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Learning JavaScript: Add Sparkle and Life to Your Web Pages
If you're new to JavaScript, or an experienced web developer looking to improve your skills, Learning JavaScript provides you with complete, no-nonsense coverage of this quirky yet essential language for web development. You'll learn everything from primitive data types to complex features, including JavaScript elements involved with Ajax and dynamic page effects. By the end of the book, you'll be able to work with even the most sophisticated libraries and web applications.
Complete with best practices and examples of JavaScript use, this new edition shows you how to integrate the language with the browser environment, and how to practice proper coding techniques for standards-compliant websites. This book will help you: Learning JavaScript follows proven learning principles to help you absorb the concepts at an easy pace, so you'll learn how to create powerful and responsive applications in any browser.
Complete with best practices and examples of JavaScript use, this new edition shows you how to integrate the language with the browser environment, and how to practice proper coding techniques for standards-compliant websites. This book will help you: Learning JavaScript follows proven learning principles to help you absorb the concepts at an easy pace, so you'll learn how to create powerful and responsive applications in any browser.
396 pages, Paperback
First published October 17, 2006
18 people are currently reading
167 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
January 14, 2012
Okay, this book is terribly, terrible thorough. But it goes over-the top on the thorough. There's only so much you can say on script-based form validation, but the author manages to say all of it about eight times. Likewise for the event model, where for some reason they opt to describe the old model at length, and then inform us that it's now irrelevant, and describe the new model.
What I am looking for in a JavaScript book is:
(1) A quick run-down on the structure of the language, with particular reference to the curious features of JavaScript, i.e. that it is a template-based language rather than a class-based language, so one can add extra attributes to objects pretty much at will
(2) A description of how the language interfaces to the browser, so the DOM model, events, etc
(3) A description of client-server interactions within JavaScript, so basic AJAX
(4) A run-down of all the gotchas, ranging from peculiarities of individual browsers (e.g. the way that Internet Explorer has its very own event model) to the infuriating peculiarities of the language (such as the way that the overloading of + as addition and string concatenation, coupled with the complete absence of any type model, means that any attempt at arithmetic is fraught with excitement)
(5) All About Debugging
From this book I got (1) and bits of (2) and a tiny bit of (4). I might have got more, but I found the book so deathly dull that I gave up and switched to instead.
What I am looking for in a JavaScript book is:
(1) A quick run-down on the structure of the language, with particular reference to the curious features of JavaScript, i.e. that it is a template-based language rather than a class-based language, so one can add extra attributes to objects pretty much at will
(2) A description of how the language interfaces to the browser, so the DOM model, events, etc
(3) A description of client-server interactions within JavaScript, so basic AJAX
(4) A run-down of all the gotchas, ranging from peculiarities of individual browsers (e.g. the way that Internet Explorer has its very own event model) to the infuriating peculiarities of the language (such as the way that the overloading of + as addition and string concatenation, coupled with the complete absence of any type model, means that any attempt at arithmetic is fraught with excitement)
(5) All About Debugging
From this book I got (1) and bits of (2) and a tiny bit of (4). I might have got more, but I found the book so deathly dull that I gave up and switched to instead.
Read
June 13, 2007This book is not exactly for those of the people who want to start understanding javascript. This book is for the javascript writers who know a little coding here and there. In other words, this book is not a book i'd reccomend to beginners, rather, to amateurs. It is a buy for those amateurs who love to know and understand more javascript.
February 21, 2011
Do not use this book if you are new to javascript and want to learn how to use it. The example programs in the book are incomplete and unexplained. Be wary of any class that uses this as a textbook.
June 27, 2017
I skimmed the parts that I knew. Just looking for a gap filler and this fit the bill.
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December 8, 2009 * well formed web urls automatically get turned into links
* link:
* link to book: use the "add book/author" link or
* link to author: use the "add book/author" link or
* image:
(Width must be 0-400, Height must be 0-1000, alt is a description of the image. All three are optional, but recommended.)
* bold text: ...
* italic text: ...
* underline text: ...
* strike text:...
