9 most effective methods for learning JavaScript (or any other language)
Tags: javascript, webdev, beginners, programming
Published: 2022-08-25 18:57:00

## Introduction

[JavaScript](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/JavaScript) is one of the most popular language in use today. It's used in [front-end(client-side) development](https://frontendmasters.com/guides/front-end-handbook/2018/what-is-a-FD.html), [server-side(backend) development](https://www.guru99.com/what-is-backend-developer.html) , and even [mobile application development](https://aws.amazon.com/mobile/mobile-application-development/#:~:text=Mobile%20application%20development%20is%20the,work%20with%20remote%20computing%20resources.). If you want to learn JavaScript effectively, you should take advantage of the numerous free resources available online. In this article, I’ve compiled a list of the 9 best approaches and methods for learning JavaScript—or any other [programming languages](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_programming_languages).

## 1. Start a blog

If you're looking for a way to learn and practice JavaScript, start a blog. Yes, Start a blog. This can be especially useful if you have some kind of experience (basic level) with the language but are still a beginner/intermediate at writing code. It's simple to set up an account on [devto](https://dev.to/), [hashnode](https://hashnode.com/), [hackernoon](https://hackernoon.com/), [Aviyel](https://aviyel.com/), and any other [blogging platform](https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/best-blogging-platforms-for-developers/)(s) where you can publish your own content in the form of blog posts/articles.

![Blogging](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/7dbjbk2fqfznr4hzcxd8.png)

You can also create your own custom blogging platform and post it there so that you can earn revenue through ads while making money off your readers' traffic; this will help motivate you to continue writing quality content so that they keep coming back! Writing will not only help you learn more, but it will also allow you to teach others. This is one of the best ways to get started in any programming language or[computer science](https://undergrad.cs.umd.edu/what-computer-science#:~:text=Computer%20Science%20is%20the%20study,design%2C%20development%2C%20and%20application.) field because it gives you the opportunity to learn new things as well as pass them on to others.

## 2. Make small projects

You’re probably wondering what the best way to learn is, but if it were up to me, I would HIGHLY recommend making small projects and learning from them. This is an excellent way for beginners or intermediate-level programmers to get their feet wet before taking on more complex tasks.

![https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/37651620/186099949-9477e7ef-6b8c-475f-9eb5-9e4a1d1e709f.gif](https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/37651620/186099949-9477e7ef-6b8c-475f-9eb5-9e4a1d1e709f.gif)

The best thing about this method is that when you make mistakes while developing, you have something concrete to use to correct those mistakes and continue learning. Try again and again if a concept isn't working out as you had hoped. (Continue iterating!) In the future or even at a different point in your career as a developer or programmer working with JavaScript—or any other programming language codebase(s), you might discover a better strategy. So go ahead and build something small. Maybe it's a new feature on your personal website, or maybe it's just an email form that doesn't work yet but you hope will someday! I know what you're thinking: "I don't have time for this!" Remember that if you want to get better at something, you must always keep on repeating, building, failing, and iterating.

## 3. Find your style

You don't have to be a programming wizard to get started with JavaScript(or any programming language). However, it is crucial that you develop your own style so that you can write the best code for your projects.

![Thug life](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/lw1ksvboe5nslntgevxf.png)

There are numerous ways for programmers to develop their own styles; some prefer more structured approaches, while others prefer more creative approaches. Here are just a few examples:

- Find something that works for you—and stick with it! If a particular concept/methodology doesn't work well for you or if other developers tell you not to use it (or even scoff at the idea of it), then don't worry about changing it now; instead, continue working with what works best for “YOUR” needs!
- Make sure your [coding(code) style](https://javascript.info/coding-style) is easy-to-read and easy to maintain because the project's codebase may become complex over time and you may find it difficult to read your own code, let alone the other developers, so make sure your code is easy to read, with consistent [indentation](https://www.w3schools.com/python/gloss_python_indentation.asp#:~:text=Indentation%20refers%20to%20the%20spaces,indicate%20a%20block%20of%20code.), [line breaks](https://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia/term/line-break#:~:text=Also%20called%20%22EOL%22%20(end,goes%20to%20the%20next%20line.)), and formatting.

