Getting Started with Javascript: A Beginner's Guide.
Tags: javascript, beginners, webdev, programming
Published: 2023-08-18 14:20:44

I'm sure you've heard the saying "Learn Javascript before learning React". Well, let's try to understand what Javascript is all about.

## INTRODUCTION
Web development is an exciting and creative field that allows you to build interactive and dynamic websites. At the heart of modern web development lies JavaScript, a versatile programming language that powers the interactivity and functionality of countless websites and applications. If you're new to web development and eager to learn Javascript, you're in the right place! In this guide, we'll answer some common questions beginners have about starting their journey with Javascript.

## How Do I Start Learning Javascript?
Embarking on your journey to learn Javascript can be both exciting and a bit overwhelming. So I've put together a step-by-step approach to guide you through the process:

- **Understand the Basics of Web Development:** Although you can use javascript as a backend language with Node and Express, I mostly recommend before diving into Javascript, it's important to have a basic understanding of how websites work. Learn about HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) for structuring content and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) for styling, you don't need to go into a mastery path or try to push too deep to start writing with them.

- **Learn the Fundamentals of Programming:** Javascript is a programming language, so it's crucial to grasp fundamental programming concepts like variables, data types, loops, and functions. Online platforms like Codecademy, freeCodeCamp, and Khan Academy offer beginner-friendly programming courses.

- **Explore Online Resources:** There's a wealth of online resources available for learning Javascript. Websites like MDN Web Docs, W3Schools, and javascript.info (My personal favorite) offer comprehensive tutorials and documentation.

- **Enroll in Interactive Courses:** Many people feel you always have to self-learn, while I'm a self-taught developer, I don't recommend this as a path for many individuals, especially if you have the means to get a coach or instructor or join a BootCamp that offers you value. Consider enrolling in online courses that provide structured learning paths and interactive exercises. Platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and edX offer Javascript courses for all skill levels, you can also check my course where I provide 1-on-1 interactive sessions to move from Javascript to Next.js.

- **Practice, Practice, Practice:** This is an understated part of learning any programming language, especially Javascript. The more you practice, the more confident you'll become. Start with small coding exercises and gradually work your way up to building simple projects.

## Is Javascript Easy for Beginners?
Javascript has a relatively low entry barrier, making it an accessible language for beginners. Here's why:

- **Readable Syntax:** While this might feel subjective, especially when you think of programming languages like Python you might not agree with JS syntax readability. But Javascript codes when written right, can be understood.

- **Instant Feedback:**
 You can see immediate results by testing your code directly in a web browser's developer console.

- **Abundant Resources:**
 Javascript's popularity means there are numerous tutorials, forums, and communities available to help beginners.

- **Progressive Learning:**
 You can start with basic concepts and gradually move on to more complex topics as you become comfortable.

## JS PROGRAMMING BASICS
Before diving into the complexities of Javascript, it's essential to understand its primitive data types. These are the basic building blocks that store simple values. Let's explore a few of them:

- **Numbers:**
 Represent both integer and floating-point numbers. For instance:

```
let age = 25;
let temperature = 98.6;
```

- **Strings:**
 Used for representing textual data. You can use single or double quotes:

```
let greeting = "Hello, world!";
```

- **Booleans:** Represent true or false values. Useful for conditions and logical operations:

```
let isStudent = true;
let hasLicense = false;
```

- **Undefined and Null:** Represent the absence of a meaningful value. However, they are used in slightly different contexts:

```
let undefinedValue = undefined; // Typically used when a variable is declared but not assigned
let nullValue = null; // Often used to indicate the intentional absence of any value
```

- **Object Prototypes**

Javascript's object prototypes are fundamental to its object-oriented nature. Objects in Javascript are essentially collections of key-value pairs, and prototypes provide a way to define shared properties and behaviors for objects of a certain type.

For example, consider creating a basic object using a constructor function and adding a method to its prototype:

```
function Person(name, age) {
    this.name = name;
    this.age = age;
}

Person.prototype.getInstructor = function() {
    console.log(`This article was written by ${this.name} and I they are ${this.age} years old.`);
};

const talentseeker = new Person("TalentSeeker", 35);
talentseeker.getInstructor(); // Outputs: This article was written by TalentSeeker and I they are 35 years old.
```

In this example, the getInstructor method is added to the prototype of the Person constructor function. This allows all instances of Person to share the same method without duplicating it.

### Variables and Scope

Understanding variable scope is crucial in Javascript. Variables can be declared using var, let, or const, each with different scoping behaviors:

var: Function-scoped.
let and const: Block-scoped.

```
function exampleScope() {
    var x = 10;
    if (x === 10) {
        let y = 20;
        const z = 30;
        console.log(x, y, z); // Outputs: 10 20 30
    }
    console.log(x, y, z); // Throws an error because y and z are not defined in this scope
}
```

## Control Flow and Conditional Statements

Control flow statements help you make decisions and execute code based on conditions. Here's an example of an if statement:

```
let hour = 14;
if (hour < 12) {
    console.log("Good morning!");
} else if (hour < 18) {
    console.log("Good afternoon!");
} else {
    console.log("Good evening!");
}
```

By understanding primitive data types, object prototypes, variables, scope, and control flow, you've laid a sturdy foundation for your journey into Javascript. Remember, practice is key. Keep experimenting, building, and challenging yourself with coding exercises and projects. As you become comfortable with these basics, you'll find yourself well-equipped to explore more complex concepts and create remarkable web applications.

Congratulations! You've taken your first steps toward learning JavaScript. Remember, becoming proficient in JavaScript takes time and practice. Start small, be patient with yourself, and gradually work your way up to more complex projects. With dedication and a curious mindset, you'll soon find yourself confidently building interactive and engaging web applications. Happy coding!