How to Learn JavaScript Online

Online formats can serve as excellent ways for individuals to learn JavaScript. That’s because online learning formats offer flexibility that in-person learning can’t always provide. For example, individuals who want to continue working full-time while learning JavaScript can do so by enrolling in an online course that meets in the evening. Those who want to learn JavaScript through self-study can pursue on-demand classes or watch online tutorials, many of which are free. In short, online learning provides versatility for anyone who wants to learn JavaScript, from complete novices to those who already have some programming experience.

If you’ve been wondering how to learn JavaScript online, you’ve come to the right place. This article will provide a brief overview of JavaScript, then dive into some specific ways you can learn this programming language online.

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.

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.

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.

Free Intro 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.

Comparing Online Learning with In-Person Learning

Before pursuing online JavaScript learning opportunities, you should consider how they compare to in-person formats. This can help you determine which approach best suits your learning style and goals. Each of these methods offers unique benefits and drawbacks, so the right choice is mainly dependent on your individual preference. The conversation below will help you weigh these considerations so you can choose the best option for your unique needs.

Many people are drawn to online learning due to the flexibility it provides. Rather than having to fight traffic and commute to a physical location, students can simply log into their classes from the comfort of their own homes (and possibly in their pajamas). Some online learning options, like on-demand classes, even provide complete flexibility when learning takes place. This makes online learning a particularly good option for those juggling other commitments, like day jobs and family obligations.

That said, there are some drawbacks to online learning. In particular, relying on one’s computer screen —rather than face-to-face interaction—can become boring after a while. Without face-to-face and spontaneous interaction, it can also be more difficult to network with other students in a class.

In contrast, in-person learning provides numerous opportunities to engage with both instructors and students. Rather than relying on a chat screen or break-out sessions to speak one-on-one with others, students can chat with colleagues while they complete coursework or during breaks. Some people may also find it easier to focus in a classroom setting, whether because they get bored looking at their screen or because they get distracted by the activity going on around them at home.

Of course, the primary drawback to in-person courses is the fact that you must commute to class each day. Because these courses take place at a set time each day, often during the morning or afternoon, it may be more difficult for individuals trying to fit their JavaScript learning into an already busy schedule.

Tips to Succeed When Learning JavaScript Online

If you’re ready to start learning JavaScript, you can do a few things to help set yourself up for success. Online learning requires you to take charge of your own understanding. The tips below can help you stay consistent and accountable to do just that.

• Practice every day: As you watch online videos, it can be easy to think you understand a topic, especially if you have an excellent instructor. But putting theory into practice is often an entirely different story. You may find that when it comes time to apply something you’ve learned, you cannot do so.

To ensure you can implement each of the skills you’re learning, practice coding with JavaScript a little bit every day. By setting a schedule and sticking to it, you can address any roadblocks early on and continue to add increasingly complicated skills to your JavaScript toolbelt.

• Find a mentor: Because some online learning formats, such as on-demand learning, can make it more challenging to receive individualized feedback and support, another tip for success is finding a mentor in the field. Mentors can provide helpful guidance about JavaScript’s application to your desired career path and offer suggestions for how you can attain the skills you’re looking for. These relationships also enable you to get the much-needed social support that may be lacking in an online setting.

Along the same lines, you may choose to follow professionals on LinkedIn to help you keep up with JavaScript trends in the field. Who knows — you may even find another mentor through the connections you make on this social media platform!

• Complete your own project: An essential aspect of learning JavaScript is understanding how it applies to real-world scenarios. As you gain coding skills with JavaScript, be sure to apply them to your own project. When you see first-hand how your skills enable you to complete exciting tasks, like building a browser-based game or interactive web app, you become more motivated to continue expanding your knowledge.
  
  Completing a project independently also enables you to build up a portfolio of work that can be useful if you’re trying to change or advance your career. As you begin applying to new roles, employers will want to see how you’ve used JavaScript in the past. Being able to point to the specific project you completed and discuss any challenges you faced and how you overcame them can be an excellent way to show your skills.

Above all, the best way to succeed when learning JavaScript is to find your own way. Some approaches will work better for others, so don’t be afraid to adapt your learning style to suit your own needs. If you listen to your inner guide and change your approach accordingly, you’ll be on the right track to learning this programming language.

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

There are numerous ways to learn JavaScript online, each with unique benefits. Below are some key takeaways about online learning formats:

• JavaScript is an open-source programming language that enables Developers to add interactivity and dynamism to websites and applications.
• Individuals excited to learn JavaScript can choose from several different online learning formats, including:
• Video tutorials and free seminars
• On-demand videos
• Structured courses
• Noble Desktop offers several live online JavaScript training classes, including a JavaScript Development Certificate and Full Stack Web Development Certificate.
• Online learning provides individuals with the flexibility to learn from the comfort of their own homes. Because every learning format offers unique benefits and drawbacks, you should consider your preferences to decide what specific approach will work best for you.