How Long Does it Take to Learn JavaScript & jQuery?

Like many aspiringWeb Designers, you might want to learn JavaScript and jQuery but worry that it will take too much time. Learning any new skill takes time, but it may be worth the investment. And JavaScript is one of the more accessible programming languages to learn. Within a short time, learners will code sections they can see in a browser. Of course, gaining a working knowledge of both JavaScript and jQuery takes between six months and one year, according to programmers. Of course, this depends on several factors, such as time invested in learning the skill and prior knowledge. Keep reading to learn about how you can learn JavaScript and jQuery and some resources to help speed the process along.

What is JavaScript & jQuery?

JavaScript is a programming language used to create more interactive websites, while jQuery is a framework for JavaScript. In many ways, they function similarly and have been around for several years. However, several critical differences between JavaScript and jQuery exist. JavaScript has broader uses as a programming language. It has many built-in ways to make websites more dynamic, while jQuery–a more targeted framework–has a limited range. John Resig created jQuery to make JavaScript web development faster. 

The features of JavaScript and jQuery are also different since they are designed to be used in contrasting situations. JavaScript is used in server-side applications; jQuery is used just for client-side development. When used together, they can simplify the process of web development. jQuery is quicker and easier to use by simplifying code writing in JavaScript. Its framework allows users to compress JavaScript tasks into fewer lines of code. Individuals can use jQuery to reduce their development time. It is wise to use jQuery to make browser compatibility easier. 

Read more about what JavaScript and jQuery are and why you should learn them. 

What Can You Do with JavaScript & jQuery?

Individuals can use JavaScript and jQuery for many purposes. JavaScript is used on the client side and the server side. It allows individuals to make web pages interactive and is mainly for web applications and web browsers. JavaScript is used for showing or hiding information with a button, changing the color of a button, zooming in or out, playing audio and video, displaying animations, or using a drop-down hamburger menu. It is also used to create browser games and web and mobile apps.

jQuery is not a programming language but a tool to facilitate web development in JavaScript. Individuals can even use any JavaScript editor to write jQuery, such as Notepad, Visual Studio, Eclipse, or Ultra edit. jQuery can be used to develop Ajax-based applications, to make code simple and reusable, to simplify the traversal of HTML DOM tree, and to perform animation and ajax support in web applications. jQuery also helps individuals to make flash-like animated applications. Using jQuery, individuals only need to know JavaScript and HTML to create animations. Web designers can use many impressive effects to make their designs more elegant. 

Average Time it Takes to Learn JavaScript & jQuery

The time it takes to learn JavaScript and jQuery varies. It can take an individual about six hours to learn jQuery because it extends to JavaScript and is not a new language. Once individuals understand the basics of JavaScript, they shouldn’t have trouble learning to use jQuery. On the other hand, JavaScript can take an average of six to nine months to become proficient. This estimate mainly applies to those who are self-teaching. Others who enroll in intensive bootcamps can learn in as little as fifteen weeks. 

Other Factors

There are other factors to consider when learning JavaScript and jQuery, such as how much time one can dedicate, the learning method, prerequisites, and the reason for learning. Individuals may have varying amounts of time to commit, which will then affect the type of courses they enroll in. Having the proper prerequisites can also speed up the time it takes to learn JavaScript and jQuery. 

Time for Learning

Some people have different amounts of time to dedicate to learning, which is why it may take some longer than others to learn JavaScript and jQuery. Depending on how much time they have, individuals should dedicate a specific amount of time each week to studying. Those who can commit more time will be able to learn JavaScript and jQuery more swiftly. All courses are different, and the amount of time an individual spends on a course will depend on their study habits and self-discipline. 

Learning Method

There are various ways to learn JavaScript, and individuals may want to take in-person, live online, on-demand, or self-paced classes. There are regular classes and more intense bootcamps, which take a shorter time to complete. Those who are busier may want to take self-paced courses. Depending on how much time one has to dedicate to learning, self-paced courses can take weeks or months to complete. There are also free introductory courses available that can help with self-learning JavaScript and jQuery. 

Prerequisites

There are prerequisites that individuals should complete before learning JavaScript and jQuery. JavaScript and jQuery require knowledge of HTML and CSS, so it is vital to master these before enrolling in a course or self-teaching. Both tools are crucial to web development, as HTML provides the basic framework for websites, and CSS adds styling elements. jQuery requires prior hands-on experience creating simple websites. Individuals should know the basics of programming and DOM manipulation. It is also important to understand core Java. 

