How to Learn JavaScript

If you’re considering pursuing a career in web development or application development, you may have learned that you need to know how to code with JavaScript. But the number of options for learning JavaScript can undoubtedly be overwhelming at first glance. There are books, video tutorials, classes, and more to choose from, all of which offer unique benefits. The right learning approach for you thus depends on your learning style and personal preferences.

Here, we’ll discuss the various methods of learning JavaScript so you can make an informed decision about how you’d like to get started.

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.

In-Person JavaScript Training

Attending in-person JavaScript training is a great way to learn this programming language. That’s because in-person courses provide direct access to instructors and peers, so you can ask questions, receive feedback, and network with others in one central location. This can be slightly harder to come by in an online course since your interactions occur behind a computer screen. The primary drawback to in-person courses, of course, is their time commitment. Students must commute to class each day, which can be challenging for individuals juggling other responsibilities, such as family life or a full-time job.

If you’re interested in pursuing in-person training and are located in New York City, be sure to check out Noble Desktop’s JavaScript training options. Noble’s campus is centrally located in Manhattan and close to public transportation, making it easy to get to class each day, whether you’re commuting from in the city or outside the state in New Jersey or Philadelphia. If you’re not located in this area, you can also search for other in-person JavaScript classes using Noble’s “Classes Near Me” tool, which allows you to find a course based on your geographic location.

Live Online JavaScript Training

Numerous live online training opportunities are available to anyone who wants to learn JavaScript. Live online training is a particularly good option for individuals who want a structured learning environment while also having some scheduling flexibility. Many live online training courses are available in both part-time and full-time formats, so individuals can choose courses that best suit their scheduling needs.

In particular, Noble Desktop’s JavaScript Development Certificate teaches individuals how to build web applications using JavaScript. This includes learning to use JavaScript libraries and frameworks, like React, Node.js, and Express.js. Students also learn how to interact with databases using MongoDB and work with APIs. This course offers 1-on-1 mentorship and career support, making it an excellent option for those seeking a career in app development.

Noble’s Full Stack Web Development Certificate provides individuals with the skills to become Full Stack Developers. This includes learning HTML, CSS, and JavaScript on the front end. Additionally, students learn JavaScript libraries and frameworks like React, Node.js, and MongoDB, among others. Like Noble’s other certificate programs, individuals enrolled in this course receive career support and 1-on-1 mentorship opportunities.

Individuals who want to learn how to build web applications might consider Noble’s React Development Bootcamp. In this class, students learn how to design and code web apps using React. Before enrolling in this course, students should be comfortable coding with JavaScript. Fortunately, Noble Desktop has a JavaScript Programming Bootcamp course that can get you up-to-speed and ready to start creating web applications.

Other schools also offer live online JavaScript training. This includes training schools like General Assembly, Practical Programming, and Certstaffix Training, among others. For example, Practical Programming offers a JavaScript Immersive course that teaches web development skills, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Node.js.

Free Online Courses & Tutorials

Not ready to dive into an entire course? Completing a free introductory course or tutorial is a low-stakes option for individuals who aren’t positive they want to commit to a structured class. You can start learning about JavaScript with Noble’s free Intro to JavaScript seminar, which provides an overview of JavaScript and popular JavaScript libraries, the MERN stack (MongoDB, Express, React, and Node.js), and client-side versus server-side JavaScript. You might also consider exploring other popular online resources, like freeCodeCamp, Code Academy, and The Odin Project.

Additionally, YouTube offers a bounty of introductory videos about JavaScript and related skills. This can be a great way to learn more about the different career options available to those who know how to code with JavaScript. Similarly, reading articles and blog posts about the field can help you stay up-to-date with trends without a considerable time commitment. When taking this approach, the main thing to consider is to look for the most recently uploaded or posted content — this helps ensure you’re learning the most up-to-date information about JavaScript.

Of course, learning JavaScript through free intro courses and tutorials is best for individuals who enjoy learning through self-study. It’s a convenient way to pick up some new skills without a huge time or monetary commitment. However, this method of learning isn’t for everyone, and some may prefer a more structured approach, such as that provided by an online course.

Read about more free JavaScript videos and online tutorials.

On-Demand JavaScript Classes

Individuals who want to be entirely in charge of their learning experience might consider on-demand JavaScript training. Self-paced classes are pre-recorded, meaning you can access them whenever you want.As a result, this approach is particularly beneficial for individuals who want to learn JavaScript in between other personal and professional commitments since you can watch videos and practice coding whenever you have a free moment.

