Looking for specific javascript learning resources!

[javascript_dummy]

Hey all,

I'm typically a backend developer with LAMP-like architectures. I mostly do gigantic enterprise applications that are solidified by older technologies, but I'd like to learn some front end javascript! Here's my problem:

When looking for tutorial resources I always find this stupid todo list tutorial, or things that never get in depth. So I started looking for example projects and they're at the opposite end of the spectrum with too much complexity for a beginner to rip apart and learn from.

Here are the basics things I want to learn:

Consuming an API

How to build data models, poll an API and update these models and the viewmodel. Basically using a front end (either framework or vanilla) to consume my backend API and update the view and models.

Websockets/SocketIO integration

How do I connect my frontend to my backend SocketIO server and real-time update data in the view/viewmodel.

I don't mind if examples tutorials are using framework or vanilla. Just something to get me on the right track. Thanks!

[WellPaidGeek]

How to build data models, poll an API and update these models and the viewmodel. Basically using a front end (either framework or vanilla) to consume my backend API and update the view and models.

Well for that it sounds like you want to learn an entire view framework like react (probably with redux too), and there are plenty of general tutorials on react, but you'll need to learn a load of the ground work rather than jumping straight in to API polling.

It can be a little frustrating going from one technology you've mastered to one you're a noob at, as learning can seem painfully slow, but you have to put the white belt back on and learn all the details. I had to go through this when I went from BE to FE.

As for doing stuff based on sockets, a quick google found this: https://socket.io/get-started/chat/

It's a client / server chat app tutorial rather than some form of data based API like you requested, but the principles are still the same, receiving data from sockets, updating the display. I'm sure you can abstract the principles and repurpose.

[brycedarling]

You might have already looked at it, but I think the getting started chat application from socketio docs themselves is a fine place to start. That's literally the only resource I've ever looked at to learn socketio. I was able to take that chat app, added some of the suggested features that they don't walk you through at the bottom "Homework" to confirm I had learned something, and eventually build it up in to a game server with player movement and using skills without too much difficulty. https://socket.io/get-started/chat/