2 Books: Head First Javascript vs. Javascript The Defenitive Guide

Question

I want to start learning javascript from Scratch (beginner) so I tried to find the best book for that but I am now confused! I have found 2 books and both of them has a very nice reputation.

The first book is O'Reilly Javascript, The Definitive Guide, 5th edition.

The second book is O'Reilly Head First Javascript

I don't really know which one should I purchase, the first or the second one!! So I am here asking for a help and recoommendation

NOTE: Please recommend the book for an "ABSOLUTE BEGINNER" to Javascript. Note2: Please feel free to recommend any book you know.

Thanks a million guys

Answer 1

Well, I haven't read "Javascript, the definitive guide." but I have read Head First Javascript and LOVED it... I'm kind of biased tho, I love pretty much all of the head first books...

Answer 2

All the books from the Head First edition are... well, special. They're GOOD for beginners. Under the condition that you read them cover-to-cover (or at least the individual chapters as a whole). I'd recommend this book if you're absolute beginner and really want to learn JavaScript. The problem with books from this edition is that it's kind of difficult to find the one particular thing you're looking for and you often have to read through more than just a few pages when you have forgotten something or just want to refresh your memory.

Answer 3

I think Javascript the definitive guide is considered THE Javascript book but it may not be the best book for absolute beginner. I don't know about head first javascript.

DOM Scripting: Web Design with JavaScript and the Document Object Model By Jeremy Keith is a an excellent book on DOM scripting with javascript. It's first 2 chapters provide really good introduction on Javascript. It's written in such a way that Web Designers will be comfortable with the material. So if you come from design background, you will love this book.

Answer 4

I have read Javascript the Definitive Guide some time ago. I'm not sure how well its kept up to date but I'd definitely say its a was a good reference. I recently read Javascript: the Good Parts and it was excellent and far more up to date(then my old edition of the rhino book). I can recommend both. Then I'd recommend picking up a framework such as jQuery or MooTools after you have learned what you need.

Good luck