- Keep your coding style simple. Some developers enjoy using very long [variable](https://www.tutorialspoint.com/computer_programming/computer_programming_variables.htm) and [function](https://www.tutorialspoint.com/computer_programming/computer_programming_functions.htm) names, which can be great for readability but may also cause confusion among readers. A simple rule of thumb: if you're writing code that someone else will see after you've written it, keep things as super-readable, concise, and understandable as possible.
- Be consistent. Inconsistency is the one thing that can make a developer go bonkers. The worst part of inconsistent code is that it breaks in subtle ways that are challenging to debug. For example, how would you determine which condition in an [if statement](https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/i/ifstatme.htm) with multiple conditions should be fulfilled if you forgot to include an [else block](https://www.techopedia.com/definition/23974/else-statement)? You don't! The solution is straightforward: [test everything](https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/types-software-testing/#:~:text=Testing%20is%20the%20process%20of,the%20errors%20from%20the%20software.). If there is a bug in your code, you most likely forgot to do something else in your codebase. Therefore, be very consistent and concentrate on solving one problem at a time. Don't try to jump into multiple issues and problems all at once!

## 4. Read about JavaScript(or any other language) every day, then try to use it in real life

The best way to learn JavaScript(or any other language) is by reading blogs, articles, and books about it and trying to use it in real-life scenarios. Reading about the essentials or basics of JavaScript(or any other programming language) is super important because you can gain a general understanding of how the language works, but if you want to become a master at using it in your own projects, then you need [hands-on experience](https://www.classcentral.com/report/javascript-and-webdev-bootcamps-fall-2022/)(Try to follow along with the tutorial and just start writing code on your own).

![Never Stop learning](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/637aykeogeaytj60ixmi.png)
 
Additionally, you should make an effort to learn as much as you can from the codebase(s) of other developers—this will help you develop your skills because you may learn new concepts or topics that will directly help you advance your coding skills.

## 5. Experiment with different coding environments

You can also try using different [coding environments](https://www.g2.com/categories/integrated-development-environments-ide) to learn JavaScript(or any programming language). Coding environments are development environments that make it easier to create applications and websites. It is intended to include all programming tasks in a single application; one of the main benefits of these applications is that they provide a centralized interface with all of the tools a developer needs, such as a code editor, compiler, debugger, and automation tools.

![Coding Environment](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/ma9nznh0uhccvb0hrri8.png)

When it comes to learning programming languages, there is no right or wrong way; however, some people prefer having all the bells and whistles at their fingertips, while others just want something simple enough so they can concentrate on learning new tricks without getting bogged down in unnecessary features. If you fit into this latter category, I highly suggest taking a look at any one of these three well-liked and fantastic IDEs: [Visual Studio Code](https://code.visualstudio.com/),[Brackets](https://brackets.io/), or [Atom](https://atom.io/) by GitHub.

## 6. Check free tutorials and videos on YouTube

There are a massive number of free videos available on [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/) that explain the fundamentals of JavaScript(or any languages), [frameworks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_framework), and [tools](https://www.encyclopedia.com/computing/dictionaries-thesauruses-pictures-and-press-releases/software-tool#:~:text=software%20tool%20A%20program%20that,some%20form%20of%20debug%20tool.).

![Tutorial](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/9xsj9oh61og8my5bhb24.png) 

It's also a good idea to look into some more advanced materials. There are LOTS of videos on YouTube where you can learn everything you want to know about JavaScript in full depth. YouTube has a wide range of interesting topics, such as front-end development tips, JavaScript full-stack courses, and even how to build a website from the ground up. Here are a few awesome channels that you should subscribe to and learn from if you want to hone your javascript skills.

