JavaScript Crash Course: A Hands-On, Project-Based Introduction to Programming

by Nick Morgan

A fast-paced, thorough programming introduction that will have you writing your own software and web applications in no time. Like Python Crash Course, this hands-on guide is a must-have for anyone who wants to learn how to code from the ground up—this time using the popular JavaScript programming language.Learn JavaScript—Fast! JavaScript Crash Course is a fun-filled, fast-paced introduction to programming with JavaScript. Dive right in and you’ll be writing code, solving problems, and building working web applications and games in no time. You’ll start by learning fundamental programming concepts, such as variables, arrays, objects, functions, conditionals, loops, classes, and more. Aided by engaging examples and hands-on exercises, you’ll build on this foundation and combine JavaScript with HTML and CSS to create interactive web applications that you can run right away.Then you’ll put your new skills into play with three substantial a Pong-style game with a virtual opponent, an app that generates electronic music, and a platform for visualizing data fetched from an API.Along the way, you’ll learn how • Update web pages in real time by manipulating the Document Object Model• Trigger functions in response to events like key presses and mouse clicks• Generate graphics and animations with JavaScript and HTML’s Canvas element• Visualize data with the D3.js library and scalable vector graphics (SVG)• Make electronic music with Tone.js and the Web Audio APIIf you’ve been thinking about digging into programming, JavaScript Crash Course will get you writing real programs fast. Why wait any longer? Jump on your magic carpet and ride!

Genres: Programming, Computer Science, Coding, Technology

352 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 5, 2024

Reviews

[Charlie Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great introductory JavaScript book. Much better than the previous one I read, JavaScript and jQuery by Jon Duckett. A kind of coffee table one full of pictures aimed more at a general reader wanting to understand, rather than a coder. Enough of that book though.

If you enjoyed the style of Python Crash Course, this is very similar. Good breakdown of key syntax to get you started with plenty of simple code examples. Approaches some of the depth of prototype inheritance, method overloading, but without dwelling on theory and implementation details. Practical, fun and varied projects / exercises at the end (including making a small game).

All in all, this is a great JavaScript book for someone who is either new to / getting into web development or anyone who has coded in other languages and wanting to add JS to their repertoire.

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why Isn't The Cat On This Book Cover Wearing The Aviator Goggles
I can't stop thinking of this strange, illogical book cover.

...

Anyways, this book was great.

I know JavaScript quite well myself, so the intention of me getting this book is to learn better how to teach JavaScript to youth.

I found Morgan did a great job at going through all the pieces of JS that you need to know.

Definitely worth checking out if you are new to JS programming.

4.8/5

[Cory Fitz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent introduction to JavaScript - the music project was a bit difficult and inaccessible if you don't have a music background though, so I'd recommend just skimming that one if like me you don't have a music background

[Mr. H · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good introductory level book. Not for seasoned developers