How Difficult is it to Learn JavaScript?

Are you curious about learning JavaScript but worried that it might be too hard? Of course, the difficulty that comes with learning a new skill is somewhat subjective. The challenges of learning JavaScript depend on factors like whether you have previous programming experience and how much time you have to dedicate to learning. If you are trying to juggle learning how to code with other family and professional obligations, you’ll no doubt have to be more strategic about fitting everything in.

That said, no matter your current schedule or comfort level with JavaScript, plenty of tools are available to help make learning more straightforward than you might think. This article will cover some of the most challenging parts of learning JavaScript and what you can do to minimize roadblocks in your learning journey.

What is JavaScript?

JavaScript is a programming language that was created in 1995 by Brendan Eich. The language was originally intended to be a straightforward scripting language that could speed up input validation on websites. In recent years, JavaScript has exploded in popularity and is used for much, much more. This programming language is most commonly used for web, application, and browser-based game development. It is a foundational skill for anyone who wants to pursue a career in one of those fields.

In particular, JavaScript helps Developers add interactive components to the website, application, or game they’re working on. Part of what makes this language so popular is that it can be used on any browser. JavaScript is also free to use, making it widely accessible to anyone who wants to learn it. Similarly, the many libraries and frameworks that help make JavaScript so versatile, including React, Node.js, and Express, are also open-source.

Read more about what JavaScript is and why you should learn it.

What Can You Do with JavaScript?

Imagine visiting a website but being unable to interact with anything. Nothing moves or changes color when you hover over it, and as you scroll through the page, everything is just a static image or text. Sounds pretty boring, doesn't it?

Now, think about a website you’ve recently visited. It’s likely that as you scrolled through the page, graphics popped into view with a flourish. You may have noticed an image carousel that automatically shifted from photo to photo, or a button that changed color when you hovered over it. When you wanted to navigate to another page on the website, you clicked a hamburger menu that exposed clickable links to these pages.

All of this is made possible with JavaScript, which adds interactive elements to websites that would otherwise be entirely static. While HTML and CSS, two languages fundamental to web design, are static by design, JavaScript makes websites more responsive and engaging to viewers. This helps ensure visitors spend as much time interacting with a website’s various components as possible.

In addition to web development, individuals also use JavaScript to build mobile and web applications. In fact, popular social media sites rely upon JavaScript and its associated frameworks, like React, to build the user interfaces of their applications. Likewise, Developers use JavaScript to build browser-based games (Bejeweled, anyone?), making this language both a highly useful and enjoyable one to learn.

What Are the Most Challenging Parts of Learning JavaScript?

Trying to learn a new skill can be intimidating, so you’re no doubt curious about the most challenging parts of learning JavaScript. Of course, everyone has different strengths, so what may be challenging to someone else could be straightforward to you and vice versa. That said, individuals face a few common challenges when they first start learning this language.

JavaScript supports several different programming paradigms, including object-oriented programming and functional programming. Individuals who are entirely new to the world of programming, and just starting to learn about different programming types, may find it difficult to understand why this is significant. Even individuals who understand the distinction between the two paradigms may find it challenging to decide which approach to use when.

Additionally, the “this” statement in JavaScript can be challenging for individuals to grasp. “This” functions as an object in JavaScript code but can be both used and called. In other words, Developers use the “this” statement differently depending on their underlying intent. Individuals who aren’t familiar with JavaScript syntax may find it challenging to identify how “this” is being used in a line of code.

You can overcome each of these challenges by gaining familiarity with the language. As you become more comfortable coding with JavaScript, you will naturally identify which programming paradigm is most relevant for your situation and how “this” should be interpreted.

How Does Learning JavaScript Compare to Other Languages?

You may be curious about how JavaScript compares to other popular programming languages. Many people assume that JavaScript shares similarities with Java; however, these languages share surprisingly little in common aside from their names. JavaScript is a scripting language, whereas Java is a programming script that must be compiled. Additionally, JavaScript is typically used for web and browser-based application development, while Java is used for app development.

Another popular object-oriented, open-source programming language that people may compare with JavaScript is Python. This programming language is famous for software development, web development, and data science. Like JavaScript, Developers can use this language on the front end. One of Python’s biggest strengths is its ability to work server-side to complete tasks for automation, data analysis, and machine learning. As a result, Developers are much more likely to use Python on the back end than they would be to use JavaScript.

Ways to Make Learning JavaScript Easier

If you’re feeling overwhelmed about learning JavaScript, you’re not alone: there’s a lot to know. But you can implement a few practices to make your JavaScript learning journey move as smoothly as possible.

• Take it slow: As excited as you may be to learn everything there is to know about JavaScript, try to take things slow. By gradually building your skills over time, the information you learn will be more likely to stick. This doesn’t mean you should be haphazard in your approach or only practice JavaScript when you feel like it. Instead, aim for slow and consistent progress. Try to master a new skill each week instead of trying to absorb everything there is to know about the language all in one day.
• Practice every day: One of the best ways to learn a new skill is by practicing a little every day, and JavaScript is no different. Consider working on a personal project to help you stay engaged and excited to dedicate time to learning each day. Setting aside a specific time of day to practice can also help you build this habit.
• Find a mentor: It can be challenging — if not downright overwhelming — to try and practice a skill when you don’t understand key concepts. If you are feeling stuck in your learning, it may help you to find a mentor. Having someone to bounce ideas off of or ask for help can ensure you’re making continued progress and keep you from feeling lost when you can’t troubleshoot something on your own.

Another way to make learning JavaScript easier is by enrolling in a course, which will be discussed next.

Learn JavaScript with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

Noble Desktop offers hands-on JavaScript training opportunities that meet the needs of various learning styles and scheduling considerations. Each of its courses features small class sizes so that you can receive individualized support from Noble’s expert instructors. This is the case whether you attend a class live online or in person at the school’s Manhattan campus. Noble Desktop also provides a free retake option for anyone who wants to complete the course again within one year of completion.

Its JavaScript Programming Bootcamp provides students with a foundation in using JavaScript. In particular, this course teaches about object-oriented programming, variables, functions, and data types, among many other topics. By the end of the class, students will know how to build web applications using JavaScript and be familiar with its libraries and frameworks. Before enrolling in this class, you should be comfortable coding with HTML and CSS.

Noble’s JavaScript Development Certificate takes JavaScript learning a bit further. In this course, students practice building web applications with JavaScript and learn how to use React, Node.js, Express.js, and MongoDB to expand the versatility of this programming language. Additionally, students have the chance to apply their learning to specific projects and build up a portfolio that can be used when applying to jobs in the field.

You may also consider Noble’s Front End Web Development Certificate. This course teaches JavaScript in addition to HTML, CSS, and WordPress while providing experiential learning opportunities. Certificates at Noble Desktop also offer students individual career mentoring sessions to help them polish their resumes and portfolios, and give them tips on how to stand out in a competitive job market.