How To Learn JavaScript - Your Step-by-Step Guide For Beginners - The WebStorm Blog
How To Learn JavaScript - Your Step-by-Step Guide For Beginners - The WebStorm Blog
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But if you want all the above… JavaScript is the obvious choice. There are several advantages to
starting your learning journey with JavaScript. First, its straightforward syntax makes it ideal for
beginners, but it isn’t just a beginner language – its versatility is practically endless. It drives
web frontends but can also support backend development. The immediate feedback you get
from developing frontends keeps the learning process engaging and rewarding due to its
visual nature.
Additionally, JavaScript is highly sought after in the tech industry. According to the 2023
Developer Ecosystem Survey, JavaScript has been the most commonly used programming
language for the seventh consecutive year, with over 61% of developers using it regularly. This
consistent demand translates into abundant job opportunities, making JavaScript a great
choice for anyone entering the field of programming. Another benefit worth mentioning is that
JavaScript runs everywhere, so knowing it means you can write everything from backend and
frontend to IoT and mobile apps.
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This is how it is organized. The original has links to the resources for each topic and lets you
track your progress.
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Basic syntax: Ever wondered why developers start out with a “Hello, World!” program?
They do it because it demonstrates the syntax of a language firsthand.
console.log('Hello World');
Variables: Variables are used to hold data values. It is foundational for everything else. How
to declare and initialize variables using the keywords let , const , and var .
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Data types: JavaScript offers several data types, including the primitive types string,
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number, boolean, null, undefined, and object.
Type casting: Everything in JavaScript is a string. Being able to cast them to a type
explicitly can save you a world of trouble.
Data structures: At some point, you’ll need to store your data in a way that allows you to
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efficiently access and modify it. You should know how to create and manipulate arrays.
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Control flow: The order in which statements are executed is referred to as the “control
flow”. In JavaScript, you have switch statements, for and while loops, if-else statements,
and others available to you.
Loops: There are different types of loops for different purposes – learn them all, and you’ll
be unstoppable. Unlike your loops, hopefully, as otherwise, you’ll never hear the end of it.
Functions and methods: Functions are pieces of code written to perform a particular task.
They’re typically created so you can reuse them and invoke them from anywhere in your
code when needed.
Strict mode: There’s a restricted variant of JavaScript you can opt in to. It has different
semantics to regular JavaScript code and will throw errors that would otherwise be silent.
The this keyword: The this keyword is an important concept that you’ll need to wrap
your head around in JavaScript. It refers to an object, but it will refer to different objects
depending on how it’s used.
Working with APIs: APIs can take your projects to the next level by adding incredible
functionality. Sooner or later, you’ll need to learn how to interact with them.
Classes: Classes are a template for creating objects. They encapsulate data with code to
work on that data. The class construct introduces new features which are useful for object-
oriented programming.
Version control: You’ll need a basic understanding of Git and version control. Unless you’re
an adrenaline junkie, that is.
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Debugging: When things don’t work, you’ll need to get into the code and figure out how to
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troubleshoot what’s gone wrong – otherwise known as debugging.
Become an expert
If you want to make a career out of JavaScript development, then you’ll need to continue to
learn and grow as a developer. JavaScript will take years to master completely, but there are
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things you can do to make sure you continue to grow in this field.
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Learn frameworks and libraries: Now you can develop with JavaScript. The next step to
becoming an expert is to add another layer on top by using a framework like React, Angular, or
Vue. These are currently the most popular frameworks for JavaScript.
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Stay up to date: The JavaScript ecosystem is evolving, and although not quite as rapidly as it
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once was, you’ll need to keep up with the changes in order for your code to run smoothly.
There are some great resources you can follow to make sure you stay up to date and at the top
of your game when it comes to JavaScript.
Newsletters:
JavaScript Weekly: This newsletter is sent out once a week or so and covers everything
from the latest developments in the ecosystem to interesting blog posts from the
community.
Bytes: This hilarious newsletter features news from across the JavaScript ecosystem.
Surveys:
JavaScript Rising Stars: This annual survey can help you get a good overview of the
JavaScript landscape and what other people in the community are doing.
The State of Developer Ecosystem Survey: This is an annual report that looks at how the
development landscape is changing year after year.
State of JavaScript: This is another annual survey – one that can help you understand the
JavaScript landscape.
Stack Overflow Developer Survey: This is one of the largest annual developer surveys
conducted. It can be a great resource for keeping up with the latest trends and best
practices in development.
Practice problem solving: Practice makes perfect when it comes to learning JavaScript. There
are several ways you can practice. One great way to practice, though, is to solve problems.
LeetCode provides great algorithmic problems to help you develop your problem-solving
skills. There are also interview-type questions to help you prepare for stressful job interview
scenarios and coding competitions if you need that extra boost of adrenaline.
Codewars is a coding challenge site that focuses on creative coding problem-solving. The
problems are categorized based on difficulty, programming language, and domain. It’s
community-driven and very interactive.