Reason for Learning

An individual’s reason for learning JavaScript and jQuery can affect how much time they put into learning. Some may want to learn these skills to begin a career, for a career change, or for personal reasons. Individuals who aren’t familiar with JavaScript will take longer to learn it than those who need a refresher. It is important to remember that while individuals can pick up JavaScript in months, they will need to continue the learning process throughout their careers. Most will need to pick up other programming languages and skills, along with JavaScript and jQuery. 

Level of Difficulty, Prerequisites, & Cost 

JavaScript and jQuery function similarly and have been around for many years. When used together, they can simplify the process of web development. JavaScript is considered to be one of the easiest languages to grasp. It is a step up from learning fundamental web development skills, but individuals can learn the basics of JavaScript in a matter of months. jQuery is also simple and can be learned in a matter of hours. Understanding the core JavaScript language is essential, making it easier to use jQuery properly. 

Individuals should complete any course prerequisites before learning JavaScript and jQuery. Using both JavaScript and jQuery requires knowledge of HTML and CSS; thus, any student must master these before enrolling in a course. Additionally, jQuery requires prior hands-on experience creating simple websites. Individuals should understand the basics of programming and know about DOM manipulation. 

The cost of learning JavaScript and jQuery varies. Individuals may be interested in free, introductory-level courses, but enrolling in more in-depth classes is usually necessary. Some providers require individuals to have a monthly subscription to access their courses, while others have a set fee for each class. Potential students must consider the cost of taking prerequisites plus their JavaScript and jQuery classes. Noble Desktop’s JavaScript for Front End course is under $1K for 18 hours of instruction. Some of Noble’s more in-depth courses range from $1,250 to $5,995. 

Individuals can easily access JavaScript and jQuery through a few simple steps. There are multiple ways to install and use jQuery. Individuals can use jQuery with a CDN, download the jQuery library from jQuery.com, or use npm, Yarn, or Bower. JavaScript is part of a browser’s runtime by default in every modern browser. 

Read about how difficult it is to learn JavaScript and jQuery.

Watch a Free JavaScript & jQuery Online Course

Are you ready to learn new skills but not dive into an in-depth course? Looking for an overview of JavaScript and jQuery? Start learning JavaScript and jQuery for free online. In Noble’s Video Tutorial: Introduction to JavaScript, individuals learn the client side of JavaScript. Individuals learn what to do with JavaScript and receive examples of such, as well as client-side versus Server-side JavaScript and an overview of popular JavaScript libraries. Other topics covered include:

• Defining and using variables and strings.
• Performing calculations.
• Working with the DOM.
• Using external JavaScript files. 

Other providers offer free JavaScript and jQuery courses, such as Codecademy and Udacity, which offer courses like Intro to jQuery and Learn JavaScript. Both courses last between 20 and 48 hours. 

Read more about free JavaScript and jQuery videos and online tutorials. 

Learn JavaScript with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

Individuals can learn JavaScript with hands-on training from Noble Desktop. Many of their classes provide high-level JavaScript skills. With expert instructors, small classes, and free retake options, Noble’s courses provide the JavaScript instruction necessary to advance in a new career. 

Noble’s JavaScript Development Certificate is the perfect course for anyone who knows HTML/CSS and wants to become a JavaScript Developer. Individuals learn to build web apps with JavaScript and gain the necessary skills to find a career in application development. The course covers building dynamic web applications with React and Node.js, creating APIs with Express.js, and working with databases with MongoDB. 

Another course is their Full Stack Web Development Certificate, which focuses on JavaScript and teaches individuals to work on all aspects of a web application. The program covers HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Git, starting with front end web development and continuing with back-end programming. Other JavaScript classes and bootcamps include Software Engineering Certificate and Front End Web Development Certificate. 

Key Insights

• Individuals who want to learn JavaScript and jQuery may worry that it will take too much time, but it is certainly worth the investment. 
• Gaining a working knowledge of JavaScript and jQuery can take six months to one year, but this depends on several factors, such as time invested in learning the skill and prior knowledge.
• Individuals who enroll in intensive bootcamps can learn in as little as fifteen weeks. 
• Things to consider when determining how much time it will take to learn JavaScript and jQuery include the time one can dedicate to learning, the method of instruction, prerequisites, and reasons for learning.
• You can receive comprehensive JavaScript and jQuery training through an in-person or live online course with Noble Desktop.