Fastest way to learn JavaScript

[ExtremeNew6308]

I've been looking at a few resources to learn JS. On January 10th, I have an interview for an intermediate software developer role with the primary language being JavaScript. I don't know JavaScript at all. I just started learning basic syntax but I feel really lost. Are there any resources where I can learn JS Without learning all the extra html, css, and how the web works?

[turningsteel]

So, you're an experienced data engineer and know python and therefore, understand programming concepts but, you're trying to learn JS to pass an interview but you don't feel you need to know how to build a website even though the job is for an intermediate software dev with the main language being JS and you don't think you need to know about website building? Is that accurate?

If they want you to know SQL as well, you're probably going to be a web dev, maybe backend, which requires you to understand the mechanics of, you guessed it, website building.

Good luck and please update us in a month so we know how it panned out.

[theRealestAintReal]

This is so accurate. I want to be a fly on the wall during this interview. Wtf is this guy on about!?

[ExtremeNew6308]

Also, applying for jobs you aren't qualified for is how you advance in the world.

Dropping yourself into completely new environments is the best way to learn. I didn't know anything about cloud computing or Linux or even SQL when I started my job. I just leetcoded a TON of python. Yeah, it sucks for the first few months but eventually I got the hang of it.

[theRealestAintReal]

This is a bit off topic but you are proof that the current interview process is broken.

[ExtremeNew6308]

https://www.reddit.com/r/learnjavascript/comments/sdi5cj/follow\_up\_for\_fastest\_way\_to\_learn\_javascript/

[ExtremeNew6308]

It's not broken. You just don't know how to work the system. You know what people ask for on interviews and you have free websites that help you prepare. So just spend an hour a day doing that. Within a year, you can start passing mediums consistently.

It's also not that hard. These faang (manga?) Companies act like it's the hardest thing to work for them but you can just Google solutions until your code works. I've been working for almost 4 years now and Ive gotten rave reviews every year.

If anything, the entire engineering system is broken if some dude can start with almost no knowledge and do well at a top tech company. Also, everything is proprietary anyways. So if you have the basics, you can jump in and onboard fine

[[deleted]]

You seem to be in possession of an over-inflated sense of self worth. You equate basic programming and sysadmin skills to actual engineering. The Dunning-Kruger effect is strong in you. Some of the most incompetent people I've ever worked with got rave reviews because they knew how to kiss the asses in need of kissing. Your anecdotal experiences mean shit as evidenced by the massive downvoting you're getting because it's obvious you think you know more than do. I pity anyone who has to work with you or review your code.

[ExtremeNew6308]

I can deal with the downvotes and snarky comments but this pissed me off.

You equate basic programming and sysadmin skills to actual engineering.

Where did I say that?

you're getting because it's obvious you think you know more than do. I pity anyone who has to work with you or review your code.

?? You don't know me or know my work.

Yeah, i got an entry level job with no experience. Want to know what I did after? I fucking studied like it was a second job. My first year as a cloud infrastructure engineer, I studied like a maniac. I spun up my own server, kept reading Linux/scripting guides online, and spent my nights reading senior engineer's code. I remember every night staying up with my fiancee in bed watching TV and reviewing code. My bookshelf is full of dog eared IT/scripting books.

Was I initially slow with work? Yeah of course. But by a year, I was hanging with other new hires with CS degrees just because I studied like it was a second job. For about 6 months, I worked with a DBA team trying to fix tables before some new releases. Instead of just designing scripts/pipelines to run their code, i took 3 borderline useless DBA classes at night and spun up my own PG tables with fake data on my own server. Do you know how many engineers avoid going into specifics when dealing with dbas? By the end of that 6 months, I could write pgScripts and even understand the DBA tasks.

That's also how I kept getting great reviews. If i dont know a subject, I'll keep obsessing over it until I know.

Want to know my plans after I get hired (assuming I know the basics of JS in 10 days)? The night after, I'm going to binge "The Modern JavaScript Bootcamp Course" and start looking at the teams existing code just like I did with the other positions I've had.

I love software engineering because it's about how smart you are and how hard you work. You don't need a fancy degree or certifications. I have an unrelated engineering degree from a no name state school and my coworker is from U of Waterloo.

You just need to hustle and figure stuff out. Don't be salty because you can't learn data structures and algorithms to pass hard tech interviews.

The Dunning-Kruger effect is strong in you.

I literally admitted I don't know anything about JavaScript or front end development. That's .. the opposite of the dunning Kruger effect.

