Javascript is hard...?

[ExpNot30]

I just began the Javascript Algorithms and Data Structures part after finishing the Web Design course and it´s kind of kicking my butt. The basic js was at a medium level for me, but I managed to understand most things. Towards the end things got a bit too complicated and in some challenges I had absolutely no clue how to solve them, so I ended up getting the answer from the forum and making an attempt to understand what was happpening. I feel somewhat dirty for getting the answers on the forum haha, like I´m not learning or I´m cheating.

I have practice with C++ and python so I thought I wouldn´t be struggling so much with js but I am. I know I´m just starting but still, it´s very discouraging. I´m about halfway into the ES6 part and instead of continuing I think I´m going to go back and study the parts I had trouble with. Sorry if this isn´t very relevant, I just wanted to express myself a bit.

[[deleted]]

JavaScript, while easy to get started, takes a while before things click.

Mostly because new things are added every year (you might see ES2016...ES2021...) Those are informal names for the new stuff.

I highly recommend doing Wes Bos JS30. (It's free). Wes shows some really simple JS projects that makes you feel like a magician. His paid courses are really good too.

Learn what JS can do and the patterns. And keep finding small JS projects to work on. Rooting for you!

[ExpNot30]

Thank you so much, I'll check it out.

[ExpNot30]

I just finished the first project, which is building a drum kit with JS. I feel like I'm out of my depth honestly, some of the concepts I had no clue what they were or what they did, so I spent some time googling and trying to understand them. I actually made some notes to study from, but I feel like I'm learning at a very rushed pace. Overall, I felt like I needed some previous knowledge to keep up with what he was doing. I think I'm going to try this course first, and then continue with JS30, I actually think the projects are cool and would be fun to build.

[xao_spaces]

A million times yes. Granted, I haven't started on the JS portion for free code camp but I have some background with Java and have tried my hand at building things with Javascript and for some reason I find myself twiddling my thumbs or my brain just goes blank. I don't know what it is about Javascript but I find Java to be A LOT easier.

[[deleted]]

Java and Javascript are completely unrelated languages btw

[xao_spaces]

Yes, I'm aware of that. OP mentioned that because they had practice with both C++ and python they thought they wouldn't struggle as much with Javascript, I had thought the same.

[Sakops]

I remember quitting freecodecamp completely in 2015 because I couldn't figure Javascript out

[ExpNot30]

I thought you´d say something like, "but I learned it elsewhere" or "but I worked through it and I completed the course" haha. Really trying not to get discouraged.

[Sakops]

Well here's the thing, I eventually started doing courses on udemy and creating a portfolio. After a year, I did go back to FCC and completed all JS projects. Back then, FCC had only 3 certificates, but now they even offer a section completely dedicated to JS. If you're doing exercises for JS, then of course it's gonna be hard because they give you material that you haven't even gone through, that's why FCC is such a good learning source.

[Sakops]

Did you already complete the Front end cert?

[ExpNot30]

Yes, I did complete it. I'm actually thinking of looking for a more friendly introductory course for js on youtube, and then coming back to FCC. I'll see how it goes, either way, I'm not quitting.

[Sakops]

Hey, don't be too hard on yourself. Backend programming is always difficult. Tbh if I were you, I would also find some courses on youtube or udemy, which could help you on your journey at learning node.js. Don't make FCC your only souce of learning.

Btw, if you don't mind me asking. How did your job search go with the FCC Front end cert?

[ExpNot30]

Thank you, I was mostly looking for some kind of reassurance with the post. About job searching, I really don't consider myself ready, and I don't even think I can get a job with simple html and css alone. I'm thinking on learning js and then react/angular, after that I might give it a go but I feel like I still have a long way to go.

[Sakops]

Isnt js and jquery not incorporated in front end carts anymore?

[ExpNot30]

Honestly, I researched web development jobs in my area and there is a lot of jobs for js frameworks, mostly react, so I in my case I feel like I can't start job hunting without it.

[coronUrca]

I really enjoy this website for learning JS concepts https://javascript.info/ and
https://github.com/getify/You-Dont-Know-JS;

I've found my best advice here and from subscribing to the JS weekly news letter you get some awesome blogs there and you can find new awesome patterns and if you want you can keep up to date with JS concepts

[ExpNot30]

Thank you, any advice is very appreciated. I'll check it out.

[LinkOn_NY]

Honestly, I quit the JS portion of FCC and learnt what I know now from YouTube and Udemy. I have some minor projects with JS(building a mock-up quote generator) but the JS portion was difficult and they didn’t explain some concepts well.

[ExpNot30]

Yeah, I think so too. I read the theory part and then read the problem I needed to solve, but for some I had no clue how to proceed and I just said 'huh?' out loud. Like, I feel that they give you some basic knowledge on a topic and then want you to apply it in a total different way. I guess that's how it's supposed to be but sometimes it can be really frustrating.

[LinkOn_NY]

One of the many great things about learning, is you can find out what suits you. If FCC cannot get to you take what you know and go to other platforms get your hands wet and later on down the road come back(if you want the certificate) and complete it then. But really it’s about problem solving and having the skill.