How I learnt JavaScript
“Has anyone ever finished learning JavaScript?” I highly doubt any developer’s answer to that question will ever be a profound YES.
I for one question my understanding of JavaScript with every Codewars kata I try to solve.
I got into web development after bouncing off multiple programming languages in my early days as an aspiring developer. This is where I first picked up JavaScript. I had already explored enough with HTML and CSS and my curiosity drove me to seek out some dynamism for my static webpages.
The best candidate for such was clearly JavaScript given its vast application in web dev.
My JavaScript learning path has been plagued by quite a number of inconsistencies — most of which were of my own making. The result of which is going through multiple learning materials and resources (most of which are free) as a result of all the recaps I subjected myself to.
Here are the resources I have utilized in my learning journey so far:
- Sololearn
- Javascript Essentials | Lawrence Turton
- FreeCodeCamp
- A Smarter Way To Learn Javascript | Mark Myers
Sololearn
Sololearn is an easily accessible learning platform that offers on-the-go bitsize lessons on several programming languages (js included) and concepts with quizzes and challenges to test and improve your programming skills. It has an active community where you can connect with other learners on the platform and ask questions, share your projects, participate in challenges and competitions or just share your coding journey.
The basic plan has some limited features but it’s still a good bargain considering all certifications earned upon completion of a course are free. However, if you do wish to access the other added features you can pay for the pro version.
Sololearn is available on the iOS Apple Store, Google Play store and on desktop via a browser
Javascript Essentials | Lawrence Turton
This is a really brilliant introductory course to Javascript that is actually available for free on Udemy. It has upto six hours of content and covers the basics of javascript as well as DOM manipulation and much more. The instructor also delivers the content with utmost simplicity and provides clear explanations in a way that is easy to understand.
Even though the course does not offer a certification at the end it is still a good way to acquire some javascript knowledge and skills.
FreeCodeCamp
FreeCodeCamp is among the most popular learning websites for novice programmers. The main reason being it offers free coding lessons on various programming languages as well as certifications upon successful completion. It is also a proven path into beginner roles in the tech industry considering the numerous testimonials from it’s highly successful alumni.
The quite extensive freecodecamp curriculum has also undergone some amazing updates in the recent months ensuring that it is up to date with modern programming methods and practices. The curriculum provides 300+ hours of hands-on learning and programming practice in the javascript path alone making it a good and effective learning tool in the mastery of javascript.
A Smarter Way To Learn JavaScript
“A Smarter Way to Learn JavaScript” is a book by Mark Myers that quoting the author’s words, “uses a new approach to teach JavaScript with technology to cut your effort in half”. This is achieved simply through cutting down on the time a learner spends passively reading the book and getting them more actively involved in the learning process by providing interactive exercises after each concept on the author’s website. This ensures clear understandability is achieved before moving on to a new concept.
The exercises are free and finding the book online for free isn’t that much of a hassle either. You can also find it on multiple online bookstores like Amazon, Goodreads ...etc . It has received a lot of positive reviews and is a good place to recap or start learning JavaScript.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many great online resources available for learning JavaScript. This is by no means an exhaustive list considering I have covered only what I am familiar to. If you have a favorite resource that you’d like to share, please mention it in the comments. As developers we’re always looking for new and effective ways to learn and improve our skills. Happy coding!