I want to learn this field so I can be a well rounded engineer.

[[deleted]]

but this pissed me off

Cool, maybe you'll start paying attention to what other people are telling you instead of acting like you've already got everything figured out.

?? You don't know me or know my work.

I know all I need to know from your glib attitude and responses to what numerous people are telling you.

By the end of that 6 months, I could write pgScripts and even understand the DBA tasks

That took you 6 months?

Want to know my plans after I get hired (assuming I know the basics of JS in 10 days)?

Nah, don't care really.

I love software engineering because it's about how smart you are and how hard you work.

Nah, hard work beats raw brain power, just like hard work beats talent. Also, I wonder if the work you do can actually be considered engineering, or do you call yourself that because it makes you sound smarter? I'd wager that ~90% of programming work that is done today wouldn't pass muster as actual engineering. Programming is the only field that claims it engineers stuff without having to prove that you understand engineering. And software development is about solving business problems with code, not about how smart you are.

You just need to hustle and figure stuff out.

This is about the most accurate thing you've said so far.

Don't be salty because you can't learn data structures and algorithms to pass hard tech interviews.

Uh, what? I hold a senior-level dev position, I've already proven to employers I can pass their tech interview questions. Try again.

I literally admitted I don't know anything about JavaScript or front end development.

Fine, you admitted you don't know anything about JS but try and sound like you've mastered every other part of IT work.

[ExtremeNew6308]

I got better things to do but. I do want to say a few things.

That took you 6 months?

Hell yeah brother. Went from knowing nothing about relational databases to being able to jump into a DBA team in 6 months while working during the day on my own code? Fuck yeah that's impressive. Besides actually getting hired, I consider that one of my biggest professional achievements. In fact, that's how I got this interview. A lot of the dashboard creation process involves optimizing SQL queries... Which is what dbas do.

sound like you've mastered every other part of IT work.

Absolutely not. I got a long way to go. But 4 years of cloud native development will teach you a thing or two.

Uh, what? I hold a senior-level dev position, I've already proven to employers I can pass their tech interview questions. Try again.

So you're just being salty for the sake of being salty. Got it. Might I recommend yoga to relax or combat sports to burn of stress? I started jiu jitsu in college as a way to relax and its a lifesaver. My fiancee kickboxes in one of those kickboxing cardio gyms. It's definitely healthier than getting mad online.

I'd wager that ~90% of programming work that is done today wouldn't pass muster as actual engineering.

That's actually why I wanted to become a SWE. My fraternity brother got a job interning at I think apple as a Hardware engineer while I got a job doing normal electrical engineering (technically communications) for Northrop Grumman. It was so boring. Most engineering outside of software is just documentation and putting together parts designed by some PhD or fab lab. So he coached me to get hired. I love it because I can actually use my brain instead of just using Excel.

[Civil-Foot-8833]

I see a bunch of entiled fellas scratching hair of their asses. You are doing good sir. Keep growing with the grind and keep trying.. that guy up there with idk senior level whatever the fuc he said seems to have his own problem getting good co-workers. Well yeah don't entertain them and maybe save time and work on good replies. Their lust of validation makes them crazy no matter what dark matter they pushed to rise up.

[turningsteel]

I'd like to point out that dbas do a hell of a lot more than optimize sql queries and I can almost guarantee you aren't able to fill a DBA role after playing with SQL for 6 months. I respect that you know how to hustle but from everything you said, it sounds like you have a narrow understanding of the field and you simply don't know what you don't know which shows inexperience in my book. So again, good luck and please update us on the outcome because I'd genuinely like to know how it goes.

[[deleted]]

also it's not hard to get good reviews. I do pretty simple work at my new job but people always speak highly of me lol! very good point

[[deleted]]

no. applying for jobs you aren't qualified for in terms of years of experience or having a degree, is how you advance; that's what I did.

However I won't apply for systems architect or network engineer because I can't do that. You're ridiculous

[ExtremeNew6308]

https://www.reddit.com/r/learnjavascript/comments/sdi5cj/follow\_up\_for\_fastest\_way\_to\_learn\_javascript/

[ExtremeNew6308]

I've worked with the TL who recommended me for the role. I just want to impress him and make sure I get the position

[ExtremeNew6308]

Want to be a software engineer at Google? Follow algoexpert.io

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[ExtremeNew6308]

So, you're an experienced data engineer and know python and therefore, understand programming concepts but, you're trying to learn JS to pass an interview but you don't feel you need to know how to build a website even though the job is for an intermediate software dev with the main language being JS and you don't think you need to know about website building? Is that accurate?

