IoT UNPLUGGED: Building Smart Systems with Arduino, Python & APIs

IoT UNPLUGGED: Building Smart Systems with Arduino, Python & APIs is a practical, project-based guide that introduces readers to the exciting world of the Internet of Things (IoT). Designed for students, educators, engineering professionals, researchers, and technology enthusiasts, the book provides a step-by-step approach to designing, building, and deploying real-world IoT applications using modern open-source technologies. Beginning with the fundamentals of IoT, the book explains how connected devices communicate, collect data, and interact with cloud services. Readers are introduced to Arduino and ESP32 hardware, sensor interfacing, embedded programming, Python development, REST APIs, MQTT messaging, and real-time IoT dashboards through hands-on projects and practical examples. Rather than focusing solely on theory, this book emphasizes learning by doing. Each chapter builds upon the previous one, enabling readers to develop complete IoT solutions—from reading sensor data and creating backend APIs to transmitting data over Wi-Fi, implementing MQTT communication, and visualizing information through interactive dashboards. The book also explores essential topics such as IoT architecture, API integration, security, privacy, troubleshooting, and emerging technologies, providing readers with the knowledge and practical skills required for academic projects, research, and industry applications. Whether you are beginning your IoT journey or looking to strengthen your practical development skills, IoT UNPLUGGED serves as a comprehensive resource for mastering connected systems using Arduino, Python, and modern Internet technologies. Key Features Comprehensive introduction to Internet of Things (IoT) Hands-on projects using Arduino Uno and ESP32 Practical Python programming for IoT applications REST API development using Flask HTTP, JSON, and API integration MQTT communication for connected devices Real-time IoT dashboard development Sensor interfacing and data acquisition Wi-Fi networking and Internet connectivity IoT security, privacy, and ethical best practices Troubleshooting techniques and real-world implementation guidance Ideal for students, educators, researchers, and professionals Who Should Read This Book? Undergraduate and postgraduate students Engineering and computer science faculty Researchers working in IoT and embedded systems Electronics and software developers Makers and technology enthusiasts Professionals building smart devices and automation systems IoT UNPLUGGED bridges the gap between theory and practice, empowering readers to confidently design, develop, and deploy modern IoT solutions using Arduino, ESP32, Python, REST APIs, MQTT, and real-time data visualization.