Because of their approachable nature, many self-paced courses are beginner-friendly. This includes online tutorials that provide a basic overview of the language and more advanced self-paced classes that dive into the details of coding with JavaScript. Some courses are offered for free or cheap, while others operate on a subscription-based model. Either way, on-demand courses are generally cheaper than in-person or live online classes, making them a budget-friendly option for those just starting their learning journey.

If you’re considering an on-demand class, there are a few things to keep in mind. Because there are no set meeting times and no instructor to hold individuals accountable, it can be easy to procrastinate or forget to set aside time to learn. As a result, individuals must be proactive in taking charge of their learning. If that sounds like you, on-demand learning might be the perfect way to learn about JavaScript as you prepare for more structured learning opportunities.

Which Learning Method is Right for Me?

With so many different resources available to help beginners learn JavaScript, you might be unsure which one is best for you. Because everyone has different learning styles and preferences, it can be helpful to experiment with different approaches to see which one feels right. In general, the more you can practice using JavaScript, the more efficient and effective you will be when it comes time to apply your skills to real-world projects — no matter the specific learning method you choose.

One key thing to remember before selecting a learning method is how much time you have to dedicate to the subject matter. If you have a lot of responsibilities, like a full-time job or family commitments, you may not be able to commit to a structured course. In this case, a self-paced class or video tutorials may be better since you can access them whenever your schedule allows.

On the other hand, those with a more flexible schedule may prefer the networking opportunities that a structured course, like those offered in-person or live online, can provide. This is particularly true for individuals trying to change careers, as many in-person or live online classes also provide 1-on-1 mentorship and career development opportunities.

Why Learn JavaScript?

Without JavaScript, websites would be static and boring, and visitors would have difficulty staying engaged with their content. As a result, organizations rely upon individuals with JavaScript skills to add dynamic and interactive components to their websites. Learning JavaScript is thus a prerequisite skill for anyone who wants to pursue a career in web development or application development, including roles like Full Stack Web Developer, Front End Web Developer, and Application Developer.

Another benefit of learning JavaScript is that it can expand your coding skills. If you’re already well-versed in coding with HTML and CSS, JavaScript is a great way to gain experience with an actual programming language (as opposed to a style sheet or markup language). After learning JavaScript, you can apply your knowledge to numerous industries that rely upon these front end programming skills. Learning JavaScript is also the first step in using the language’s numerous libraries and frameworks. Knowing how to use these versatile tools can make you more marketable while searching for jobs since they increase the number of ways you can use JavaScript, including using the language server-side (or back end).

Read more about why you should learn JavaScript.

Level of Difficulty, Prerequisites, & Cost

If you’ve never used a programming language before, you may be intimidated by the idea of learning how to code with JavaScript.Like all programming languages, learning JavaScript requires dedication and focus to learn. That said, anyone who takes the time to gain a foundational understanding of this language can do so. The length of time it will take you to become proficient in JavaScript varies depending on how much time you’re able to spend on learning each week. Still, in general, you should plan to dedicate about six to twelve months to learning this code and its applications.

Before learning JavaScript, you should know how to code with HTML and CSS. Without knowledge of these languages, you will have a difficult time understanding exactly how JavaScript works to manipulate code and add engagement to websites. Additionally, you should have a clear understanding of where you’re planning to apply your JavaScript skills. That’s because you’ll need to learn slightly different tools and skills if you plan to use this language primarily for web development as opposed to application development or game development. Taking the time to get clear on these requirements before you begin your learning journey can help ensure you pick up the necessary skills as efficiently as possible.

Fortunately, JavaScript is open-source, meaning it’s readily accessible from the internet and entirely free to use. All you need to start coding with JavaScript is a text editor or integrated development environment (IDE) that enables you to write code, then apply it to your intended use. Likewise, many of JavaScript’s libraries and frameworks are free, meaning you can readily expand your application of this language to different tasks without incurring additional costs.

Read more about how difficult it is to learn JavaScript.

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.

Key Insights

Ready to learn JavaScript? Below are a few key takeaways to help you get started on your learning journey.

• JavaScript allows individuals to add interactivity to websites, applications, and browser-based games.
• There are numerous ways to learn how to code with JavaScript, each of which has unique benefits and drawbacks. This includes approaches like:
• Reading blog posts about JavaScript
• Watching free video tutorials
• Completing on-demand classes
• Enrolling in an in-person or virtual course
• You can learn JavaScript by using just one of the approaches above or combining several based on your unique needs. The key to success is practicing using this programming language as much as possible.