Experienced developers usually get asked, “What is the best programming language to start learning for those interested in tech?”
Most will have the same answer: JavaScript.
JavaScript is one of the most essential programming languages for those interested in learning to code or computer science in general. It’s a useful, high level, and object-oriented programming language.
Take a look at our list of the best JavaScript books for beginners; we believe these books will help code newbies become full-fledged JavaScript developers. You are bound to become a master at programming in JavaScript after adding these resources to your collection.
1. Eloquent JavaScript, 3rd Edition: A Modern Introduction to Programming, Marijn Haverbeke
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Many experienced developers recommend this book to introduce newcomers to the programming language. Marijn Haverbeke teaches you the language through extensive examples and immerses you from the start with code.
The book provides full-chapter exercises and programs, giving newbies hands-on experience. It also gives readers a chance to practice writing their own applications. The current 3rd Edition gives you a deep dive into the concepts and reflects the current state of JS and web browsers. The author includes updated material and exercises to test your skills in the updated methods.
2. JavaScript: The Good Parts, Douglas Crockford
The first edition of the book came out during the beginning of the JS language. JavaScript became the language of the web by default when Java applets failed. As a result, the language became popular across the board.
This book is a quick read for those looking for a crash course in the language. He teaches us not only the good parts of the language, but also how to steer away from bad habits.
Crockford’s book covers the history and evolution of JavaScript. The book filters through ideas paved with good intentions to present the elegant parts of JavaScript. Topics include syntax, functions, inheritance, Methods, regular expressions, and more.
3. Effective JavaScript: 68 Specific Ways to Harness the Power of JavaScript, David Herman
David Herman provides a deep look into the programming language. He wrote this book for JS developers of any skill level to gain best practices. He uses his experiences in the field to provide realistic examples to help developers learn the tricks to provide effective code.
This book is for developers who are starting off in programming. It provides a deep understanding of producing effective, reliable, and maintainable code.
4. You Don’t Know JS, Kyle Simpson
The You Don’t Know JS book series is one of the most popular series for learning JavaScript. Each book in the series shares similarities in style and scope. The series segments are broken down for the reader to focus on each of the technical concepts of JavaScript.
It starts with the basics and finally moving towards ECMAScript 6 in the last installment. These are quick reads for anyone who needs a basic understanding of each concept (each book spans about 100 pages). But the shortness of the books provides as much effectiveness in learning than the average detailed book on JavaScript.
5. Head First JavaScript Programming: A Brain-Friendly Guide, Eric Freeman
Eric Freeman developed this book to provide a hands-on experience for learning about JS. This book touches on elements from basic fundamentals to advanced concepts. Each topic gives you tons of exercises, games, puzzles, and other interactions with JavaScript. This book steers away from the text-heavy material, giving beginning developers a visual aspect that is easier on the modern brain.
6. JavaScript and JQuery: Interactive Front-End Web Development, Jon Duckett
This book is a great addition to your collection of JavaScript books. This is for those interested in learning beyond the core elements of the language. Not only do you learn the fundamentals of JS, but the author transitions halfway through the book into jQuery.
jQuery is a concept that helps developers simplify the process of writing scripts. Programmers recommend this book because of the methods used to transition from JavaScript to jQuery.
Duckett provides plenty of syntax examples and visuals to help guide you towards learning each concept. By the end of the book, you will not only know how to move through both JavaScript and jQuery, but you will also be able to create your own scripts from scratch.
7. JavaScript: The Definitive Guide: Activate Your Web Pages, David Flanagan
This has been a dedicated resource for JavaScript programmers since 1996. Many programmers will have this on their recommended book list for beginners. This book touches on the basics as well as several JavaScript and web platform API features aimed at web application development.
The updated 6th edition not only focuses on HTML5 and ECMAScript5, but many chapters were rewritten in the current edition to include modern updates of web development practices. Anyone interested in learning how to master programming languages on the Web should definitely try this book out.
8. A Smarter Way to Learn JavaScript, Mark Myers
According to the author, Mark Myers, he wrote the book and exercises especially for people who are new to programming. In fact, he wrote each chapter in a style and manner that is comfortable for the average person to understand.
He wanted to provide explanations that even children could understand. So he wrote the entire book at a sixth-grade level. The slow, easy-to-read pacing helps those new to programming understand everything in a clear manner. This means that your brain won’t get smacked with all this new and seemingly foreign language and wording.
9. Learn JavaScript Visually, Ivelin Demirov
This book is one of the best resources currently for visual learners. The main book includes a complete guide and online resources to get the full explanation and understanding of each concept.
Readers get to see elements presented with full color illustrations to help trigger their brain to remember visuals. This book does not discuss deep or complex concepts of JavaScript, but focuses on providing beginners with a visual experience.
10. JavaScript for Kids: A Playful Introduction to Programming, Nick Morgan
This book provides kids an introduction to JavaScript and other programming essentials. But adults new to programming and code can use this as a resource as well, as the book makes complex topics easy to understand.
11. Programming JavaScript Applications: Robust Web Architecture with Node, HTML5, and Modern JS Libraries, Eric Elliott
Eric Elliott wrote this book to answer the question: “How do I use JavaScript to build a real application?” Other books would ask the question: “How do I use JavaScript?”
Elliott noticed that many books did not teach you how to add features to large web programs without affecting the rest of your code. He composed this book to provide a solution to that problem. This book is a resource for those learning advanced code and does touch on the basic concepts for those who are starting to learn to code.
Summary
Here is a quick wrap up of the best JavaScript books:
- Eloquent JavaScript, 3rd Edition: A Modern Introduction to Programming,
By Marijn Haverbeke - JavaScript: The Good Parts,
By Douglas Crockford - Effective JavaScript: 68 Specific Ways to Harness the Power of JavaScript,
By David Herman - You Don’t Know JS,
By Kyle Simpson - Head First JavaScript Programming: A Brain-Friendly Guide,
By Eric Freeman - JavaScript and JQuery: Interactive Front-End Web Development,
By Jon Duckett - JavaScript: The Definitive Guide: Activate Your Web Pages,
By David Flanagan - A Smarter Way to Learn JavaScript,
By Mark Myers - Learn JavaScript Visually,
By Ivelin Demirov - JavaScript for Kids: A Playful Introduction to Programming,
By Nick Morgan - Programming JavaScript Applications: Robust Web Architecture with Node, HTML5, and Modern JS Libraries,
By Eric Elliott
Among these books is the perfect guide for any JavaScript learner. JavaScript is worth the time and effort spent learning it, including the broadened knowledge some of these books can bring to those that already know the language.
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