A must know for those who want to pursue coding or those taking up a career in computer science, JavaScript serves as the basis for many things on the web. From servers to games to art to apps, and most popularly, front-end web development, knowing JavaScript is crucial. This advanced object-oriented programming language is all kinds of useful, and given the demand for and popularity of computer programs these days, it’s unsurprising that JavaScript is also one of the lucrative languages this year.
Though a plethora of online courses exists to teach JavaScript, nothing beats a good, old-fashioned book. Additionally, books are more detailed compared to online courses; you may be able to understand the language and write a bit of code, but with a book, you’ll be able to understand the correct ways to write code and structure projects. That’s why we’ve gathered up the best JavaScript books that will help you gain the knowledge you need.
Best JavaScript Books
Whether you’re a newbie or an advanced coder, here’s a list of our top JavaScript book recommendations.
JavaScript and JQuery: Interactive Front-End Web Development—Jon Duckett
Though books are a great resource to have, many learners get thrown off by monotonously-written books that look like pages of seemingly random typewriter text. This book teaches coding in a way that’s understandable, modern and well organized. All concepts are gradually built up in a logical manner, including the transition from JavaScript to JQuery, instead of just appearing as a surprise to the reader! The author also provides examples of syntax and detailed visuals that make the learning process easier, even equipping them enough to be able to create their own scripts from ground zero.
Click Here for the Best PriceA Smarter Way to Learn JavaScript—Mark Myers
As Mark Myers outlines in this book, there 2 issues that JavaScript enthusiasts face—comprehending the material and retaining it. This book seeks to combat exactly these issues in the way it is written and structured.
The book is written for beginners; the 256-page book is divided into small yet comprehensive chapters, with a sample exercise meant for each chapter that you can find on the author’s website (these are free of cost). In fact, this book is structured and written in a way that enables even laymen to easily understand them, and by that, we mean even children! Any sixth-grader can pick up this book and be able to understand its slow pace and easy-to-read language all laid out in a clear style.
Click Here for the Best PriceJavaScript: The Good Parts—Douglas Crockford
This book, almost a crash course on JavaScript, focuses on the basics of the language, including lesser-known aspects, such as syntax, inheritance, functions, methods, and regular expressions, that are usually skipped over but are nonetheless important. This book’s first edition was written when JavaScript just came into being, and the latest editions trace the journey of the programming language from its days as a tiny browser-scripting language when browsers were not interactive and lacked in-built storage capacity to current day super-fast, super-interactive browsers.
Despite being a quick read at just 175 pages long, this book is highly praised by both beginners and advanced coders alike for its ability to not just present the good parts of the language but also keep learners away from bad habits.
Price: $16.89
JavaScript: The Definitive Guide
Another great book for beginners, this definitive guide is especially helpful for those who are looking to build strong web applications and covers many JavaScript and web platform API features that aid in developing web applications. It also covers topics such as the functioning of graphics, prototyping and closure.
At over 1,000 pages, this book is extremely comprehensive; topics are divided into well-defined chapters that thoroughly cover all topics with examples.
Price: $22.09
Eloquent JavaScript: A Modern Introduction to Programming—Marijn Haverbeke
Another book geared to introduce newcomers to programming, ‘Eloquent JavaScript’ takes readers through all things ‘code’ with great, easy-to-understand examples and comprehensive chapters accompanied by extensive exercises and programs that cover the whole chapter.
In addition to learning how to write their own applications, readers can also practice writing them. The book not only deeply explores the concepts of JavaScript and reflects on the current state of the language and web browsers, but also includes relevant exercises and material that let readers test their skills.
Price: $25.49
Effective JavaScript: 68 Specific Ways to Harness the Power of JavaScript—David Herman
‘Effective JavaScript’ explores JavaScript in excruciating detail, diving deep into the programming language, and is intended for developers of all skill levels. David Herman provides extremely realistic examples that teach readers how to apply the skills they’ve learned into real-life situations, and learn tips and tricks for effective code writing.
Price: $29.23
Head First JavaScript Programming: A Brain-Friendly Guide—Eric Freeman
This ‘brain-friendly guide’ provides readers with a hands-on JavaScript-learning experience, going from basic tenets to advanced principles in a steady, logical manner. Each topic is simplified thanks to accompanying games, exercises, and puzzles based on JavaScript. Additionally, the book is more visual than text oriented, which makes it easier for present-day learners to grasp concepts.
Price: $30.49
Learn JavaScript Visually—Ivelin Demirov
Another great option for those who find it easier to learn with visual aids than just text, ‘Learn JavaScript Visually’ is a complete guide, with online resources mentioned, that allows readers to fully understand each concept. The colorful illustrations help in retention and the book steers clear from any advanced, complicated topics of JavaScript, instead, focusing on being a visual experience for absolute beginners.
Price: $35.95
JavaScript for Kids: A Playful Introduction to Programming—Nick Morgan
Who says JavaScript is only for the big folks? This super-fun book is a great way to start the kids off early in JavaScript; it also covers other essentials of programming in addition to JavaScript. However, the book is just as great for adults looking for a super-beginner-friendly introduction to code, simplifying hard topics.
Price: $30.34
Programming JavaScript Applications: Robust Web Architecture with Node, HTML5 and Modern JS Libraries—Eric Elliott
This extensive book answers all questions related to building a real application, where other books just focus generically on using JavaScript. This book fills in the gaps that are left behind by the lack of web programs that teach the addition of features to large web programs without touching the rest of your code.
This book is meant for advanced coders, without touching on the basic concepts, so it isn’t a great option for those who are just starting to learn to code.
Price: $25.74
The Bottomline: Best JavaScript Books
As you can see, several great resources exist, apart from online courses, that can do a great job of teaching you coding, whether you’re a beginner or an advanced coder. These books are our top picks for learning JavaScript, with many of them teaching a complicated subject and topics in a simplified, easy-to-understand manner. For a more detailed look at JavaScript, consider adding one of these books to your resources!