* indent text:
* blockquote:
* paragraph:
* Note: tags must be properly nested, example:
OK test
Not OK test
* link:
* link to book: use the "add book/author" link or
* link to author: use the "add book/author" link or
* image:
* bold text: ...
* italic text: ...
* underline text: ...
* strike text:
* indent text:
...
* blockquote:
...
* paragraph:
...
* Note: tags must be properly nested, example:
OK test
Not OK test
April 20, 2010
This wasn’t an assigned textbook, but I wanted to supplement the Javascript info we are getting in class with a book, and this was the most recent Javascript book at the library.
Overall, I wouldn’t say I was too impressed by this book. While it bills itself as for both experienced programmers and newbies (which I am), it felt like it was written more for the experienced programmer who was just new to Javascript. Most of the code examples were not very well described, and they all stayed pretty well into the theory realm as opposed to being practical things that anyone would actually use in their projects.
Of course, all this being said, I think it was written this way for a reason; it isn’t a book of practical code examples to use in your next project. And I find that I’m understanding the Javascript we are doing in class fairly well, which I attribute to soaking up at least some info from this book.
So, I guess I don’t think it would be a great book to pick up if you were trying to learn Javascript on your own, with no prior coding experience, but if you are in a structured learning environment, this works to help make sense of it all.
Overall, I wouldn’t say I was too impressed by this book. While it bills itself as for both experienced programmers and newbies (which I am), it felt like it was written more for the experienced programmer who was just new to Javascript. Most of the code examples were not very well described, and they all stayed pretty well into the theory realm as opposed to being practical things that anyone would actually use in their projects.
Of course, all this being said, I think it was written this way for a reason; it isn’t a book of practical code examples to use in your next project. And I find that I’m understanding the Javascript we are doing in class fairly well, which I attribute to soaking up at least some info from this book.
So, I guess I don’t think it would be a great book to pick up if you were trying to learn Javascript on your own, with no prior coding experience, but if you are in a structured learning environment, this works to help make sense of it all.
Read
December 26, 2017Concise. This book, like most O' Reilly (no, not that one) books, starts with the basics and teaches the "why" and "what" as opposed to just the "how". Other books, some of which I own, will give example cases and walk the reader through them without explaining the nuances of the code or why certain choices were made. All that those books teach is how to solve the example cases.
I have not yet finished this book, but am under the strong impression that I will come away from it with a solid grounding in JavaScript. One of my favorite things about this book is that there are short quizzes at the ed of the chapter that help the reader internalize and instantly make use of the material. Often, without these, I find that while I understand the material as it is being presented, by the time i reach a real-world case, the knowledge is not there.
I have not yet finished this book, but am under the strong impression that I will come away from it with a solid grounding in JavaScript. One of my favorite things about this book is that there are short quizzes at the ed of the chapter that help the reader internalize and instantly make use of the material. Often, without these, I find that while I understand the material as it is being presented, by the time i reach a real-world case, the knowledge is not there.
September 19, 2011
I purchased Learning Javascript a long time ago because it received so many rave reviews. I come from a background in Graphic and Web Design, and at the time I wanted to learn JavaScript to further explore creative options. In doing so, I wanted to start with Classic JavaScript. This book does a good job with providing information, but the flow of the book is very tiring and will often lead to frustration. I couldn't stay focused and I was so eager to jump on my computer and try different examples, but it doesn't do a good job of preparing you to learn the script. Two years later I still don't like the flow of this book and now use it as a reference guide.
Definitely not a good book for beginners.
Definitely not a good book for beginners.
March 3, 2012
Great book. Now 4 years old, but still has lots of relevant information. Overall it's awesomely balanced max simplicity, conciseness and information - I was lucky with picking my first book on JavaScript.
It was pleasant to read, with enough of stories and examples to try out, still author did not gave a chance to my attention to escape - I had to eat apple stumps to go on with it :) Now I could say I love the results. By learning how to dose different aspects of a technology in a way done here, will make anyone get Evangelism badge to their collection ;)
Probably I'll still have to read up CSS3/HTML5 specs to cover the details(we're professionals, you know), but the book gave me good enough impulse to start the journey.
