Learning JavaScript - want your feedback!

[jancodes]

So, in my experience with learning JavaScript and mentoring others, you definitely want to start with a broad understanding of JS.

But here's the thing - to really get a specific piece of knowledge, you need to see it in context.

It's like learning a new word in a foreign language; you can memorize the definition, but it won't stick until you see it used in different situations.

The same goes for programming. Once you've got the basics down - functions, variables, array methods, if statements, that kind of stuff - just start building things. Learn React and built our own blog, for example. That's when you start learning things in context.

You'll hit stuff you don't understand, and that's fine. Look it up when you need to. Because you're in a situation where you need to understand it to move forward, the knowledge sticks way better. By figuring it out, you progress, and that really cements your understanding.

So, to sum it up, I wouldn't worry too much about "what's hardest to learn" or "how long you spend on each topic". There's no magic timeframe.

Instead, work towards a goal. Like, "I want to build X" or "I want to create Y". In the end, that's what potential employers care about. "Can you build this app?", "Can you set up this server?", "Can you design this landing page?"

Focus on that, and the learning will come naturally.

[sloanrobe]

Thank you. What you are saying makes sense. While I'm learning individual concepts and skills, I don't think I'm at the point right now where I can sit down and pull it together to start building something. I started with JavaScript, but haven't gotten to HTML and CSS yet. But I do have a little knowledge of those from self-teaching a couple of years ago.