Javascript is the programming language of the web. It enhances the internet and is a client-side language, meaning it runs on the visitor's computer. This very powerful programming language is easy to learn and use. In this article, we will cover everything needed to get you started in coding JavaScript.

Who created JavaScript, and when was JavaScript created?

While working for Netscape, Brendan Eich, created the scripting language javascript in May of 1995. The most impressive fact about javascript’s creation is that it only took Eich10 days to develop it. It was originally named Mocha but was changed. Their partner Sun had a tremendously successful software platform called Java, so they opted to name Eich’s creation javascript.

Why should I learn JavaScript?

It’s one of the most popular programming languages in the world. Javascript is advantageous to learn if you want to add interactivity to web pages. You can utilize this web development tool on any browser. It’s also useful in creating and extending web apps.

Why should I learn JavaScript

It is one of the three pillars of the web technology trilogy:

HTML - used to develop the content of your website.
CSS - used to style the layout of your website.
JAVASCRIPT - used to control the behavior of your website.

Is JavaScript easy to learn?

Yes. The javascript language is the most recommended language to learn for anyone looking to become a programmer. From building interactive forms to animated graphics, and gaming apps, it’s been an evergrowing language with plenty of support in the form of developer communities, code libraries, and online tutorials.

How to learn JavaScript?

Some of the best javascript developers are self-taught. There are currently countless tools to help you get up to speed with the latest version of javascript and go from a novice writing the fundamentals to advance javascript code.

How to learn JavaScript

Some of the resources available for learning javascript range from forums, tutorials, and online learning sites, including:

Llynda.com - currently offers 70 courses and 1,888 video tutorials
Skillcrush - currently offers a free coding camp
Codepen - has a lot of resources in the form of pens, projects, posts, and Collections
Stack Overflow - currently has 1,786,787 questions related to javascript
Codeacademyand - currently offers several online courses from beginner to advanced javascript
Github - currently has 516,566 repository results
Coursera - currently has 66 courses for you obtain your degree or certificate

The 5 best books to learn JavaScript you should have in your home library

1. YOU DON’T KNOW JS

A great beginner level book that is one in a series of six written by Kyle Simpson.

He covers topics including:

Scope & Closures
this & Object Prototypes
Types & Grammar
Async & Performance
ES6 & Beyond

2. JAVASCRIPT: THE GOOD PARTS

A great beginner to mid-level book that is written by Douglas Crockford. This is a book treasured by a lot of developers in the industry.

He covers some of the most asked questions including:

Syntax
Functions
Arrays
Objects
Methods

3. JAVASCRIPT: THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE

This book is aimed at beginners and is constantly updated and is currently on its fifth edition.

Written by David Flanagan it gives granulated look at topics like:

Classes
Objects
Client-side storage

4. Head First JavaScript Programming A Brain-Friendly Guide

This book ranges from basic to advanced topics.

Written by Elisabeth Robson and Eric T Freeman it has a lot of great topics of study including:

How JavaScript works with the browser
Using arrays
Functions
Objects
Prototypes
Understanding closures

5. SECRETS OF THE JAVASCRIPT NINJA

This book can be used by beginner level developers but is utilized by pros, so it’s a book you can grow into. It is divided into three sections: 1. Design, 2. Construction, and 3. Maintenance.

Written by John Resig and Bear Bibeault, this great read covers:

How to properly write functions, objects, and closures
Avoiding common mistakes
Regular expressions
Asynchronous code
ES6 and ES7 concepts

Bonus Book: JavaScript for Dummies

A book for the novice, written by Emily Vander Veer. It walks you through the javascript fundamentals and offers great examples that are easy to understand.

What can you do with JavaScript?

It was once only considered a language of the browser but has evolved into being able to do so much more.

Check out our list:

The total creation (front and back end development) of an interactive website, in fact, the majority of today's websites use javascript
Video game development for desktop, tablets, and phones.
There are tons of frameworks involved with machine learning (A.I.)
A lot of robots use javascript for their functionality
Chatbots are great for carrying a conversation with a customer and gaining information

With hard work and dedication, you’ll go from the fundamentals to a javascript developer earning about 80,000 as an entry javascript language programmer. The more you learn the more you can earn and the skies the limit with this wildly popular language that started out as a scripting language for the browser.

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