Learn JavaScript for free with the best resources across the web.

Introduction

Being a newbie in web development can appear intimidating because the field requires you to know programming languages such as JavaScript. As one of the most popular programming languages, JavaScript has become a highly relevant skill to possess. Knowing how to work with JavaScript has become an essential requirement in multiple programming fields, such as web development. You may be uncertain about where to begin learning JavaScript. Don't fret, this article covers what JavaScript is, why you should consider learning it, and the best places to master it.

A Brief History of JavaScript

Commonly abbreviated as JS, JavaScript is a programming language for creating dynamic and interactive website content, mobile applications, desktop applications, and more. In the case of web development, JavaScript is used together with HTML and CSS to make websites responsive, dynamic, and interactive for users.

JavaScript was invented by Brendan Eich in 1995 for Netscape Communications. The language was called Mocha at one time but was renamed LiveScript and later JavaScript. Since its invention, JavaScript has climbed the ladder to become one of the core technologies of the World Wide Web.

Why You Should Consider Learning JavaScript

JavaScript is easy to learn: Compared to other languages, JavaScript is relatively easy to learn. It is the definition of a beginner-friendly language. You don't need to have prior knowledge or experience in programming before learning JavaScript.

JavaScript is versatile: JavaScript is one language that can be used in areas like front end, back end, mobile app development, and more without having to learn multiple languages. In every area, there are multiple JavaScript frameworks and libraries to make development even easier.

High demand for JavaScript developers: Due to its relevance in the technological world, developers who understand and can work with JavaScript are in high demand. Think of JavaScript as one of your magical doorways to financial freedom.

Where to Learn JavaScript

Now that you know just how important JavaScript is, let's discuss some of the best places to learn the programming language. While it is relatively easy to learn compared to other programming languages, JavaScript cannot be mastered in a week. Learning JavaScript requires an investment of time, patience, and lots of effort to build a solid understanding.

There are several new concepts to learn when it comes to JavaScript. In any case, the following resources will get you started with the basics and sharpen your skills in a fun and creative way.

FreeCodeCamp

Being a non-profit organization, freeCodeCamp comes off as one of the most popular places to learn JavaScript. The website has a simple and comprehensively structured curriculum, making JavaScript easy to learn. freeCodeCamp also has a community of helpful volunteers who offer support when the need arises. Students who take the course are tasked with building five projects to test their knowledge and add to their portfolios. Certificates are awarded to students who complete the curriculum.      

JavaScript.info

As the name implies, JavaScript.org is focused solely on JavaScript. It offers a user-friendly text-based approach and is considered one of the best websites for JavaScript tutorials. The website contains a wide range of lessons on JavaScript, including error handling and inheritance.      

Scrimba

Scrimba is a learning platform that uses interactive screencasts to effectively teach students. Scrimba is unique because it uses a "learn-by-doing" approach in teaching. Compared to other courses that are text and theory-based only, Scrimba promises to be fun and interactive. The curriculum on Scrimba includes over 140 challenges and tackles projects, including a counter app and a Chrome extension.      

Codecademy

Codecademy has over the years proved to be one of the best platforms to learn JavaScript online. The website is embedded with a live code editor that enables you to learn and practice JavaScript simultaneously. Their curriculum is structured in such a way that you are tasked with practicing what you've learned at the end of each lesson. The JavaScript tutorial on Codecademy is split into two parts: one for beginners and one for advanced students. Choose the one that best suits you level of knowledge.      

YouTube channels

If you are someone who learns by watching videos, this article has got you covered. There are several YouTube resources to help you deepen your JavaScript knowledge. This article provides five YouTube channels that provide in-depth JavaScript tutorials, covering everything from the fundamentals to more complex subjects and frameworks.

• Traversy Media: This channel goes all-in on its videos to provide a lot of value. The good thing is that the instructions in their videos are detailed and explicit.

• Programming with Mosh: This channel is an excellent place to start building a good foundation in JavaScript. It offers videos that carefully break down each component of an idea, explaining each one in detail for easy comprehension.

• freeCodeCamp: Known to be one of the best places to learn JavaScript on YouTube, the channel provides comprehensive crash courses on JavaScript that are guaranteed to take you from a newbie to an intermediate.

• Web dev simplified: Kyle, the owner of this channel, is on a mission to make JavaScript more user-friendly and comprehensive for everyone. His channel provides a useful, in-depth explanation of complex JavaScript concepts.

• The Net Ninja: Gain your black belt by learning JavaScript with this channel. The Net Ninja offers fantastic crash courses that are jam-packed with information, and JavaScript is no exception.

Learn JavaScript using mobile apps

Finding time to practice in front of a computer sometimes comes off as a burden. Because of this, coding applications are growing in popularity. Below are some of the best mobile applications for learning JavaScript.

• Sololearn

• Mimo

• Enki

• Programming Hub

• Codecademy Go

Conclusion

Hopefully, the article provided you with insight into how valuable JavaScript is. Most beginners get lost on where to start learning JavaScript. This article provided some of the best resources, be it via reading, watching videos, or learning from mobile apps. It is recommended to start by learning the fundamentals, like variables and basic syntax, before moving on to complex concepts like promises and inheritance.

Which place will you be taking your next JavaScript course? Let us know in the comment section.

Thanks for reading 😉