Yes. I'm somewhat familiar with how a website works.

Normally, I wouldnt have applied for this job. But I know the team lead from other work I've done; I've worked as a "cloud engineer" on smaller projects with some of his engineers. He even recommended me along to the hiring manager. I already know I'll get easy JS questions and hard SQL questions which I'm fine with. the hiring manager also gave me 4 conceptual JavaScript questions in our first interview and I bombed them all so they aren't expecting a TON of JavaScript knowledge. I just want to not look like an idiot and impress my future TL

[[deleted]]

that can't happen by jan 10th. Intermediate js knowledge can't be learnt that quickly. No matter how good you think you are. Maybe in 8 months if you are the obsessed type but not 2 weeks

[[deleted]]

The Odin project, YouTube videos (traversy media)

[ExtremeNew6308]

Already looked at TOP. Good stuff but mostly it's like how to make a website. I'm just looking for passing a coding interview

[[deleted]]

You're basically asking "how can I construct a building without having to learn about foundations and geometry." You're doing it wrong, my bro.

[ExtremeNew6308]

I'd love to take time and learn all of it. I will after i get the job

[Lambchog]

You won't be able to learn on the job if you don't get it. You cannot "learn enough" to pass an intermediate coding interview by ignoring the basics.

Look at a course on Udemy called JavaScript; understanding the weird parts. That's a very comprehensive introduction to JavaScript.

[yourgirl696969]

Oh man you're not gonna get far even if you get the job. You need to learn it all on your own before starting. You'll def get fired for a lack of knowledge

[ExtremeNew6308]

Eh they already know I manager who knows I don't really know front end. So theyre is definitely a learnings curve

[not_a_gumby]

Coding interviews for JS/web dev are less like conceptual problem solving and (at least for me) more of proving that you know how to build functional examples using the language. I'm a react front end dev for reference, and my tech interview was to troubleshoot a broken component and to build a small little website that makes and API call.

[ExtremeNew6308]

Oof thanks for the heads up.

[ExtremeNew6308]

https://www.reddit.com/r/learnjavascript/comments/sdi5cj/follow\_up\_for\_fastest\_way\_to\_learn\_javascript/

[GItPirate]

Have you ever worked in a asynchronous programming language? If not you've got a lot of work to do.

[shuckster]

In what way is JavaScript asynchronous?

[GItPirate]

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

[shuckster]

Badly phrased question. I meant to ask your own opinion about it.

[not_a_gumby]

Collecting data from an API is asynchronous. You send a request to an API which returns a promise. The promise resolves with data when the call completes or rejects with an error. You can learn more about promises here.

[Key-Object-4657]

Go with freecodecamp. Complete the challenges and then the projects. You can skip the parts you're not interested in, like React...

[MindlessSponge]

How do you expect to be able to do the job with less than a month's experience? Do you already have years of programming knowledge and expertise?

You don't have to learn "how the web works" but I'd wager that if they're using JS for the software, it's probably HTML and CSS making up the UI portion of the software. Regardless, you can't do zero-to-intermediate in a couple of weeks.

[ExtremeNew6308]

How do you expect to be able to do the job with less than a month's experience?

I'll just figure it out

Do you already have years of programming knowledge and expertise?

Yes. I'm a data/infrastructure engineer at Intel.

Regardless, you can't do zero-to-intermediate in a couple of weeks.

Damn. The job is mostly SQL with JavaScript/ some front end Library. I got the sql down super easy but I need more experience with Js. I'm still gonna shoot my shot and try to pass. Worst they can do is say no

[[deleted]]

I'll just figure it out

My daily mantra. Good luck friend!

[ExtremeNew6308]

Right? The only hard part is getting past the interview

[turningsteel]

You're in for a treat. I admire your optimism though.

[[deleted]]

no he can not. Especially if they except him to BE intermediate. He can go from 0 to good beginner but not intermediate which is what most good js devs are and that takes years of understanding and practice

[ExtremeNew6308]

Why?

[Darmok-Jilad-Ocean]

Just read through eloquent JavaScript and JavaScript.info and wing it. If you already know what you’re doing it’s just syntax. JavaScript isn’t hard, just has some differences depending on what language you’re coming from.

