A Beginner’s Guide to JavaScript
JavaScript is one of the most popular and most used web programming languages on the online market right now, it’s used by 67.7% of developers worldwide. Not only is it supported by most web browsers, it’s easy to learn and apply even for a complete beginner. This article will discuss what JavaScript is and provide a beginner’s guide to start using it.
The web development field consists primarily of three programming languages, namely, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Each programming language has a specific function that makes a web page user-friendly, this is often referred to as the front-end or client-side. Conversely, there is also the back-end, or server side, of web programming that involves the functionality of the operating system and its various files and data.
HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) is used to create the foundational structure and layout on a web page, for example, headings and paragraphs among others. CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) determines how the content is displayed, as well as its style, ranging from texts, fonts, and background colors. JavaScript is used to make various elements on web pages interactive, in simple terms, it makes web pages come alive. These elements can include automated forms, interactive maps, various animated graphics, and more. JavaScript adds more dynamic qualities to static web pages.
How To Begin With JavaScript
JavaScript is easy to learn for complete beginners, it is also available for free without any prior download required; it runs directly from your computer’s web browser. JavaScript is written in code, otherwise referred to as coding, which is another term relating to web programming.
The language or syntax for JavaScript follows a unique set of rules with numerous parts to consider when starting to learn about it, for example, the code is written as a single line or multiple line comment. There are Variables, which hold data and use three different keywords distinguishing the data’s meaning, namely, ‘var’, ‘let’, and ‘const’. Other syntax parts include Assignments, Data Types, Functions, Strings, Arrays, Numbers, and many others.
For complete beginners who are starting to learn about JavaScript, there are many online tools, tutorials, and resources teaching at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. Additionally, there are various online certification programs available to further skills and provide a formalized education if you are already a web developer or aspiring to be one.
JSBeginners offer over 100 JavaScripts projects and tutorials that range from beginner to intermediate level. The projects focus on the foundational concepts of learning JavaScript, specifically vanilla JavaScript, which is a term used for plain JavaScript without any assistance from external libraries or frameworks (libraries and frameworks are code that make the process of programming easier and more time-efficient).
Users will learn how to do each JavaScript project themselves with an accompanying tutorial video for further guidance. Some of the online projects to start with include creating simple quizzes, games, and questionnaires. Examples of projects for beginners include ‘Rock, Paper, Scissors’, which is a simple game, with minimal CSS elements and just enough interactivity to play against the computer, the estimated time to create a game like this is an hour. The ‘Light Switch’ project includes a simple on and off switch of a lightbulb by clicking on it with the mouse, the estimated time for this project ranges to about 15 minutes. The ‘Number Guessing Game’ involves guessing a random number from 1 to 100, with 10 guessing attempts, the estimated time for this project can go up to 2 hours.
Each project will involve a level of dedicated effort to code and build it, specifically for beginners without prior knowledge of coding. For web programmers who need to revisit the basics again, the projects are ideal to spark new ideas or refresh old memories and coding knowledge.
Summary
While there is more to learn about JavaScript and how it works with other web programming languages like HTML and CSS, this article touched on the core fundamental concepts about being a JavaScript beginner, additionally, it also provided practical tools to get started that go beyond theoretical knowledge, which is often the best way to learn new skills. Visit this site for more projects by JSBeginners.
