JavaScript is one of the most popular programming languages in the modern world. It is mainly used for web development, especially for creating interactive front-end elements. JavaScript is without a doubt one of the best programming languages to learn. No matter in which area of web development you want to work – you can’t avoid JavaScript.
Unfortunately, learning a new programming language can be quite difficult, especially if you don’t have a lot of experience. Coding concepts are not always easy to understand, and this can make it difficult for you to familiarize yourself with the basics.
1. Start with the basics
When you are learning JavaScript or any other programming language, it is very important to keep up with it from the beginning. While you may find initial concepts straightforward and straightforward, you need to study the basics so that you fully understand the language you want to learn.
It’s best to start with an online course like Learn to Programming JavaScript Quick Start. Instead of just going through the course and doing the exercises, take comprehensive notes on everything you learn. This will help you retain the information and will prevent you from having trouble learning the complicated syntax and other JavaScript functions.
It is important to make sure that you include all of the basic information when you start learning JavaScript. If for some reason you don’t fully understand the basics, you may need to change your approach to learning. Use the following methods to learn the basics efficiently:
- Buy a notepad or exercise book that you will only use for learning JavaScript. Take notes as you study and make sure you understand everything you write down.
- Try to go through your notes for five to ten minutes at the beginning of each session. After doing this a few times, you will find that things seem very logical and natural to you, and that you can easily understand what they are doing.
- If possible, include JavaScript examples in your notes. This way you can imagine how a concept or block of code can be used in real-world scenarios.
These are just a few simple methods that will make it easier for you to remember the basics of JavaScript. You can also try other methods such as flash cards, study with a partner or train your skills with coding challenges.
2. Download a code editor or use it online
While your course may not require a desktop code editor, you should get used to using one as you learn. While you can learn JavaScript – and most other programming languages - in online courses that allow you to write code right in your web browser, you must be able to use a desktop code editor if you ever want to get a job as a developer.
Atom Code Editor is one of the best when it comes to writing high quality JavaScript code. The editor is relatively easy to use, is free, and has a number of useful features, such as:
- An integrated IDE
- Compatibility with a number of languages so you can work on many different programs using the same user interface.
- Easy Git and GitHub integration.
Downloading the Atom Code Editor is relatively easy. You need to first go to the Atom website, click Download at the top of the Start button, and then follow your computer’s instructions. Although it’s relatively easy to use, you can also refer to the Atom User Guide. This contains everything you need to know about using Atom to write, edit, and organize your code.
3. Use a good online course
There are tons of ways to learn JavaScript. If you’re a seasoned programmer with a solid understanding of coding basics, learning JavaScript or any other language should be relatively easy for you. You can do this easily by watching videos, reading tutorials, or practicing writing increasingly complex programs in your code editor.
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However, as a beginner with no programming experience, it can be a lot more difficult. You could take part in a coding bootcamp, but that would cost you a lot of money and a full-time job of at least 3 months. Alternatively, you can register for a computer science course at a university. However, it will take an even greater amount of time and you will not be able to work as a programmer for at least 3 years if you take this route. Last but not least, you can use a quality online course as your guide in learning.
Using an online course gives you a ton of advantages over boot camps or university courses.
- Many online courses give you the opportunity to learn JavaScript for free – something you could never get on university or intensive courses.
- With an online course, you can work at your own pace. This is ideal for people who work during the day and want to spend a few hours a week learning JavaScript. I developed most of my programming skills through an hour or two a night in various online courses.
- In general, online courses are structured to give you the best possible learning experience. If you also use reference manuals and coding forums on the side, you should be able to learn your chosen programming language quickly and efficiently.
4. Don’t be afraid of exercises
If you want to become a so called “fluent” programmer or web developer, you have to stick with it. One of the most important parts of the learning process is practice. If you don’t practice writing code, you’ll never improve. In fact, it could be said that if you are unwilling to spend time practicing code writing outside of the course, you’re wasting your time working on an online course.
As mentioned earlier, you’ll need to download a code editor to practice your JavaScript skills. Once you have a code editor, it is very easy to practice writing and editing code. Visit GitHub and check out the open source code available there. Pick a code that looks interesting and download it. Then you open it up in your code editor and work through it until you understand what each line of code does.
Another great way to practice writing JavaScript is through what are known as “coding challenges”. A simple Google search will show you hundreds of such challenges, which are intended for people who are learning a programming language and want examples to work on. Pick something that is geared towards your ability, practice with it – and most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask for help if you get stuck. But more on that in a moment.