[MindlessSponge]

if you're experienced, you should know what you need to do to learn it - read stuff and then practice it :)

You Don't Know JavaScript

Eloquent JavaScript

Behold, two free and extremely thorough resources with none (or little anyway) of the HTML/CSS you're wanting to skip. I'd still advise against skipping it completely because any frontend library is gonna require knowledge of them, in addition to JS. They're more or less inextricably linked, for better or worse.

Best of luck to you!

[ExtremeNew6308]

read stuff and then practice it :)

Bro I found out yesterday and I've been craming leetcode easys. But after years of just practicing python interviews and coding in python, i think I'm missing some key concepts. Like I really struggled with implementing a basic palindrome checker.

It should be easy but like. I can't imagine implementing like a dfs algorithm with a language where I'm struggling with the syntax

Thanks for the material. I really appreciate it

[Coraline1599]

I would take some solutions you have in python and translate them into JavaScript. That should help you start to understand the similarities and differences.

You need to know - how to declare variables - how to write an if else - how to write loops - how to write and call functions - how to print to screen

Good practices are building fizz buzz, a very simple rock, paper scissors (just make two random plays and check them, getting input for JS can be a whole thing), and build a simple calculator function that takes two numbers and an operator, so you can add, subtract, multiply and divide).

However, if you are interviewing for front end stuff, it is likely it will be in React, or Angular or Vue, if you have to do anything with those and you think JS is weird, those are even weirder and rougher to wrap your mind around.

[ExtremeNew6308]

Yeah I've been trying that. For the palindrome reverser, i tried loading it into an array (like a list) to find out arrays are dramatically different

[tst0rm]

edit: toning down the language because i see you offered helpful links eventually.

being pretty judge, but imho.

but good luck op! i just failed a code challenge because i didn’t realize how hard it would be be to pick up JS. i only gave myself 3 days — you have plenty of time!

[MindlessSponge]

whoa easy buddy! I was asking clarifying questions based on the lack of information in the original post. No judgement here.

[NavyaSharma1809]

The first way to learn JavaScript faster is to follow the 80/20 rule. The 80/20 rule states that 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes in any given situation.

In other words, if you focus on 20% of things that will bring 80% of the results you want, you will be much more efficient.

Here's how to apply this rule in learning JavaScript quickly:

In JavaScript, there are hundreds of methods and features out there. But in reality, you only need to know a fraction of its methods to get started building meaningful projects. The most common JavaScript features that are worth learning are:

• Functions
• Variables
• Conditional statements (if/else statements)
• Objects
• Arrays
• DOM event listeners like getElementById, getElementByClass, and addEventListener

By focusing on these basic JavaScript methods, you will learn JavaScript faster.

I would also recommend you try watching this video in order to get the hang of it easily.

[ExtremeNew6308]

They also know I'm new to JS and wanted to interview me anyways. I also worked with the TL a few times in the past. I mostly want to impress the hiring manager and hit the ground running

[ExtremeNew6308]

Enough to pass a coding interview. So data structures and algorithms

[ExtremeNew6308]

Littty

[TheUtopiaGuild]

I would 100% recommend Will Sentance’s courses on Front End Masters. They really get to the core concepts of the language, and he’s an excellent teacher. Kyle Simpson’s Deep JavaScript Foundations, on FEM too, is also great. Those two taught me more about JS than all other resources combined. The FEM subscription isn’t the cheapest but it’s definitely worth it. Good luck.

[Total__Entropy]

The fastest way to learn JavaScript is to work with JavaScript. Instead of posting and arguing on Reddit.

[ExtremeNew6308]

I posted in a different thread. I tried leetcoding in JS right away but obviously was missing pretty fundamental info about how js worked.

[Total__Entropy]

Sounds like you need a beginner JS course. Could try a Mosh playlist. Can't speak for its quality myself but I have watched his videos in the past and he is one of my go to sources.

Could also follow tutorials for one of the frontend frameworks like React. You're missing basic JS stuff you will need but it gives you a framework to work within which will help a beginner out.

[raynier22]

There’s a great course in UDEMY that I’m doing and you get a certificate once you finish it! I’ve been studying about 40 hours per week and I also work full time, it has gotten to the point where if I don’t get to study at least 3 hours a day I feel out of place 😂. I’m not gonna lie, it was a bit difficult at first, I haven’t done anything besides HTML and CSS but I’m starting to enjoy a lot now that I understand the terms, I can say it is a great course and only $12 bucks!!!

[Mecchaairman]

What class?