It was pleasant to read, with enough of stories and examples to try out, still author did not gave a chance to my attention to escape - I had to eat apple stumps to go on with it :) Now I could say I love the results. By learning how to dose different aspects of a technology in a way done here, will make anyone get Evangelism badge to their collection ;)
Probably I'll still have to read up CSS3/HTML5 specs to cover the details(we're professionals, you know), but the book gave me good enough impulse to start the journey.
May 30, 2008
I wish this book would have said somewhere that the title "Learning Javascript" doesn't meen it's for beginners. I forced myself to read the whole thing despite most of it going right over my head. This book assumes you have previous knowledge in programming languages and that you just want to learn a new one but it doesn't say anywhere that you should have that knowledge. I did learn some things but I have purchased another Javascript book that is for beginners and it is much more helpful at my stage.
October 31, 2011
I always recommend this book to any HTML/CSS coder who is interested in learning Javascript. Intermediate or advanced users should get Professional JavaScript for Web Developers (Wrox Programmer to Programmer) instead.
The book really lays down the basics in a language so easy to grasp by anyone that can operate a computer. It also explains browser incompatibility very well. It's also rife with examples and best practices that help the reader to establish a solid foundation in their approach to using Javascript.
Everyone on my team had to read this book. I highly recommend it.
The book really lays down the basics in a language so easy to grasp by anyone that can operate a computer. It also explains browser incompatibility very well. It's also rife with examples and best practices that help the reader to establish a solid foundation in their approach to using Javascript.
Everyone on my team had to read this book. I highly recommend it.
December 28, 2016
I read the book to get a good understanding of JavaScript. Before reading it, my only experience with JavaScript was modifying some web-tracking code and integrating jQuery solutions into my web projects (meaning: almost none). After finishing, I feel like I have really good grasp of what JS is about and can quickly spot what's going on in someone else's code. Also, I can already see my progress with JS - I was able to finish the introductory classes on JS in a nick of time (would definitely not be able to do it before reading this book).
October 19, 2010
If you already know a thing or two about programming, this is probably the right book for you to learn basic javascript. I had some experience with Java prior to reading it, so it was very easy to grasp everything this book had to throw at me. As a conclusion, I would just like to add that this type of books should be a must read, prior to learning any of the javascript frameworks (MooTools, jQuery etc.), IMHO.
May 23, 2012
For me, this book was too slow and I found some of explanations to be slightly inaccurate. The quality of O'Reilly's books is usually much better so I was disappointed with this one.
There are better books/resources for learning javascript.
There are better books/resources for learning javascript.
March 28, 2011
a good start. but i supposed I could have learned most of this online. still it was good to have something to flip through in my hands, even for reference. everything is well explained in this book though.
August 1, 2013
As the reviews say, this is TERRIBLE for beginners. Need to reiterate that. I had it as a textbook and it SUCKED. But on re-reading it for review, it was actually well organized and thorough. Surprise!
[OH PICK ME TO RECEIVE FREE EBOOKS TO REVIEW, OREILLY.}
[OH PICK ME TO RECEIVE FREE EBOOKS TO REVIEW, OREILLY.}
June 17, 2007
oh boy! a book on javascript!
..but seriously, it is pretty good.
..but seriously, it is pretty good.
March 22, 2008
Work work work
Read
October 8, 2008This is my favorite book of all time. It's like a sleeper hit movie...quiet, powerful and stays with you. Rich and I have become good friends, and I give this book as a gift all the time.
Read
December 4, 2010I started out with the one with the grown-up rhino on the cover, but that author was to mathy and I've never done any programming, so my husband got me this one instead. Much better so far.
September 14, 2012
Some useful reference sections, but not a book I'd consider to follow along from start to finish.
January 6, 2013
Is very good to getting started
June 12, 2015
It was published in year 2008, so some of the content might be out of date already. However, some basic concepts are still useful to know for people who don't know about Javascript.
May 19, 2011
Another great reference for learning a programming language.
February 7, 2016
Not bad but could be better
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July 17, 2017this book has new edition: /book/show/2...
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