JavaScript & jQuery Prerequisites

JavaScript is used on the client and server sides and allows individuals to make web pages interactive. Unlike some assume, jQuery is not a programming language. Rather it’s a tool to facilitate web development in JavaScript. You might worry that JavaScript and jQuery will be too hard to learn. This guide will help you understand the best methods for learning JavaScript and jQuery and what you should study first to make the learning process easier. This way, you’ll be successful however you choose to apply your new skills. 

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. 

Is JavaScript & jQuery Easy to Learn?

Learning JavaScript and jQuery isn’t too tricky, but the learning curve will differ. When it comes to JavaScript, it can be easy to learn the basics and more challenging to learn how to use it well. Individuals can typically get up to speed with learning the fundamentals of JavaScript in a matter of months, but it is vital to resist the temptation to go too fast. jQuery can be learned within a few hours and is a simple JS library.

What to Know Before Learning JavaScript & jQuery

Once individuals decide to learn JavaScript and jQuery, they may wonder which one to tackle first. Many experts suggest that future coders and programmers learn JavaScript before learning jQuery. However, learning them in reverse can be faster. One can get started quickly with jQuery and expand knowledge by learning JavaScript afterward, though this can seem more challenging upfront. 

Yet, a brand-new beginner cannot jump into learning JavaScript and jQuery. Experts recommend mastering a set of prerequisites before learning JavaScript and jQuery: basic computer knowledge, HTML, and CSS. 

Basic Computer Skills

Individuals must understand basic computer skills before learning JavaScript and jQuery. Nearly every job today requires basic technical skills, which can help individuals be confident and competent in their roles. With basic computer skills, individuals can work with software, apps, and web projects. Understanding computer and business-related skills can help prepare an individual to land a job at any company or even start their own business. It makes no difference whether an individual learns these skills on a PC or a Mac, though knowing both is best. 

HTML 

It is important to learn HTML, or HyperText Markup Language, before learning JavaScript. This tool is straightforward to learn. With HTML, individuals learn to create the structure of a website and text formatting. JavaScript will add the pizzaz to the website, but not until it’s functional, thanks to HTML. Individuals must know HTML before learning JavaScript, as they work together. 

CSS

CSS is another foundational skill required before learning JavaScript. Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) is essential as it creates the style of a web page. Text, layout, and more are arranged to look consistent across computers. JavaScript alone cannot solve the problems that a website without CSS creates. HTML, CSS, and JavaScript are the foundations of web development. 

Key Insights

• Many experts recommend learning JavaScript before jQuery, but students can do it in reverse. 
• Basic computer skills, including familiarity with web browsers, are essential for any would-be Web Designer.
• JavaScript works in tandem with HTML and CSS to create functional and styled web pages. 

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.