So yeah, Javascript!
JavaScript is a scripting or programming language that allows you to implement complex features on web pages, you can do all sorts of magic with it. You can alter certain parts of the webpage or create a certain action dependent on the user's interaction on the page.
I still struggle with Javascript
It is important that we all have a very good understanding of Javascript and have this under our belt. I've been a web developer now for around 7+ years. I can use Javascript, but not like I want to. I want to be able to know everything and apply this with ease to projects that I work on. I wouldn't say I was 100% comfortable with Javascript, I want that to change.
With the likes of VueJS, ReactJS continuously growing and being used heavily across the world by fellow developers, it's important that you have a good grasp of Javascript as it will assist you in picking up Vue/React. I've briefly dived into the Vue and it's brilliant, but I struggle with it as I find my weakness with Javascript lingering with me like a bad smell that is hard to get rid of.
2020 will be the year where I finally put out that bad smell and get Javascript nailed once and for all.
How can you improve/learn Javascript?
Good question I may hear some of you say. How can you learn Javascript without losing your mind? Here are a few points that I will implement.
- Blog about Javascript.
- Spend 1-2 hours learning whether that be from videos or online tutorials
- Build small projects
- Socialise with fellow developers across the globe via social media
- Ask for advice! Don't be ashamed to admit you need some help.
What resources will you use?
Well firstly, I need to find that god damn Javascript/jQuery book that I bought, every time I end up finding it and start reading, it ends up disappearing on me again! Read that bloody book! I'm going to hold myself accountable!
I need to find a quiet spot somewhere and just read, read and read.
There's a truckload of resources available to access on the internet. I've already started by purchasing Beginner Javascript by the awesome Wes Bos. We all need a refresher at times. I certainly do.
There's another course by Wes Bos that is completely free that I started and never ended up completing. That brings me on to Javascript30 - Build 30 things in 30 days with 30 tutorials. Buzzing! This will certainly get me started.
Freecodecamp - Learn to code. Build projects. Earn certifications as they put it. There have been many developers that have started off and gone through Freecodecamp learning & progressing which has resulted in being employed! There are quite a few inspirational stories on there that you can read about. This is another resource/platform that I started off with and never really kept the momentum up, that will change this year. I want those certifications!
Youtube - there are loads of programming videos on there and most recently I have watched the series on Javascript created by NetNinja which has helped immensely.
Don't overload yourself with resources
So yeah, don't pile loads of resources on yourself which I have done in the past which has resulted in not learning properly or grasping stuff. Pick a training course and complete that & complete any exercises. Do not jump from one course to another, you'll only end up confusing yourself and find it difficult to learn.
The resources that I have mentioned are the main ones that I will stick to, firstly I need to get through the courses from Wes Bos and read that book. Don't be glued to the computer for hours and hours, it's important to take breaks and keep yourself fresh. Otherwise, you'll end up spending hours and hours on a task which you would normally complete within minutes, it's happened to us all.
- Take regular breaks
- Spend 1-2 hours per day learning
- Read, whether it's a book or online articles
- Take part in coding challenges
- Stay focussed and remember the end goal
- Build momentum & confidence
How did you learn Javascript?
I'd be interested in knowing how you developers have learnt Javascript and what steps you've taken in getting to where you are now.
Thank you for taking the time in reading my article, I've recently started blogging and still new to it - so go easy on me haha!
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