Javascript for a programmer

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javascript

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224

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+5 Q:

Javascript for a programmer

I am looking for a quick and dirty introduction to Javascript. I program in Java and C++ on a daily basis, and I am looking for basically a three-fold "here is the syntax, here is how _ is done in Javascript, and here are important differences between Javascript and mainstream programming languages." I don't really want explanations on things like how while loops work, what global variables are, or why object oriented design is good, unless they are particular to Javascript and are important.

I'm hoping to learn the crux of the language in a few weeks. I have a project pending that requires Javascript knowledge, I am planning to treat that as my learning process.

Any suggestions would be welcome. Thank you.

+9 A:

http://eloquentjavascript.net/

The above book is absolutely free and covers a lot of areas which other books do not ( functional programming, events, lots of practical modern examples, browser programming )

The standard books to get:

References include:

Video tutorials I'd recommend Crockford's ( beginning and advanced ):

http://video.yahoo.com/watch/111593/1710507

Avoid at all costs:

w3schools
tizag
similar sites to the ones above

Reason? Outdated, non-practical examples. The people who wrote them aren't expert programmers so the quality is not up to par with the other resources that are out there.

meder 2010-10-26 23:02:29

Thanks, meder. While I use w3schools myself occasionally, and have recommended Crockford to others on occasion, I appreciate the reference to *... Eloquent ...*, and certainly can understand the point you're making.

Cameron Laird 2010-10-26 23:12:19

I thought w3schools was good... What is wrong with it ?

Golmote 2010-10-26 23:12:46

Why w3, tizag and similar sites should be avoided _at all costs_?

Tom 2010-10-26 23:14:43

Lots of examples using outdated methods. Doesn't seem to be written by people who are very good web engineers. Superficial explanations, that are never in depth. May be helpful for beginners, but not as a real reference. It gives me the chills every time I see it as the top result in google.

Juan Mendes 2010-10-26 23:17:03

@Juan Mendes - exactly.

meder 2010-10-26 23:32:09

This was written for Python programmers: http://www.wooji-juice.com/blog/javascript-article.html

Hippo 2010-10-26 23:03:48

I'd suggest to use the W3 tutorials and reference documents on w3schools.org . What you'd probably find most useful is the API reference (including DOM) and the examples which come with it.

Kos 2010-10-26 23:04:48

W3Schools are pretty horrible.

You 2010-10-26 23:09:24

That's probably a matter of personal taste; always worked for me quite well when I needed the DOM API reference.

Kos 2010-10-26 23:17:16

Firstly, it's w3schools.com and not .org. Secondly, I much prefer Mozilla DOM Reference and the *real*, actual DOM Reference at w3.org.

meder 2010-10-26 23:44:17

Yeah, I'd have to agree with @meder on the Mozilla references. They're much more informative than the w3schools.

Horatio Alderaan 2010-10-27 00:01:51

+6 A:

O'Reilly's Javascript: The Good Parts by Douglas Crockford is the main one to get.

JavaScript Cookbook (also O'Reilly) is good for your purpose - it seems like cookbook is exactly what you need.

Also, in all seriousness, at this point googling StackOverflow is probably as great a resource as you can find (coupled with asking what googling didn't help with).

P.S. while looking up the links, I stumbled upon a new book: JavaScript Patterns Build Better Applications with Coding and Design Patterns. I can't recommend it since I didn't read it (just came out seemingly) BUT given the pattern (no pun intended) of decent patterns books, this looks like a good one to try.

DVK 2010-10-26 23:06:25

+1 agreed. he also has some videos of various talks he's given. really great stuff.

bluevoodoo1 2010-10-26 23:12:10

"Javascript: The Good Parts" is an excellent intro to the language if you're already comfortable programming.

Frank Schwieterman 2010-10-26 23:15:57

+1, the object and function chapters should be required reading for anyone who wants to put "javascript" on their resume

Matt Briggs 2010-10-27 00:19:43

As @meder mentioned, the definitive 'good introduction' is "Javascript: The Good Parts" by Douglas Crockford. You can find his site at: http://javascript.crockford.com/

Horatio Alderaan 2010-10-26 23:09:15

+1 A:

I disagree with "You" :) nice name.

Although "W3Schools" are not very comprehensive, I find that i can find a lot of useful syntax references there.

I use it mostly as a reference guide.

WhyMe 2010-10-26 23:13:14

W3 Schools is a bit backwards and outdated in places. I recommend mozilla's MDC reference.

Alex JL 2010-10-27 02:16:04

+2 A:

In addition to the basics of Javascript, it's worthwhile learning jQuery at the same time. It's hard to look at Javascript at the moment without coming across it. Coming at Javascript from a similar background I found it very useful.

Have a look at the jQuery documentation and jQuery: Novice to Ninja

Damo 2010-10-26 23:16:47

Also VERY important when working with Javascript it browser compatibility, for that I recommend http://www.quirksmode.org/compatibility.html if its anything DOM related

Sydenam 2010-10-27 00:20:26

Sorry its an answer, id rather comment but I need to get more rep i guess.

w3schools is not a good place to use as a gude and thoroughly learn but I have used it countless times for quick reference concerning either HTML tags or javacsript functions. Its one of the first few google hits generally, and it provides decent defintion pages. It has its purpose and I dont thinkiit should be universally put down.

jon_darkstar 2010-10-27 02:07:59

ansaurus

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Javascript for a programmer

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