Above all, you have to remember one thing: Practice makes perfect!
Make sure that you are using the best practice methods to practice writing JavaScript code. Otherwise, you will learn bad habits.
5. Get in touch with a mentor
Every novice programmer knows that learning to program can be boring and downright frustrating at times. It can be difficult to keep motivated to continue learning JavaScript, and at times you will be tempted to just give up.
If you feel like this, it may be time to find a coding mentor. A mentor is someone who is ready to help you improve your programming skills, write great programs, and eventually become a successful programmer. If you’re lucky, you can find a mentor to help you for free. However, it is more likely that you will have to pay someone – because who wants to work for free?
If you are looking for a free mentor, you should be active in coding forums and chat rooms. Attend local meetup groups or organized events and connect with people from the industry – you never know, you might be lucky!
However, if you can’t find a free mentor, you’ll have to pay someone to help you. While this may not be possible financially for some people, even an hour or two of mentoring a week can help you better understand difficult topics.
If you are looking for a coding mentor for JavaScript, you can go to the Rookie Up website and get in touch with potential mentors.
6. Take lots of notes
Taking notes is an essential part of learning JavaScript. Although I have a solid understanding of various programming languages, I always take notes as I learn new programming skills.
Taking notes can help you put difficult concepts and ideas into words. At a later time, you can come back to your notes to understand things that you are having trouble with. Notes can also help you study and deepen your knowledge.
Simply writing it down will also help you remember better. So if you want to learn JavaScript, before you sign up for a class or watch tutorials, you should go to your local stationery store and buy a notebook. Bring some brightly colored pens and highlighters so you are ready for really good notes.
7. Understand every line of your code
When you learn JavaScript, it can happen that you write code that you do not fully understand yourself. This often happens when you’re trying to learn JavaScript through free online courses that usually give you comprehensive instructions. Many people fall into the trap of simply following instructions, writing code in their editor, and troubleshooting until the code does what it is supposed to. But with that you often don’t understand what you are writing.
As a learner programmer, it is extremely important to make sure that you understand every line of code you write, what it does and how it affects the rest of your program. The difference between “mastering JavaScript” and learning JavaScript is huge.
Every time you write a program, sit down for a few minutes and make sure you know what each little piece of code does. If you’re not sure about something, go over your notes again, check your programming language reference manual, or ask someone for help.
8. Always have a reference manual handy
If you want to learn JavaScript properly, it is a good idea to always have a comprehensive reference manual nearby. It covers pretty much everything you could ever need to know, and it gives you a number of JavaScript examples to help you understand difficult concepts better. Often times, it even deals with outdated syntax and conventions that you may encounter when working with old JavaScript code.
9. Find people who are learning JavaScript with you
Programming JavaScript can be a lonely and boring exercise if you try to do it on your own. One of the best ways to start your journey from beginner to master JavaScript programmer is to find like-minded people and learn together. Learning with other people can be really rewarding.
If you are looking for like-minded people who are learning the same programming language as you, start your search on Facebook. Look for groups for “programming”, “coding” or “web development” in your region. If there aren’t any groups yet, consider starting one yourself!
10. Use different resources
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If you want to learn something as difficult as programming, it’s always good to use as many different resources as possible. Some of the best resources for people learning JavaScript are as follows:
- Online Videos: For example, if you’re looking for a detailed explanation of a difficult concept that you don’t fully understand, you can search YouTube. You will almost certainly find a video that explains things to you clearly and allows you to gain a deeper understanding.
- References: As already mentioned, references, such as the official documentation of a programming language, are essential for learning how to use a language.
- Other People: There are hundreds of high quality, active coding forums and chat rooms on the Internet. It would be stupid not to direct your question to them, as there is a high probability that you will find someone who can help you.
- Online Courses: If you haven’t signed up for a free or inexpensive online programming course, now is your chance! Take a look at the courses on our website and learn JavaScript in no time.
Learning a programming language like JavaScript can be difficult at first. However, it gets a lot easier if you take advantage of all the resources available.
Conclusion
Learning a programming language like JavaScript can be difficult. If you’re serious about becoming a decent programmer, and want to get a job, these tips will help you speed up the process.
Make sure you practice code writing regularly, take notes as you learn new concepts, and use all available resources. But most of all – just start coding and have fun!