Start developing projects
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The only way to truly learn and understand something is through practice. Otherwise, you run
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the risk of getting stuck in the dreaded “tutorial hell”. Working through the process, making
mistakes, and realizing you don’t know what you don’t know is pivotal to becoming a good
programmer. Here are some project ideas you can develop from scratch.
A great first project to put time and effort into is creating a website for yourself. This doesn’t,
however, mean modifying a WordPress template and hosting it on a web server somewhere.
Creating your own website from scratch provides you with the opportunity to familiarize
yourself with different concepts, which will prove to be an invaluable experience later down
the line.
Creating a game will help you familiarize yourself with algorithms, common game code, inputs,
and outputs. As you develop increasingly complicated games, you’ll also get a feel for data
structures, events, and storing states. All while getting to play your favorite games… purely for
testing purposes, right?
The best thing about coding is you can solve your own problems – and if other people maybe
have similar problems, then they might pay you for a solution, too.
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There are thousands of resources available to teach you everything you need to know to
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become proficient with JavaScript. Unfortunately, we cannot cover them all. Nevertheless,
below, we’ve prepared a list of some of our favorites, which we like mainly because they are
some of the most complete and usually include some form of project-based practice. If you
have any course recommendations of your own, please feel free to post them in the
comments, along with your own review of what makes them so good.
This hands-on platform offers over 300 real-world projects created by JetBrains Academy
experts, allowing you to build your developer portfolio from scratch. You are introduced to the
theory and then get the chance to put it into practice, all while being tested on your
understanding of the concepts and receiving immediate feedback on your code.
One big benefit of the platform is that you learn not only programming but also how to use
essential development tools like IDEs – must-know technologies for a career in development.
The path we would recommend to get you job-ready would be the following:
1. Introduction to JavaScript
2. Frontend Developer
3. Introduction to Node.js
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The Frontend Masters platform has hundreds of courses to take you through your learning
journey, covering everything from the basics to very advanced technologies – and with a
subscription, you get access to all of them. But for now, let’s focus on getting started with
JavaScript. And to help you do exactly that, they have a really cool and totally free Front-End
Development Bootcamp consisting of over 20 hours of enthralling content.
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The recommended path to get career-ready would be the Front-End Engineer career path.
Udemy – Paid
The Udemy platform hosts various courses from instructors worldwide on topics ranging from
web design to data science. It enables instructors to create and sell courses while providing
learners with access to thousands of courses.
1. The Complete JavaScript Course 2024: From Zero to Expert! is highly recommended. You
can come out of this course ready to develop JavaScript professionally. At over 68 hours
long, it covers everything from the very fundamentals of using JavaScript right the way
through to building modern applications. It has some nice examples, covers the theory, and
walks you through making real projects of your own.
2. The Modern JavaScript Bootcamp Course is a practical course that cuts through all the
unnecessary noise, giving you just the facts – in plain and easy-to-understand terms. With
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this course, you won’t work with outdated frameworks, learn old styles of programming, or
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build boring apps. Instead, you’ll spend all your time writing practical code that can be
used today and in the future on your own projects.
3. The Complete Web Developer Course 3.0 is a comprehensive course that will take you from
zero to competent in 20+ hours. It covers the full stack, including Python, meaning it
doesn’t just focus on JavaScript. If you’re specifically looking for a course to help you
become a web developer, this is one for you.
This free resource is packed with information. It isn’t technically a course but rather a
collection of resources. It can provide all the knowledge you need to learn JavaScript. If you’re
looking for a free option to help support your self-learning, this is an incredible resource.
FreeCodeCamp
This free resource offers a wide range of courses and is quite incredible. It has over 10,000
tutorials across several languages and technologies. They also have a nice introductory course
for JavaScript, which is project-led.
JavaScript.info
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W3Schools
This platform provides access to hundreds of step-by-step tutorials, with lots of places to test
your understanding and try the code yourself. It offers a simplified and interactive learning
experience with simple code examples and illustrations of how to apply the concepts in real-
world scenarios.
If you’re looking for a quick crash course in JavaScript development, this is a great beginner
tutorial that covers the essentials and gives you a good understanding of the core concepts of
JavaScript development. Though it isn’t technically a full course, it’s great for getting started
and familiarizing yourself with the language.
This crash course from Traversy Media is a great place to start. It covers the fundamentals of
JavaScript, including more modern syntax like classes, arrow functions, etc. It’s the first in a
series of videos and is easy to follow, helping you learn the basic syntax and fundamentals.
This series from Net Ninja consists of six video lessons on the fundamentals of modern
JavaScript. Although it has been around for a while, it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re
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Head First JavaScript Programming (2023) by Eric Freeman and Elisabeth Robson.
Head First JavaScript Programming is designed to make learning JavaScript fun and
accessible, even for anyone with little to no programming experience. One of its key strengths
is its emphasis on active learning. Rather than simply reading about JavaScript, you’re
encouraged to work through problems, think critically, and experiment with code. This hands-
on approach helps to solidify understanding and improve retention. There are also plenty of
practical examples and projects, ensuring that you can see how JavaScript is applied in real-
world scenarios. Its unique approach to teaching makes it stand out among other
programming books, ensuring that readers not only learn JavaScript but also enjoy the process.
