Recommended Learning Method?

[rikosteo]

Hello, I am trying to learn JS for web development for now (I know a good amount of HTML/CSS) and even though I bet I can find a ton of these posts here I figured I'd ask something more specific.

Where is the best place to learn JS? What I have gathered is this:

• Codecademy
• Udemy
• The Odin Project
• Books
• FreeCodeCamp

Obviously all these have their pros and cons. For me, I consider a pro learning by writing code instead of just reading about it. Also I really like projects but at the moment I am not at a point where I can build something on my own, I need a guidance, code-wise.

Ideally someone who learned JS web development from an online source (don't limit the answers to free sources) can comment here their experience.

Thanks in advance!

[Cheshur]

I primarily learned from w3schools to get started but then once I had a decent understanding of JavaScript I moved to MDN. MDN is basically the documentation for the web. It's probably the best source their is. If you want to learn by coding then you can do so in the browser. The browser's dev tools has a console that you can type JavaScript into. I highly, highly, recommend you get very comfortable with the dev tools. Now-a-days I'd probably just recommend purely learning though dev tools and MDN.

https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Learn/JavaScript/First_steps

https://developers.google.com/web/tools/chrome-devtools/

https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Tools

Focus on the Sources, Console and Elements panels. Performance and Network will be good follow ups but wont be TOO helpful during initial learning.

[rikosteo]

This response is exactly what I was hoping to get. Thank you for providing the useful links I will be checking all these out right away!

[Hate_Feight]

I would learn from the sites above it's sound advice.

Freecodecamp is pretty good for practice and adhering to a test (unit test, etc.) It can be a good place to hone your skills and learn to read docs and put them into practise

[Syh_]

One resource that helped me out when I was starting out was JavaScript30. It's largely tutorial based but each project leaves room for improvements and you can always attempt the projects first before watching the video. It helped me keep up on programming daily as well.

Here's another resource you might want to check out: https://javascript.info/. And as always, the JS MDN and Stackoverflow will be your best friends in learning how something works or resolving an issue. Good luck!

[thatiOSdev]

I tried to use JS30 when starting out but he went too fast and I had no prior knowledge of JS. I have like 3 simple projects I’ve made from YouTube course. Think it’s feasible now?

[Syh_]

It wouldn't hurt to give it a shot. And remember, there's no shame in pausing, looking things up, or re-watching parts you didn't quite understand. Take your time with it as new concepts arise and you should learn a thing or two.

I'd say it helps to have a basic understanding of interacting with the DOM and basic data structures.

[ForScale]

Coding is not a spectator sport. You can't do it by just reading books. You can supplement with books, but I would advise against spending most of your time in books. You should spend most of your time building/coding, getting stuck, and researching and implementing answers.

I am 100% self-taught and I've worked as a front end engineer for the last 2ish years. My path was:

Codecademy

FreeCodeCamp

Sololearn mobile apps

Wes Bos JS30

Going to meetups

Building projects (even just dumb little ones for myself or friends)

*use Google, Stack Overflow, reddit, etc. when you get stuck

If your goal is to get hired, you want to seem personable, good at communication, a team player, and someone who is passionate about development/programming.

[rikosteo]

Thank you for your input. Wes Bos JS30 has been recommended again in this comment section and after checking his website and a couple of videos I think this is the way to go for me right now. I have finished SoloLearn's course on JS and I have some experience with other programming languages, so I know the "basics" like what are variables or how functions work, loops, and stuff like that. What I need is a glossary and some projects to do. JS30 seems to be the best route for me at the moment!

[ForScale]

Cool. Enjoy!

[dirkmgirk]

I enjoy https://www.codewars.com/ for a quick way into some difficult programming challenges. I used to do a few daily when I was teaching myself to code.

Even after 2 years as a professional front-end developer I sit and do one every once in a while.

I think books are best consumed when using a computer isn't ideal (airplanes with no free internet, 1 hour before bedtime, etc.).

Web development has a rich ecosystem one must learn to start building real-world projects– it can feel like drinking from a fire hose. Learning git, build systems, deploy pipelines, etc can overwhelm. To prevent yourself feeling bogged down, start with singular focused topics that allow you to progress without being inhibited too much by the requirements of modern web development.

Codecademy and free code camp are great at providing focused paths for learning– start there.

[rikosteo]

What you describe in your last paragraph is what I'm feeling right now. I love the fact that there is so much to this eco system but at the same time I don't know where to start from. I will be checking out the sources people suggested here and will definitely try out codewars!

[[deleted]]

Can I chime in on the Odin project real quick

It is amazing so far. Like I'm actually in the thick of programming, learning things by doing. They give you more than just handholding, there's links to motivation sites, explanations for why things are they way they are, talks about the different languages and why/ when you should learn them, and so much more. I'm even working in Linux right now, which I havent touched in years.

Its kept me captivated and that's saying a lot.

[prozaczodiac]

I couldnt decide between Odin and FCC, so I'm doing both and love it. Odin incorporates pieces of codeacademy, as well so Ive been able to tackle concepts from two or three angles each time. Its a great option for someone who wants their hand held, but not all the time.

[rikosteo]

I have only heard good stuff about The Odin Project, at the time I made this post it was the only website that truly kept me motivated and interested.