- **[Traversy Media](https://www.youtube.com/c/TraversyMedia/videos)**

{% youtube -G9c4CMMUKc %}

{% youtube 2lVDktWK-pc %}

- **[FreeCodeCamp](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkZNo7MFNFg&t=90s&ab_channel=freeCodeCamp.org)**
{% youtube PkZNo7MFNFg %}

{% youtube zOjov-2OZ0E %}

- **[Programming with Mosh](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6NZfCO5SIk&ab_channel=ProgrammingwithMosh)**

{% youtube bjFvcFjJpE0 %}

- **[TheNewBoston](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQaAGmHNn9s&list=PL46F0A159EC02DF82&ab_channel=thenewboston)**
{% youtube yQaAGmHNn9s %}

- **[LearnCode.academy](https://www.youtube.com/c/learncodeacademy/videos)**

{% youtube p8Za5MtyVdg %}

- **[Academind](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qDywOS7VAc&ab_channel=Academind)**

{% youtube 2qDywOS7VAc %}

{% youtube aoE-92Ac4zE %}

- **[Simplilearn](https://www.youtube.com/c/SimplilearnOfficial/videos)**

{% youtube _zPNLidkNYk %}

- **[JavaScript Mastery](https://www.youtube.com/c/JavaScriptMastery/videos)**

{% youtube g7T23Xzys-A %}

{% youtube HTRXWbvqyYg %}

## 7. Have a mentor

Mentors are important for learning and can help you with problems you can't solve on your own. They may be able to spot areas in which you need more practice or guidance, whether it's learning how to use a certain tool or technique, or how to approach a specific problem. A mentor will also help ensure that you're developing the skills necessary for a career in software development—and they'll make this process more fun!

![Mentor](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/ubs0qor0dreno75g8u6z.png) 

When it comes to developing one's own sense of self-confidence, mentors can be a great resource. Being surrounded by knowledgeable + like-minded people instills a sense of comfort and confidence in the knowledge that others have faced similar situations and can be relied upon for support, which in turn helps you feel more confident.

## 8. Communicate with other developers

If you're a beginner or a junior developer looking to improve your JavaScript skills, there are a few things you can do. One of the best things you can do is to talk with other developers( and create a connection).

![Communicate](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/4el2md8ovppndr7z5x11.png)
 
You can join a [forum](https://stackoverflow.com/), chat room, [discord](https://discord.com/), or [slack](https://slack.com/) team and learn from others who are also learning JavaScript(or any skill). You could also go for an online course platform or an offline conference where you will have someone who will guide you through the basics of what it takes to become a proficient and versatile developer.

## 9. Mind the latest trends in web development and JS frameworks

The best part about learning JavaScript is that it's an incredibly versatile language. It can be used for front-end development, back-end development, and even mobile app development, which means there are plenty of opportunities to grow as a developer and plenty of awesome [stacks](https://hackr.io/blog/best-javascript-frameworks) to learn in this field. There are a plethora of new JavaScript frameworks available on the market, so you should at the very least be aware of what's going on in this field. It's crucial to stay up to date with the latest technologies because they can help you [optimize your codebase](https://www.toptal.com/full-stack/code-optimization) or even add new features to the application you are currently building.

![Trends](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/duxlcdcogtdavgkhamfh.png) 

> If you don't understand something (new terms or concepts), ALWAYS ask someone who does!

## You need to keep yourself motivated by trying different things

Learning a new skill is difficult, and it can be especially hard if you don’t have a lot of motivation. You need to find a way to keep yourself motivated by trying different things.

- Try to make it fun! If you enjoy learning about something then chances are that will help your motivation levels stay high as well.
- Try to find interesting ways to practice what you've learned so that when it's time to use it, there's some enjoyment involved in the task at hand.

## Conclusion

Learning JavaScript—or any other programming language may seem intimidating at first, but it’s actually not that hard. You just need to know the right approach and take your time with each one. All of these approaches can help you to master any programming language in a way that works best for you!

I hope this list of nine methods for learning JavaScript has aided you in developing and honing your knowledge of the language. If you have any questions about anything we mentioned here or want more information on how to get started learning JavaScript, leave us a comment below!