Are you a beginner in the world of JavaScript programming? Do you want to expand your knowledge and gain a solid understanding of the basics? Look no further - this article serves as a comprehensive primer for JavaScript programmers who want to grasp the fundamental concepts and techniques.
Understanding JavaScript
JavaScript is a versatile and powerful programming language that is widely used for web development. It allows developers to create dynamic and interactive websites by adding behaviors and functionalities to web pages. Whether you want to create advanced applications or simply enhance the functionality of your website, JavaScript is an essential skill to have.
Getting Started
If you're new to programming or JavaScript, getting started can be intimidating. However, by breaking down the basics into manageable chunks, you can quickly gain a solid foundation.
Variables and Data Types
Variables are used to store values in JavaScript. They can hold various types of data, including numbers, strings, booleans, and more. Understanding how to declare and assign values to variables is crucial for any JavaScript programmer.
Control Flow and Loops
Control flow allows you to control the execution of your code. You can use conditional statements like "if-else" and loops like "for" and "while" to make your code more dynamic and responsive.
Functions
Functions are reusable blocks of code that perform specific tasks. They allow you to write code once and use it multiple times. Understanding how functions work and how to define and call them is fundamental to JavaScript programming.
Arrays and Objects
Arrays and objects are two essential data structures in JavaScript. Arrays allow you to store multiple values in a single variable, while objects enable you to represent complex entities and their properties. Learning how to manipulate and work with arrays and objects is key to building dynamic applications.
DOM Manipulation
The Document Object Model (DOM) is a programming interface for HTML and XML documents. It provides a structured representation of the web page and allows you to modify its content dynamically. Mastering DOM manipulation is crucial for creating interactive and responsive web pages.
Resources for Further Learning
As a JavaScript programmer, there are countless resources available online to deepen your understanding and enhance your skills. Here are a few recommended resources:
- Online tutorials and courses
- JavaScript documentation and reference guides
- Online coding platforms and challenges
- Engaging communities and forums
Mastering the basics of JavaScript is the first step towards becoming a proficient programmer. By familiarizing yourself with variables, control flow, functions, arrays, objects, and DOM manipulation, you'll be well-equipped to tackle more complex challenges and build impressive applications. Remember to practice regularly and make use of the available resources to continuously improve your skills. Happy coding!
JQUERY: JUST THE BASICS - A PRIMER FOR THE JAVASCRIPT PROGRAMMER
jQuery is an open-source JavaScript library that makes it easier to develop lively and responsive web pages and interactive web applications. jQuery is simpler and more streamlined than standard JavaScript, yet also more powerful, full-featured, and portable. Using jQuery can save you considerable programming time and effort. But even if you don't choose jQuery yourself, it's important to understand this library because its use is so widespread. One survey found jQuery running on half of all websites.
If you want to start using jQuery NOW, you won't have time to labor through a large tome or to wrestle with the massive online documentation. Fortunately, you can be a productive jQuery programmer without knowing all of jQuery's vast collection of methods and options.
What "jQuery: Just the Basics" does for you is to select the smallest and most essential set of jQuery features that will still allow you to perform the majority of web development tasks. It then explains these features thoroughly, using many code examples and links to further information in the online help. The book's teach-by-example approach saves much unnecessary verbiage -- often you'll understand a technique by just glancing at the example.
The book is designed to be read through from the beginning, and is written with a step-by-step logic and a minimum of repetition. Although it focuses on the basics of jQuery and is intended to get you started quickly, it's NOT a superficial survey. It provides all the information, insights, and tips you'll need to get started writing that next great web application!
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
This book teaches just jQuery. You should understand the fundamentals of HTML, CSS, and standard JavaScript before reading it. If you're rusty on the essentials of JavaScript, consider starting with "JavaScript: Just the Basics," available as a Kindle book by the same author (bit.ly/JSBasics). "jQuery: Just the Basics" was written as a follow-up to the author's JavaScript book, and dovetails closely with it.
THE BOOK
The book is approximately 175 pages long. It was designed, written, and formatted specifically for the Kindle, and you can read it on any Kindle device or free reading app. (Reading the book in Kindle Cloud Reader isn't recommended because of the reader's non-standard formatting.) The manuscript was prepared so that the source code listings are easy to view on an e-reader, and the book is simple to navigate.
THE COMPANION WEBSITE
You'll find a companion website for the book at DigitalArtisanPress.com, where you can contact the author.
THE CONTENTS
Chapter 1. Using jQuery in Your Web Pages
Chapter 2. Selecting Web-Page Elements
Chapter 3. Traversing Web-Page Elements
Chapter 4. Modifying the Web Page
Chapter 5. Scripting CSS Styles
Chapter 6. Generating Animation Effects
Chapter 7. Handling Web-Page Events
Chapter 8. Ajax!
Chapter 9. Creating jQuery Plugins
THE AUTHOR
Michael J Young has a master's degree in computer science and is the author of 30 books on computing. His book "XML Step by Step" won the top award, "Distinguished Technical Communication," in the 2000-2001 International Technical Publications Competition of the Society for Technical Communication.
ALSO BY MICHAEL J YOUNG
"JavaScript: Just the Basics - A Primer for the Complete Beginner," available as a Kindle book (bit.ly/JSBasics).
