6 Best-Selling Heroku Books Millions Trust

Explore best-selling Heroku books authored by leading experts, trusted by many for mastering Heroku’s platform and architecture.

Updated on June 27, 2025
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There's something special about books that both critics and crowds love, especially when it comes to mastering a dynamic platform like Heroku. As cloud deployment and scalable applications become the backbone of modern software, these six Heroku books have stood out for their practical insights and lasting relevance. Whether you're deploying your first app or preparing for certification, these works offer proven approaches that many developers have affirmed.

The books featured here are penned by authors with deep experience and intimate knowledge of the Heroku ecosystem. Names like Neil Middleton, Richard Schneeman, and Michael Shaw bring authoritative perspectives grounded in real-world application and technical mastery. Their works range from hands-on deployment guides to focused exam prep, each providing valuable frameworks that have shaped how professionals engage with Heroku.

While these popular books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific Heroku needs might consider creating a personalized Heroku book that combines these validated approaches. This can help bridge general expertise with your unique background and goals, making your Heroku learning journey even more effective.

Best for seamless app deployment
Neil Middleton is a seasoned expert in cloud application deployment and management, with extensive experience in utilizing Heroku's platform. He has authored several guides on cloud technologies, focusing on practical applications and best practices. Richard Schneeman, co-author, is also a recognized authority in the field, contributing valuable insights into application scaling and performance optimization.
2013·98 pages·Heroku, Cloud Computing, DevOps, Application Deployment, Scaling Techniques

Neil Middleton and Richard Schneeman provide a focused manual for developers eager to harness Heroku’s cloud platform effectively. You’ll gain concrete skills in deploying applications smoothly, scaling to meet demand, and troubleshooting issues like latency and downtime. The book walks you through command line use, buildpack customization, and selecting PostgreSQL plans, giving you practical insights into optimizing app performance. Whether you’re tackling deployment checklists or regional scaling, this guide suits developers who want to deepen their operational expertise with Heroku’s ecosystem.

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Best for practical Heroku solutions
Mike Coutermarsh is a seasoned developer with extensive experience in deploying and managing web applications on Heroku. His expertise in Ruby on Rails and command-line tools has made him a go-to resource for developers looking to optimize their Heroku usage. With a focus on practical solutions, Mike has authored several guides that help both beginners and experienced developers navigate the complexities of cloud application management.
Heroku Cookbook book cover

by Mike Coutermarsh·

2014·232 pages·Heroku, DevOps, Cloud Computing, Web Applications, Command Line

Mike Coutermarsh is a seasoned developer whose deep experience with Ruby on Rails and command-line tools shines through in this collection of over 70 recipes addressing the real challenges of deploying and managing production web applications on Heroku. You’ll learn how to master the Heroku CLI, troubleshoot performance bottlenecks, and scale applications efficiently while keeping costs down. For example, the book includes practical guidance on setting up deployment pipelines and leveraging the Heroku add-on marketplace, making it especially useful if you’ve already dabbled with Git and the command line but want to confidently run production-level apps. If you’re aiming to get comfortable managing Heroku applications from the ground up, this is a solid, hands-on resource.

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Best for custom deployment plans
This AI-created book on Heroku deployment is crafted based on your experience level and what deployment challenges you want to focus on. You share your goals and background, and the book is tailored to explore reliable, battle-tested Heroku techniques that match your needs. This personalized approach helps you avoid generic advice and instead zero in on methods that will make your app launches smooth and dependable.
2025·50-300 pages·Heroku, Heroku Basics, App Deployment, Deployment Automation, Scaling Techniques

This personalized book explores battle-tested Heroku deployment techniques designed to ensure seamless app launches tailored to your background and goals. It covers practical deployment workflows, troubleshooting common pitfalls, and optimizing app reliability specific to your interests. By focusing on your unique needs, it reveals how to adapt popular, proven methods to your exact context, making complex Heroku concepts accessible and actionable. The book examines deployment automation, scaling nuances, and performance tuning to help you confidently manage production launches. Its tailored approach means you spend less time sifting through generalized guides and more time understanding what truly matters to your projects, enhancing your learning experience with real-world relevance.

Tailored Guide
Deployment Optimization
1,000+ Happy Readers
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Best for advanced Heroku developers
Chris Kemp, a key figure on Salesforce.com's Advanced Technical Solutions team and global leader of the Heroku expert group, authored this book to share his extensive platform knowledge. Holding a computer science degree and recognized as a leading Heroku authority with multiple patents, Kemp’s firsthand experience underpins the practical insights found here, making it a valuable resource for developers serious about mastering Heroku.
Professional Heroku Programming book cover

by Chris Kemp, Brad Gyger·

2013·522 pages·Heroku, Cloud Computing, DevOps, Platform as a Service, Web Development

Chris Kemp and Brad Gyger bring insider expertise to this guide, born from their deep involvement with Heroku at Salesforce.com. You learn how Heroku's architecture differs from traditional platforms, gaining practical insights into building, deploying, and scaling web and mobile applications using Git-based workflows. The book delves into the platform's process model and offers example projects to solidify your understanding, making it particularly useful if you want to master Heroku’s unique environment. If you are looking for a thorough technical roadmap rather than an introductory overview, this book fits well, especially for developers aiming to leverage Heroku professionally.