JavaScript: The Definitive Guide covers the full spectrum of JavaScript, from basic syntax and
programming fundamentals to advanced topics like closures, asynchronous programming,
and the intricacies of the JavaScript runtime environment. Each chapter is meticulously
crafted to provide clear explanations, backed by numerous examples and practical code
snippets. What sets this book apart is its depth and precision. While it can serve as a
beginner’s guide, its thoroughness, and complexity make it particularly well-suited for those
looking to deepen their understanding and master the language.
Eloquent JavaScript is structured in a way that encourages you to actively engage with the
content through exercises and projects, reinforcing their understanding through practical
application. Its focus on both theoretical and practical aspects ensures that readers not only
learn how to write JavaScript but also understand the underlying concepts, making it a
valuable addition to any programmer’s library. This book is also available online for free!
This is a series of books that explores the core mechanisms and intricacies of JavaScript.
Unlike many introductory programming books, this series is aimed at developers who want to
go beyond the basics and gain a thorough understanding of the language. Each book tackles
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different aspects of JavaScript, from its foundational principles to more advanced topics. You
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can find a free version of the book in Kyle’s GitHub repository.
Technology-specific courses
Though most of the resources recommended here often do include introductions to
JavaScript frameworks or the technologies you’ll need as a developer, here are some other
resources that you may want to check out.
Learn React
This free course from the University of Helsinki will build on your knowledge and introduce you
to modern JavaScript-based web development with React. It can help you build React, Redux,
Node.js, MongoDB, GraphQL, and TypeScript knowledge.
React.gg
If you enjoy a really interactive learning experience, then this might be perfect for you. It has
video, quizzes, and a stunning UI – what more could you ask for?
Learn Angular
Angular has a great introductory tutorial that covers the basic principles of Angular. It is pretty
famous within the community for people learning Angular.
In this course, you’ll learn everything you need to get started writing applications with Angular.
It starts at the very beginning: you’ll install the Angular command-line tools and then create a
new project.
Learn Vue
Vue Mastery
This resource includes courses, tutorials, and lessons from the Vue core team, including Evan
You, the creator of the framework. It has a comprehensive learning path you can follow to
make sure you are Vue-ready when the time comes.
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Vue School
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This is another great resource for learning Vue again with courses from some of the Vue Core
team. This resource covers some advanced topics, and there are different tracks you can
choose from depending on your level.
Learn Git
Git Immersion
Another highly recommended introductory course, which covers all the fundamentals.
References to bookmark
Here are some important references you may want to bookmark. They may come in handy
during your learning journey.
MDN (Mozilla Developer Network) is an essential resource for web developers, offering a
vast array of documentation, tutorials, and references that cover all aspects of web
development. Its reliability, comprehensiveness, and regular updates make it an invaluable
tool for both learning and reference.
Stack Overflow is a question-and-answer site where developers can ask questions and get
answers from the community. It’s invaluable for troubleshooting specific issues and
learning from others’ experiences.
W3C (World Wide Web Consortium) develops standards and guidelines to help everyone
build for the web based on the principles of accessibility, internationalization, privacy, and
security. If you’re ever unsure about how to build your app or site for accessibility, start
here.
Learning principles
Learning new things can seem daunting and overwhelming. However, using a variety of
learning techniques to enhance learning efficiency and effectiveness can help improve your
odds of success.
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Regular revision: After you finish learning a concept, take 30 seconds to try to recall all the
main points.
Build an association: Linking the concepts to other subjects will help with recalling them.
You can do this by using interesting code examples that resonate with you.
Try and solve problems: Apply what you’ve learned in real-life situations.
Get feedback: Test your understanding – you’ll learn from getting it wrong.
Explain what you’ve learned: Put what you’ve learned into your own words.
Learn before bedtime: Your brain will continue to go over the information and cement it.
Learning pitfalls:
Don’t just look at the solution: You have to go through the process of solving the problem
yourself.
Don’t solve the same problems: Once you know how to comfortably solve it, move on.
Don’t add distractions: Study time should just be for studying. Focus.
Conclusion
That’s it for today! Learning something new is an infinitely rewarding pursuit. With the right
attitude and resources, there’s nothing you can’t learn – it just takes time. If you’re frustrated
that you can’t create the next Amazon or Netflix competitor after taking a four-hour course,
don’t worry – we’ve all been there. The only way to get better is to practice and code: try, fail,
learn, and repeat. You’ll get the biggest gains by applying the code, so even once you have
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been through a course and learned the basics, it’s time to start applying this knowledge. This is
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where you’re going to get good – actually, not good – great!
Happy developing!
javascript self-learning
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This is the one of the most inspiring highly detailed articles that l have come across in months
since have started learning programming.
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Thank you for the kind words! Glad you found this content useful!
Reply
One of the best written article I have read in the last few months. Written very well. Keep
up.your great work.
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Definitely!
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David Watson
March 11, 2024
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