How to Learn JavaScript: Fundamentals, Real-World Uses, and More

Learning JavaScript is very useful. This widely-used programming language is commonly learned alongside HTML and CSS for front-end development. To become a successful web developer, knowing JavaScript is essential. 

While grasping JavaScript’s fundamentals can be challenging at first, don’t worry. We will walk you through what you need to know and provide some great JavaScript courses.

What Is JavaScript?

JavaScript is a scripting language that allows you to build interactive web pages. Anything on a website that displays information or has neat animation is thanks to JavaScript code. As one of the top programming languages, it should come as no surprise that it helps create interactive maps, animated 2D and 3D graphics, and scrolling video jukeboxes on a website.

JavaScript is generally a client-side scripting language, rather than server-side, meaning the user’s web browser processes the source code. However, there is a server-side JavaScript (SSJS) available, which enables backend access to servers, databases, and file systems.

What Is JavaScript Used For?

The JavaScript programming language is extremely versatile and has many uses in tech, including web apps, games, and animations. The ways you can use JavaScript are nearly endless, especially when working alongside HTML and CSS.

Web and Mobile Apps

Netflix, Facebook, Uber, and LinkedIn were all created with the help of JavaScript. The language’s framework enables a whole host of apps on various platforms like Android, Windows, and iOS. 

Games

JavaScript helped build games like Candy Crush, PlayCanvas, and many more. As browsers become more powerful, even more games will be possible. 

Although JavaScript may not be the best tool for game creation yet, the language and the necessary technology are evolving in tandem. In the future, this language could be a much bigger player in the gaming industry.

Animations

To create JavaScript animations, you’ll need to program gradual changes to develop a sense of movement. JavaScript can help you build more complex animations than CSS. 

Learn JavaScript: Step-by-Step

Below you can find a guide for JavaScript newcomers. It’ll take time and patience to build the skills you need for a career in using JavaScript. But remember, take it one step at a time. For those wondering how hard coding is to learn, check out the resources on our blog.

1. Foundations of JavaScript

Begin with the syntax, which is the grammar of a programming language. Research the text of the code. Explore literal and variable values, operators, expressions, and keywords.

2. Objects 

Next, delve into what object-oriented really means. Discover how you can transfer properties of real-life objects into JavaScript. Explore what these objects can do as well as their functions. 

3. Strings

JavaScript strings are essentially the speech that the code transmits onto the screen. They are defined by quotation marks that you enter around specific lines of code, similar to text.

One way to learn about strings is to study online tutorials, which you can find below.

4. Functions

The last few things to dig into before your course involve JavaScript functions. These functions include JavaScript loops, dates, errors, debugging, and more.

Functions like loops will be a real lifesaver if you need to repeatedly run the same code. Debugging will also come in handy because, inevitably, things will go wrong. Unlike writing a text to your friend, there is nothing to highlight your mistakes in JavaScript, so learning to debug is crucial.

5. JavaScript Online Courses

Once you feel you have a rough idea of the basics, it’s time to ace a course. There are loads of JavaScript tutorials, web development and computer science degrees, coding bootcamps, and online courses. Programming students have the option to learn to code for free or pay for a certificate. 

Below you will find a nice range of options.

The Best JavaScript Courses

These are some of the best online courses and tutorials to learn JavaScript, including short sessions and two-week courses. They range from free beginner tutorials to advanced certified classes.

W3Schools – JavaScript Tutorials

• Where: Online
• Duration: Self-paced 
• Cost: FREE
  
  

This is a fantastic beginner’s guide to all things JavaScript. You can browse guides on various JavaScript aspects. Different components of the language are a click away, making this resource extremely engaging.

Guru99 – What is Java?

• Where: Online
• Duration: Self-paced
• Cost: FREE
  
  

If you are more of a visual learner, Guru99 has a number of video tutorials on JavaScript including more advanced topics. This mixture of video and blog tutorials is a great way to begin your learning.

Codecademy – Learn JavaScript

• Where: Online
• Duration: 30 hours
• Cost: FREE 
  
  

In this Codecademy course, you will have the opportunity to build games, web apps, and interactive websites. Learn about function syntax, switch, ternary, passing data to functions, creating data lists, the return keyword, ES6 arrow functions, and more.

JavaScript.Info – The Modern JavaScript Tutorial

• Where: Online
• Duration: Self-paced
• Cost: FREE
  
  

This JavaScript tutorial has a more modern design, making it a little easier to read through. There’s a ton of information that goes into great detail about JavaScript.

Udemy – The Complete JavaScript Course 2021

• Where: Online
• Duration: 66.5 hours
• Cost: Varies
  
  

This extensive course will take you from being a beginner to feeling like a pro. In the course, you will learn about variables, Boolean logic, arrays, loops, objects, strings, and optional chaining. You will create six JavaScript projects to add to your portfolio.

Udacity – Intro to JavaScript

• Where: Online
• Duration: 2 weeks
• Cost: FREE (or pay money for an optional certificate or Udacity membership)
  
  

Learn JavaScript’s fundamentals in this great beginner’s course. Explore data types, conditionals, loops, functions, arrays, objects, and more. Students can choose a free version of this course or pay for the Nanodegree program, which could be your ticket to a high-paying career as a full-stack developer. 

Khan Academy – Computer Programming

• Where: Online
• Duration: Self-paced
• Cost: FREE
  
  

Although the Khan Academy does not provide a certificate, it is a great free learning tool. It includes many videos and practical tutorials on how to program with JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and SQL. This option is ideal for complete programming beginners.

Learning Tree International – JavaScript Essentials for Full-Stack Development

• Where: Online
• Duration: 4 days
• Cost: Around $2,000 
  
  

Learning Tree International offers you a well-rounded course to become a full-stack developer. Students will benefit from one-on-one tutoring and have the opportunity to create interactive websites with JavaScript and HTML. 

Udemy – The Advanced Concepts

• Where: Online
• Duration: 25 hours
• Cost: Varies
  
  

This is a fantastic option for advanced JavaScript coders. Get in-depth insights into JavaScript, Runtime, JavaScript Engine, Interpreter, Stack Overflow, JIT Compiler, garbage collection, and more. This course is ideal for web, Vue.js, Node.js, backend, and even Angular and React developers.

Is Learning JavaScript Right for You?

If you want to learn a universal programming language that works alongside HTML and CSS, then JavaScript is for you. If you’re seeking a career in front-end development or want to be a full-stack developer, then JavaScript skills are extremely valuable.

Another resource for JavaScript, as well as a way to join a great coding community, is Stack Overflow. The website lets you ask questions and get answers from programmers, offers a developer survey, and provides programming podcasts.

First, try some free courses and tutorials to get a sense of the language. Next, you can become more serious and complete a course that comes with a certificate. 

And if you are looking for more articles on the best tech jobs or coding bootcamp scholarships, then we have you covered.