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Best for foundational Heroku skills
Anubhav Hanjura is a recognized expert in cloud application development, specializing in Heroku. With extensive experience in building scalable web applications, he has authored several books and guides that help developers navigate the complexities of cloud platforms. He wrote this book to provide clear, hands-on guidance for developers eager to build robust applications on Heroku, drawing on his deep understanding of the platform's nuances to help you avoid common pitfalls and accelerate your learning.
2014·336 pages·Heroku, Cloud Computing, Web Development, Heroku Platform, Application Deployment

Anubhav Hanjura brings his extensive expertise in cloud application development to this focused guide on Heroku, crafted for those eager to master the platform beyond surface-level use. You’ll gain practical skills in building and troubleshooting scalable, production-ready web applications, with clear explanations of Heroku’s components and real examples to anchor your learning. The book suits developers familiar with cloud basics but new to Heroku’s ecosystem, especially those wanting a solid foundation before advancing. Chapters walk through deploying apps, managing databases, and handling network configurations, making it a reliable companion for hands-on learners.

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Best for certification exam prep
Michael Shaw is a recognized expert in Salesforce certification and training, with extensive experience preparing candidates for diverse Salesforce exams. His comprehensive guides aim to help individuals develop the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in their certification journeys, making this book a focused resource for mastering the Salesforce Certified Heroku Architect exam.
2023·410 pages·Heroku, Architecture, Certification, Heroku Apps, App Deployment

Michael Shaw's extensive experience in Salesforce certification shines through this rapid exam prep guide, crafted to equip you with a focused understanding of Heroku architecture. You’ll delve into designing, building, deploying, and scaling Heroku apps, guided by targeted topics paired with exam-style questions that sharpen your readiness. The book benefits anyone preparing for the Salesforce Certified Heroku Architect exam, especially those seeking a structured and efficient study path. Notably, the final chapter offers two full practice exams, allowing you to test your knowledge and build confidence before the real test. This guide is practical for both experienced Heroku developers and architects aiming to validate their skills.

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Best for custom deployment plans
This AI-created book on Heroku deployment is tailored to your specific background and goals. You share your current experience level and the aspects of Heroku you want to focus on, and the book is crafted to match your precise needs. This personalized approach ensures you learn the deployment and scaling techniques that matter most to your projects. Instead of sifting through broad guides, you get a focused path aligned with your unique application success objectives.
2025·50-300 pages·Heroku, Heroku Fundamentals, Application Deployment, Scalability Techniques, Performance Optimization

This tailored Heroku guide explores personalized strategies to accelerate your application's success on the platform. It focuses on your background and goals, ensuring the content matches your specific Heroku interests and skill level. The book covers essential deployment techniques, scalability considerations, and practical steps to optimize your app’s performance. By combining widely validated knowledge with your unique needs, it reveals how to navigate Heroku’s ecosystem effectively and achieve measurable progress. This personalized approach helps you focus on the most relevant topics, avoiding unnecessary detours and maximizing your learning efficiency.

Tailored Guide
Deployment Acceleration
1,000+ Happy Readers
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This book stands out for its singular focus on the Salesforce Certified Heroku Architecture Designer exam, making it a go-to resource for those aiming to prove their expertise in Heroku application architecture. Idea Link has developed a concise guide that distills the complex topics of microservices, containerization, and integration into digestible exam practice questions. Whether you're a developer looking to formalize your skills or a professional preparing for certification, this book offers targeted preparation tailored to Heroku's cloud-based environment and its architectural challenges.
2023·36 pages·Heroku, Cloud Computing, DevOps, Heroku Architecture, Microservices

Unlike many certification guides that merely skim the surface, this book zeroes in on the Salesforce Certified Heroku Architecture Designer exam with a laser focus on practical mastery. Idea Link, known for its exam preparation expertise, crafted this concise guide to sharpen your skills in scalable application design, microservices, containerization, and integration within Heroku's cloud environment. You’ll find targeted practice questions that reflect the exam's emphasis on building reliable, high-performance solutions, making it ideal if you want to validate your architecture proficiency on this platform. The book suits professionals preparing for certification as well as developers seeking to deepen their Heroku architecture knowledge.

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Conclusion

This carefully curated collection highlights three clear themes: practical deployment expertise, strategic architectural insights, and targeted certification preparation. If you prefer proven methods for deploying and scaling applications, starting with "Heroku" by Neil Middleton and Richard Schneeman alongside the "Heroku Cookbook" offers actionable knowledge. For those aiming to deepen technical mastery, "Professional Heroku Programming" and "Heroku Cloud Application Development" provide solid foundations.

Certification candidates will find focused value in Michael Shaw’s rapid prep guide and the detailed practice questions by Idea Link, which together sharpen exam readiness. Alternatively, you can create a personalized Heroku book to combine proven methods with your unique needs.

These widely-adopted approaches have helped many readers succeed by delivering both breadth and depth on Heroku’s platform. Whether you’re a developer, architect, or aspiring expert, this collection is a solid place to advance your skills with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Start with "Heroku" by Neil Middleton and Richard Schneeman for a solid introduction to app deployment and scaling. It offers practical steps that build a strong foundation for all other Heroku learning.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Heroku?

Not at all. Books like "Heroku Cloud Application Development" guide beginners through platform basics, while others cater to more experienced developers. You can pick what matches your level.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with deployment-focused books like "Heroku" and "Heroku Cookbook," then explore advanced technical details in "Professional Heroku Programming." Finish with certification guides if relevant.

Should I start with the newest book or a classic?

Focus on content relevance rather than recency. Classics like "Heroku" still offer valuable operational insights, while newer guides provide up-to-date certification prep and architecture practices.

Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?

You can choose based on your goals. For hands-on deployment, one book might suffice; for certification, specialized guides are beneficial. Combining a few tailored to your needs works best.

How can I efficiently learn Heroku if these books cover broad topics?

These expert books cover core skills well, but if you want focused insights tailored to your background and goals, consider creating a personalized Heroku book. It complements popular methods with your specific needs for faster mastery.

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