Atrix 4G
Full-color, step-by-step tasks walk you through getting and keeping your Motorola Atrix 4G working just the way
you want. Learn how to:
- Get started fast!
- Make the most of Atrix 4G’s advanced hardware and new Android software
- Convert your Atrix 4G into a laptop with Motorola’s amazing Lapdock
- Manage all your contacts and email together--from Gmail, Exchange, Facebook, and beyond
- Play media, search YouTube, upload new videos--even display videos on TV
- Connect to Bluetooth devices, Wi-Fi networks, and secure VPNs
- Visit, bookmark, share, and track websites
- Use GPS to find local search results and businesses
- Track your calendar--including events stored on Google Calendar or Microsoft Exchange
- Capture, store, and share photos
- Send and receive text and multimedia messages
- Use Google Voice to cut calling costs and automatically transcribe voicemail
- Get instant information updates with real-time widgets
- Find, choose, install, and work with new Android apps
- Customize wallpaper, keyboard, display, and accessibility options
- Secure your Atrix with its built-in fingerprint reader
- Squeeze out more hours of battery life
- Keep your Motorola Atrix 4G up-to-date and running smoothly
View the Amazon page for this book.
The following is a list of magazine and online articles I've published over the years. Unfortunately, the View
articles are no longer available online, the publication is no longer published.
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Make the Switch
Make Magazine (Volume 61 - February, 2018)
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Reading data from devices
HackSpace Magazine (Issue #3 - February, 2018)
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Reading digital data on the Arduino platform
HackSpace Magazine (Issue #2 - January, 2018)
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Add Arduino power to your projects
HackSpace Magazine (Issue #1 - December, 2017)
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Pi Zero Visual Appointment Reminder
The MagPi Magazine, June 2017
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Solder Together a Fairy Lights Mason Jar
Make Magazine, June 2017
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Collect and Display Weather Data with a Raspberry Pi
Make Magazine, November 2016
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Get a Flashing Meeting Reminder with a Raspberry Pi
Make Magazine, June 2016
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Apache Cordova and Server-Side Technologies
InformIT, February 2016
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What's New in Apache Cordova 4?
InformIT, April 2015
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Arduino-Powered Pinewood Derby Race Car
Make Magazine, March 2015
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Comparing Approaches to Mobile Development
The View Magazine, February, 2013
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Mobilizing Domino Data Using Sencha Touch, Part 3
The View Magazine, May, 2013
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Mobilizing Domino Data Using Sencha Touch, Part 2
The View Magazine, December, 2012
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Mobilizing Domino Data Using Sencha Touch, Part 1
The View Magazine, November, 2012
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Mobilizing Domino Data Using Rhodes and RhoConnect, Part 4
The View Magazine, August 2012
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Mobilizing Domino Data Using Rhodes and RhoConnect, Part 3
The View Magazine, July 2012
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Mobilizing Domino Data Using Rhodes and RhoConnect, Part 2 — Testing the Demo App
The View Magazine, May 2012
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Mobilizing Domino Data Using Rhodes and RhoConnect, Part 1 — Getting Started
The View Magazine, May 2012
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Mobilize Your Enterprise Data Using a Mobile Application Platform
The View Magazine, March 2012
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Mobilizing Domino Using Appcelerator Titanium
The View Magazine, October 2011
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Preparing Your Domino Developer Brain (and Applications) for Mobile
The View Magazine, August 2011
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Mobilizing Domino Applications for Multiple Mobile Device Platforms Using PhoneGap
The View Magazine, July 2011
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Mobilizing Domino Applications Using Teamstudio Unplugged
The View Magazine June 2011
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Creating Domino-Friendly Entries in Google Analytics
The View Magazine, March 2011
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Mobilize Notes Applications to iPhone and iPad Using Apple Dashcode
The View Magazine, March 2011
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Mobilizing Domino Data Using Kryos Velocity AppXtender
The View Magazine, January 2011
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Dr. Dobb's Journal, October 2010
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Taking it With You, Part 2: Mobilizing Domino Databases Using Native Clients, Hybrid Applications, and MEAPs
The View Magazine, October 2010
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Taking It With You, Part 1: Know Your Options for Mobilizing Domino Databases via the Web
The View Magazine, September 2010
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Mobile Application Development Trends — What Today's Developer Needs to Know Now
The View Magazine, June 2010
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BlackBerry Developer's Conference Wrap-Up
InformIT, May 2010
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BlackBerry Widgets — A Fast, Easy Way to Mobilize Your Domino Applications
The View Magazine, March 2010
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Best Practices in Notes Client Deployment (with David Via)
e-Pro Magazine, October 2003
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Manipulate Notes Preference Settings
Advisor Expert on Lotus Notes & Domino R5 Magazine, May, 2002
Apache Cordova/Adobe PhoneGap
BlackBerry Development
IBM Lotus Notes/Domino Mobile Development
Soccer Officials
Magazine Articles