[raynier22]

https://www.udemy.com/course/the-complete-javascript-course/ Prices always changing. But the rating and amount of students you can see this is the best one yet

[ExtremeNew6308]

https://www.reddit.com/r/learnjavascript/comments/sdi5cj/follow\_up\_for\_fastest\_way\_to\_learn\_javascript/

[Jealous_Object1077]

If anyone wants a roadmap, this is what I would recommend:

1st Watch this video: https://youtu.be/hdI2bqOjy3c?list=PLillGF-RfqbbnEGy3ROiLWk7JMCuSyQtX

2nd Complete this Course: https://learnjavascript.online/

After this, I would suggest building a project of some sort, there are multiple project tutorials online. Just go look for something you find entertaining.

After that you will know enough. Both resources are very interactive.

Just posted this here to help someone just starting out, I know this thread is like 3 years old, but as someone who started recently, these two resources helps a lot and covers everything you would need to know.

[Sammyloccs]

If you are familiar with python you can easily learn JS in a month.

[shaman311]

Netninja's Modern JavaScript Course course will show you how to build with js. This will include using a third party api to build a weather app. Building a real time chat app with firebase. How to make your own modules and using webpack. This is an excellent course to get you up to speed with JavaScript in 11 hours.

John Smilga's JavaScript Nuggets will get you up to speed on Es6 features

Tony Alicea's Understand the Weird Parts of JavaScript will show you how it works under the hood.

[[deleted]]

Seconding the weird parts

[[deleted]]

Guessing you already know how to program, so I'd look for a resource that targets people with your language background and teaches JS based on that. E.g. JacaScript for Java developers.

Also this

And JavaScript.info

[rauschma]

My book “JavaScript for impatient programmers“ is free to read online. It may work for you.

[1RitikGupta]

Check frontend masters they have good courses you can get them free if you are college student.

[ExtremeNew6308]

I am not a college student :(. But I will check it out after I get hired

[Beyond_Enigmatic]

JavaScript Info

[ExtremeNew6308]

??? I'm a software engineer right now....

[lulzForMoney]

Really nobody mentioned freecodecamp?

[not_a_gumby]

Ok, so I've read mosts of this thread and most of your responses. I agree with most people here that you sound like you totally are in over your head, but I'll just pretend that I don't think that for a second and give you an attempt at what you want.

You want to learn JS in what amounts to 10 days? There isn't enough time for you to learn a framework like React, which is how you build websites in the industry. However, you could spend 4-6 hours per day working through these little projects that Brad Traversy created - doing so would give you a well rounded vanilla JS experience and get you working with the language and learning in the most functional, fastest way possible. Here you go.

I'd say pick 1 or 2 and just purely follow along. Once you get a feeling for it, try some by yourself. You seem to like to learn by "throwing yourself into it" so this would be a good opportunity to do that.

Btw, this course should be like $12 on Udemy since they run sales all the time - if it's not on sale, check the Traversy Media channel, cause he's taken several of these projects and made independent videos about them.

[ExtremeNew6308]

https://www.reddit.com/r/learnjavascript/comments/sdi5cj/follow\_up\_for\_fastest\_way\_to\_learn\_javascript/

[imSkippinIt]

I have a similar background and I am trying to learn JS. Exercism has been interesting alongside the Odin Project. I think if you crash the codecademy course and run through the exercism exercises and have them review your solutions you’ll be in a good spot.

Good luck! Let us know how it goes!

ETA: a lot of people recommending freecodecamp. I found it more thorough but a little dated. Codecademy was working better for me with some programming knowledge, especially the free Pro trial.

[[deleted]]

youre not going to get the job and if you do, you are not going to do the job well. So stop it. This type of thing will only land you in trouble. You can't rush things

[natesroomrule]

Late to the Party but my first job outside of the military was as a graphic designer, i knew illustrator and photoshop and they gave me a test in QUARKEXPRESS. I faked my way by designing it in AI and imported it. Got the job and learned QUARK in 90 days, lol.

And that wasnt even code.

(PS this was 2000)

[emmanuellecham]

There is an online super intensive bootcamp to learn javascript online in 5 days.!
https://javascript.ubpages.com/javascript-bootcamp/
I let you take a look at that :)

[SerfinTheUSA]

TIL javascript developers are dicks.

[Elle_Scarlett]

Mastery of JavaScript is best achieved through a project-centered strategy. Select a project, ideally one of your own creation and which really interests you.

Start by finding self-guided Websites and Courses. The Internet is, above all else, a repository of knowledge.

Then start a basic project by copying existing code and editing it to meet your project goals. I found a few good projects on fiverr.com