Where and how to start with JavaScript? This is probably the most important question anybody can ask before starting to learn programming. JavaScript is a script-based language mainly used for scripting web pages, and to control web page elements. It is also used for creating stand alone applications, and as a programming language on its own. However, before you even start, it’s important to know how and where to start with JavaScript.
This article is about where and how to start with JavaScript. Keep in mind that you don’t need to start by learning all the details of the language. You can start just with the basic of functional programming, such as functions, control flow, loops and objects.
Learn JavaScript from the book
A good way to start is to learn about the browser, the web and JavaScript. For this purpose I suggest the book “JavaScript: The Definitive Guide”. It contains all the information needed to start you in the world of JavaScript. It is a great book by David Flanagan.
The book gives a gentle start to the reader to understand some basic concepts such as how browsers work and how you can communicate between a browser and the server. This is the part where the reader will have the basic knowledge to start programming.
The book will open your mind to use JavaScript in the browser and the web without having to first install anything except the web browser. The key feature of this book is that the reader starts with the basic concepts of JavaScript and then progresses to more complex topics and all this is done through practical examples.
Learning JavaScript from the book is one of the cheapest and the most straight forward methods which you can do at your own pace. The issue with the book method is the lack of mentor or teacher you can ask for help when you get stuck and as a beginner you will get stuck from time to time. Of course, you can join some JavaScript community websites and post your question there but it will take some time to get answer.
Learn JavaScript on coding boot camp
Coding boot camps are popular scenario as they provide learning of different programming languages. The best thing about coding boot camps is that they provide the opportunity to learn the skills of programming and web development in relatively short time.
The coding boot camp industry has become so popular because there is a large demand for skilled developers. But before choosing a coding boot camp, you need to understand the pros and cons of this training.
Make sure that the coding boot camp you are choosing is a respected institution as it will help you to be aware of the standards of learning.
A coding boot camp is an online or offline educational institute that offers short courses like web development, mobile development and software development. In the coding boot camp, students are provided with the best of training on these advanced and popular technologies.
The coding boot camp provides the training and also provides guidance to candidates. It offers a wide range of learning options ranging from the basic courses to the advanced courses. The training of a coding boot camp is available in different sessions as such you can choose the session timing according to your convenience. The training sessions are usually for 3 to 8 weeks with the duration of one to three months.
You will get the best training under the guidance of a coding expert, so you can be sure that you will learn the real world skills.
First of all, you need to understand the coding boot camp training course options available. There are a wide range of coding boot camps available on the internet. But before choosing a coding boot camp institute, you must know the course options in detail.
Check if the coding boot camp you are enrolling offers courses for beginners. Also, check if the training duration is suitable for your work schedule.
Coding boot camps are usually quite expensive, but if you want to learn JavaScript and can afford the cost then they are a great way to speed you up with learning.
Learn JavaScript by starting your own project(s)
Learning programming by doing? In my opinion, this is the best way to learn programming. It reminds me of the experience of feeling the excitement of creating a new project, the process of writing code and thinking what to do next.
What is so powerful about having a project of your own? In fact, if you don’t have a project to work on, then you may feel that there is no use for learning programming at all. In another word, the problem for you is that you may miss the opportunity to learn and apply programming in daily life. You may not be able to program the most advanced and complex applications in the beginning. You must build a simple program before you move on. You should make a simple calculator, a text editor, and a hello world application. Once you understand those three examples, you will be much better off learning more complex applications.
There are quite a lot of tutorials in the form of articles or videos that will guide you through the basic JavaScript projects. Just keep in mind NOT to copy/paste the code because that way you won’t learn much. The best way is to try to replicate the code yourself even if it will take quite some time and many rereading of the same parts of the tutorial. Then once you have working piece of code try to change something simple like interface colors, payload texts, etc. After that proceed with more complex changes like events handlers, for example instead of handling mouse click event change it to handle keyboard keydown event.
Closing thoughts
This is not a perfect guide that teaches you every possible way on how and where to start with JavaScript. It is just a collection of my own experiences and thoughts and is not necessarily applicable to everybody. JavaScript is a great language. It is so much useful and can be implemented in many different platforms and web applications. JavaScript can work very well in the client side as well as the server side.
Be persistent in learning and you will inevitably succeed.