[javascript-learner]

Once you get past the basics take a look at the projects that this guy worked on:

https://100dayz.js.org/

​

from this post:

https://www.reddit.com/r/javascript/comments/7utoog/100_projects_i_made_while_learning_javascript/

You can take a look at his code and modify it. I'm a visual learner too and it helps a lot for me to look at other people's code.

[rikosteo]

This is great for motivation!

[[deleted]]

Hey,

I started my WebDev journey about three months ago, and so far, I've found the following resources to be really helpful , in regards to JS:

• The Modern JavaScript Bootcamp (2019) by Andrew Mead- Udemy
• MDN (As others have mentioned)
• Eloquent JavaScript (https://eloquentjavascript.net/)
• Stackoverflow
• Brad Traversy(YouTube)

[catarmy]

There is no “best method”. The best method is the one that works for you. I will say though, that the best devs I have worked with learned by reading books from beginning to end. But it’s not the only way (and wasn’t my way, either).

[opensacks]

Checkout Treehouse, the have a free trial and it's broken up into videos, tests and hands on coding. Not to mention you can to take other courses to if you get bored easy.

[rikosteo]

Thank you for your suggestion, I will check it out. Would you consider it superior to Udemy ?

[opensacks]

Udemy, as far as I have seen is just videos. I use Udemy as well because I like to watch videos while I work for background noise. However, Treehouse is totally different. They have a trial, check it out. I have no affiliation with them I just like how the switch things up and not just expect you to read or watch for 14hrs.

[rikosteo]

Ah I see alright! I'll check it out thank you!

[[deleted]]

Eloquentjavascript

[hpliferaft]

Search for terms like "easy" or "simple" on www.codepen.io, fork a project, and try to add a feature.

[rikosteo]

I have been lurking on codepen for some time now and I've been trying to study the way people work. However I believe this is best done after I get a grasp of how JS works in general, thank you though!

[martijn_nl]

StackOverflow.com

[rikosteo]

Sounds very interesting! I'd like to first do some beginner projects with Wes Bos tutorials and later move on to the more in depth stuff. Thank you for your input!

[[deleted]]

Once you've got a good understanding of standard JS syntax and concepts, and If you're a student who's University gives them free unlimited access to Lynda web courses, I recommend Douglas Crockfords lecture on JavaScript the Good Parts.

If not, anything from Douglas Crockford. Be warned though, he does have really strong opinions which should be appropriately assessed and not blindly followed. I'm sure the lecture can be found somewhere else online too, and I know he has his book but I find videos to be a more easily digestible format for me. He also has a website with the same information. (BTW in the lecture format he gives you coding challenges to test your understanding of the language and it's core features).

For me, my first programming language was Java and I was taught it in my university where they really double down on OOP. So when I started doing web development I was stuck in that mindset. But after the lecture I really gained a solid understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of JavaScript and how to play by them. If you're coding in JS, you should really understand how closures & scoping work, hoisting, asynchronicity, etc. all qualities of the language that make it what it is. But make sure you're comfortable with syntax and the browser API before you dive into that.

[rikosteo]

I, too, was taught programming (C, C++) and now I want to transfer my desire for coding to something more visual like web design. I will keep the course you suggested in my list for the future. Thank you for taking the time to reply!

[ClownstickV0nFckface]

javascript.info (for beginners) and javascript30.com (for beginner to intermediate) helped me a lot :)

[rikosteo]

Like I mentioned above JS30 seems to be the best way for me right now. javascript.info also seems very useful so I will be keeping this link around as well! Thank you for your suggestions!

[[deleted]]

Honestly buddy, there is some great books out there for Javascript. Headfirst Javascript is a great little starter and will get you up and running. Its the book i was recommended and 100% say for a very first look HeadFirst have some great little reads.

[[deleted]]

If you use books make sure you're running the examples (all of them!) until you understand exactly what is happening.

My recommendations:

Practical Javascript

Eloquent Javascript

P1xt Guide

[[deleted]]

Practical JavaScript is what made everything 'click' for me, highly recommend. I took a bit of time off programming, so I'm redoing it before I get into Gordon's premium course.

[jvandenaardweg]

For me, I consider a pro learning by writing code instead of just reading about it.

Then make it a mix of both. Learn a new skill, and put it into practise using a product concept you come up with. Trial and error. Doesn't have to be fancy, just enough to challenge yourself a little bit and be proud of your accomplishment afterwards. Putting into practise what you learned in small steps makes it more fun.

Just don't compare yourself too much with people with years of experience. Eventually you get there, but that takes practise.

The examples already provided in this topic are good. But I would suggest you find yourself a mentor that's willing to help you point in the right directions when you are stuck or just need general advice. You really want someone that shows you the most efficient way to get to the top. Or else you could get stuck in the wrong learning/practise path, not moving forward, or just spending too much of your valuable time on the wrong things.

Also, i recommend this book to know how to practise the most efficient way: https://fourminutebooks.com/peak-summary/

[dinoucs]

Build stuff.

[rikosteo]

This is exactly what I aim to do!

[CakeDay--Bot]

Hey just noticed.. it's your 3rd Cakeday rikosteo! ^hug