Which JavaScript Training Format Is Right for Me?

JavaScript is well-worth taking the time to learn whether you’re an aspiring Web Developer or Application Developer, or if you simply want to make browser-based games in your free time. Because JavaScript is one of the most popular programming languages in the world, you can approach learning it in numerous ways.

As you compare these different learning methods, you must consider several factors before deciding which is best for you. Everyone learns differently, so choosing the proper training is critical to your experience. Keep reading to learn more about the different formats of JavaScript training, how they compare, and how to determine which will best suit your needs.

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.

Training Formats for JavaScript

Due to JavaScript’s popularity, there are numerous approaches you might take to learn this programming language. In-person learning provides students with the ability to interact face-to-face with instructors and classmates. At the same time, live online courses enable you to gain new skills and ask your instructor questions from the comfort of your own home.

You can also choose from free online courses and tutorials or on-demand classes if you prefer to learn at your own pace. Because these videos are pre-recorded, you can access them whenever you have a spare moment for learning. Below, we’ll dive a bit deeper into each learning approach so you can choose the right one to meet your needs.

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 Classes

Because JavaScript is such a popular and powerful language, there are numerous ways to learn it. On-demand or self-paced JavaScript courses provide more flexibility. Individuals can enroll in an asynchronous course and complete coursework as they have time and energy rather than attending classes on any specific schedule. This makes on-demand courses a good option for individuals trying to pick up JavaScript skills on the side as they work a day job or navigate family obligations. That said, students may be unable to ask instructors questions should they need additional guidance.

Read the full guide on how to learn JavaScript.

Comparison of JavaScript Training Formats

Now that you have a thorough understanding of the different types of JavaScript training formats, you can begin weighing the benefits and drawbacks of each to determine which is right for you. A few points are particularly helpful to consider.

When first deciding how to learn JavaScript, many people are drawn to the affordable nature of free tutorials. And while these can be an affordable option for individuals just starting with learning JavaScript, they don’t provide students with the opportunity to interact with instructors, nor do they necessarily follow a set curriculum. This can slow down the learning process and make it more difficult to grasp complex concepts fully.

Likewise, a low-cost way to familiarize yourself with basic JavaScript concepts is through on-demand classes. These courses do follow some sort of curriculum; how well you follow through on your learning is entirely up to you. If you feel that you may have a hard time holding yourself accountable and setting aside time for learning each day, on-demand classes may not be the right fit for you.

In contrast, in-person courses provide ready access to guidance and keep the learning process moving on a set schedule since classes meet at the same time every day. While these classes are more expensive than on-demand courses or free tutorials, they’re also the most comprehensive. Additionally, with this added cost often come additional services, such as career guidance and 1-on-1 mentorship, making them a great option if you’re trying to break into a new career.

Online classes provide an excellent alternative if you can’t access an in-person course due to scheduling or geographic constraints. That’s because you have the same ability to interact with instructors and receive feedback or guidance —but from anywhere you want. Some live online classes even follow the same curriculum as their in-person counterparts.

Is it Possible to Teach Yourself JavaScript?

Due to the time commitment and cost of structured courses, many individuals wonder if they can teach themselves JavaScript. You can certainly learn some fundamental concepts of JavaScript by watching online videos, particularly if you are just beginning your learning journey. That said, it can be overwhelming to sift through the massive number of online videos and tutorials, and you have no way of knowing whether the creator of the tutorial knows what they’re talking about or if you’re receiving accurate information.

This is why many people choose to enroll in a formal course. Having an instructor to help you grasp some of the more complicated JavaScript concepts can ensure the time you spend learning JavaScript is well-spent. This is particularly true if you’re trying to learn JavaScript for professional reasons. That’s because a structured course, whether in-person or live online, can provide you with opportunities to network with both your instructor and other classmates. As mentioned above, many courses also provide professional development opportunities and 1-on-1 mentorship, which can be helpful when trying to secure that first JavaScript role.

How to Decide the Best Way to Learn JavaScript

Because everyone has unique learning goals, the best way to learn JavaScript will depend on the specific reasons you want to learn JavaScript. The most important thing to do before choosing how to learn JavaScript is to understand why you’re choosing to do so and what you want to use the skill for. You may also consider factors like cost, mentorship opportunities, and format (online versus in-person) as you decide what course is best for you.

If you’re a beginner who wants a high-level overview of the programming language without spending much money, you might consider a free or low-cost introductory course through a site like Udemy or Coursera. Alternatively, you can watch YouTube playlists that teach basic JavaScript programming concepts. Approaching your JavaScript learning this way is a low-stakes way to help you decide if you’d like to dive deeper into the subject matter.

Individuals who decide they want to develop a solid working knowledge of JavaScript, learn a JavaScript-related skill, or grow within their current career might choose to enroll in a more intensive course. This includes bootcamp-style courses, like Noble Desktop’s JavaScript Programming Bootcamp or React Development Bootcamp. Bootcamp courses meet over days, weeks, or months and follow a specific curriculum that helps ensure students gain valuable skills.

Certificate-style programs provide the most intensive and immersive way to learn JavaScript. Many certificate programs offer career support services and 1-on-1 mentorship opportunities in addition to their rigorous coursework. This makes certificate programs an excellent option for individuals who want to master JavaScript for a new career or pivot to a new industry. For example, Noble Desktop has a JavaScript Development Certificate that prepares individuals for careers in application development.

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.