When Craig Buckler researched the best programming language to learn in 2013, he found that demand for JavaScript has increased faster than for any other language. As the web evolves, JavaScript keeps raising its status as a proper programming language to be taken seriously and learned fully, rather than being just that code snippet you use without really knowing how it works, or even just that language that sits somewhere behind jQuery and other libraries. At SitePoint, we’ve been watching this trend, listening to our readers’ feedback and plotting a flexible learning path to enhancing your JavaScript skills. Now is a perfect time for you to get comfortable with what is likely to be a key partner for HTML and CSS for some time to come.
Talk with the Experts
Today, Wednesday May 15, at 2:30pm PDT, you have our JS experts Ara Pehlivanian and Don Nguyen all to yourselves for free, to ask them any questions about JavaScript you may have. Best practices, trends, libraries, big or small challenges, anything. They will be there waiting for you. Transcripts will be available after the event. More here.Jump Start JavaScript eBook
As our JavaScript experts, Ara and Don compiled a 150 page guide to mastering the fundamentals of JavaScript. The book steps you through an app project that provides the perfect base for anyone getting started with JavaScript or needing the context to explain what they’ve been using so far. The focus is on pragmatism and practical contexts. More here.The JavaScript resource List
Between SitePoint and Learnable, we have amassed an impressive collection of instructional resources related to JavaScript: books, video courses, tutorial articles and screencasts by some of the most skilled exponents of JavaScript around. We’ve taken in which of those have been getting the most of your attention and positive feedback, and we’ve given thought to what content delivers the greatest benefit to web professionals, now and into the future. The upshot is that we’re just about ready to publish a shortlist of our best JavaScript content available on SitePoint and Learnable: enough material to get anyone pumped to write the best JavaScript code ever. So, if you’re keen to embrace JavaScript and bring it securely within your skillset, join in the Talk with the Experts session tomorrow (lurking is perfectly acceptable) and take a look at Jump Start JavaScript. Tomorrow, we’ll publish our resource list, and you’ll be ready to take your JavaScript skills to a new level, whether that’s as a beginner or a practised scripter looking for more advanced techniques.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Advanced JavaScript
What are the key concepts that JavaScript experts should know?
JavaScript experts should have a deep understanding of key concepts such as closures, prototypes, async/await, promises, and the event loop. They should also be proficient in ES6 syntax, including let and const, arrow functions, template literals, destructuring assignment, and spread and rest operators. Understanding these concepts will allow them to write more efficient, clean, and readable code.
How can I take my JavaScript skills to the next level?
To take your JavaScript skills to the next level, you should practice coding regularly, work on real-world projects, and learn from other experts in the field. You can also read advanced JavaScript books, follow JavaScript experts on Twitter, and participate in coding challenges on platforms like Codementor.
What are some recommended books for advanced JavaScript?
Some recommended books for advanced JavaScript include “Expert JavaScript” by Mark E. Daggett, “You Don’t Know JS” by Kyle Simpson, and “JavaScript: The Good Parts” by Douglas Crockford. These books cover advanced topics in depth and can help you deepen your understanding of JavaScript.
Who are some JavaScript experts to follow on Twitter?
Some JavaScript experts to follow on Twitter include Addy Osmani, Paul Irish, Wes Bos, and Sarah Drasner. They regularly share valuable insights, tips, and resources about JavaScript and web development.
What are some common mistakes that JavaScript developers make?
Some common mistakes that JavaScript developers make include not understanding the difference between == and ===, not using semicolons properly, not understanding hoisting, and not using the ‘use strict’ directive. By understanding and avoiding these mistakes, you can write more robust and error-free code.
How can I improve my understanding of closures in JavaScript?
To improve your understanding of closures in JavaScript, you can practice writing functions that use closures, read articles and books that explain closures in depth, and solve coding problems that involve closures. Understanding closures is crucial for writing efficient and secure JavaScript code.
What is the importance of prototypes in JavaScript?
Prototypes are a fundamental part of JavaScript. They allow you to create objects that inherit properties and methods from other objects. This can make your code more efficient and easier to manage. Understanding prototypes is essential for mastering JavaScript.
How can I effectively use async/await in JavaScript?
Async/await is a modern way to handle asynchronous operations in JavaScript. To use it effectively, you should understand how promises work, as async/await is built on promises. You should also understand how to handle errors with try/catch blocks and how to use Promise.all to run multiple async functions concurrently.
What are some advanced JavaScript topics that I should learn?
Some advanced JavaScript topics that you should learn include functional programming, object-oriented programming, test-driven development, and performance optimization. You should also learn about JavaScript frameworks and libraries like React, Angular, and Vue.js.
How can I stay updated with the latest JavaScript trends and technologies?
To stay updated with the latest JavaScript trends and technologies, you can follow JavaScript experts on social media, read JavaScript blogs and newsletters, attend JavaScript conferences and meetups, and participate in online JavaScript communities like Stack Overflow and GitHub.
Ricky OnsmanRicky Onsman is a freelance web designer, developer, editor and writer. With a background in information and content services, he built his first website in 1994 for a disability information service and has been messing about on the Web ever since.
