Best JavaScript Courses Ranked: A Comprehensive Guide
Since its inception in 1995, JavaScript has become a cornerstone of the internet. Often confused with Java, JavaScript acts as the essential link between HTML, CSS, and web browsers, a role that remains unchallenged. For seven consecutive years, it has been recognized as the most widely used programming language in StackOverflow's developer survey, cementing its position in web development.
Initially conceived as a client-side language, JavaScript has expanded its reach into diverse programming domains, including mobile applications and game development. Frameworks and libraries like Node.js, React, Ionic, and Electron have enabled JavaScript to power servers, mobile devices, and desktop applications. Whether the goal is to develop for the web or enhance programming skills, JavaScript is an indispensable tool.
Getting Started with JavaScript: Beginner Courses
For those new to JavaScript, several online courses provide an excellent starting point.
Intro to JavaScript (Udacity)
Best for: Absolute beginners
Reasons to buy:
- Free
- Designed for first-timers
- Includes useful quizzes
This free course is perfect for individuals transitioning from HTML and CSS to JavaScript. While the suggested completion time is two weeks, those with prior programming experience can likely finish it faster. The course covers the history of JavaScript and guides learners through creating variables, writing functions, and building objects. It incorporates coding exercises with instructor solutions for comparison, providing a well-paced introduction to the language. However, it should be noted that this course does not prepare students to write real-world code immediately.
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Fullstack Academy’s Intro to Coding
This course introduces the basics of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, targeting total beginners. The 15-hour program includes videos and challenges focused on popular software languages, preparing students for more intensive learning through coding bootcamps.
JavaScript for Cats
Designed for complete beginners, this comprehensive guide covers basic functions, libraries, data structures, and JavaScript fundamentals. It includes examples and visuals to ensure comfort with various aspects, tools, and functions.
Codecademy’s Intro to JavaScript Track
Codecademy’s step-by-step tutorial system is suitable for introducing programming in JavaScript. This track covers functions, loops, and data structures. Codecademy also offers online courses for other languages like CSS, HTML, SQL, and Python. Students have found the interactive nature of the course beneficial, with clear explanations and helpful forums for questions.
Treehouse’s JavaScript Basics
Treehouse offers a multi-platform learning experience with videos, coding tutorials, and quizzes. The four-hour course helps understand JavaScript's usage, basic concepts for variables, data types, conditional statements, and troubleshooting programming problems. A 14-day free trial is available.
MDN JavaScript
Published by Mozilla, this resource includes tutorials, lessons, and a glossary of JavaScript functions. It serves as a good reference for JavaScript programming language and is available in multiple languages.
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Learn-JS
Learn-JS.org is designed for individuals wanting to learn JavaScript. It allows users to try JavaScript without installation and offers basic and advanced tutorials.
Web Development Focused Courses
Once the basics are understood, courses focused on web development provide hands-on experience.
JavaScript, jQuery, and JSON (Coursera)
Best for: Web development
Reasons to buy:
- Real-world content
- Helpful community
Reasons to avoid:
- Not for beginners
This course, designed by the University of Michigan, focuses on building web applications using JavaScript, jQuery, and JSON. It is part of the Web Applications for Everybody Specialization and can be audited for free. The course includes video lectures, readings, and valuable forum discussions. It begins with a JavaScript crash course before moving to object-oriented programming, jQuery, and JSON.
Programming for the Web with JavaScript (edX)
Best for: Solidifying concepts
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Reasons to buy:
- Very detailed
- Useful forum discussions
Reasons to avoid:
- Quizzes not included in the Free course
This four-week course, part of the CS Essentials for Software Development series by the University of Pennsylvania, builds the foundations needed for web programming. It helps develop dynamic, interactive web pages using JavaScript and introduces tools and frameworks like jQuery, React, and D3.js. The course covers web programming basics, JavaScript fundamentals, DOM manipulation, event handling with jQuery, and developing modular web page components using frameworks. Debugging is also covered, emphasizing the use of debuggers.
Deepening Understanding: Advanced JavaScript Courses
For those who can code in JavaScript but seek a deeper understanding, advanced courses are available.
Learn Modern JavaScript: Advanced Topics (SkillShare)
Best for: A thorough understanding
Reasons to buy:
- Comprehensive
- Practical examples
- Engaging exercises
Reasons to avoid:
- Based on E6 standard
This course focuses on core concepts, especially around objects and functions, to help programmers become more complete JavaScript developers. It includes over 11 hours of video divided into over 70 lessons. The course teaches broad concepts and industry-standard best practices applicable to various JavaScript frameworks or libraries. It simplifies difficult concepts and provides examples, with sections dedicated to practical application of theoretical knowledge. It is structured for serial learning but allows diving into any section after completing the course. This course is useful even for those with working knowledge of the language.
Eloquent JavaScript by Marijn Haverbeke
Intermediate-level programmers can benefit from the first four chapters of this book, which cover JavaScript syntax, functionality, loops, arrays, and data structures. The rest of the book is for advanced programmers, covering HTTP and Forms, POST and GET requests, and Node.js.
Scotch.io
Scotch.io is a blog providing educational tutorials for programmers of all levels. It is a resource for intermediate and advanced students looking to increase their knowledge of the MEAN stack and other emerging JavaScript technologies, including Angular.js and jQuery.
Egghead
Egghead offers short videos for proficient JavaScript developers to level up their skills. Access to lessons is available for free, with a paid subscription option for comprehensive knowledge.
Douglas Crockford Videos
These videos offer insights into the creation, rise to popularity, and implementation of JavaScript from one of the language’s pioneers.
Additional Resources for JavaScript Mastery
Coding Challenges
Platforms like CoderByte offer coding challenges that are an excellent resource, especially for those applying to coding bootcamps.
Practice Projects
Completing projects like building a virtual Magic Eight Ball using control flow in JavaScript helps practice decision-making and build confidence in writing robust JavaScript code.
JavaScript Bootcamps
JavaScript bootcamps offer intensive training for individuals seeking a career in web development. These bootcamps typically require less time and investment than a degree. They cover JavaScript-focused skills such as HTML5 and Node.js and offer career-building resources.
App Academy
Established in 2012, App Academy offers a software engineering program taught on campus and online. The full-stack course teaches JavaScript, Ruby on Rails, SQL, HTML, CSS, ReactJS, and Redux.
Codesmith
Founded in 2015, Codesmith is a full-stack training bootcamp that teaches computer science and full-stack JavaScript, including front-end and back-end development, machine learning, data structures, system design, and modern web tech such as React and Node.js.
Coding Dojo
Coding Dojo, formed in 2012, teaches in-demand development languages. This bootcamp covers three full-stack languages, including JavaScript, and welcomes students from all backgrounds.
Flatiron School
Flatiron School offers immersive on-campus and online programs in software engineering, data science, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and product design.
Fullstack Academy
This program serves intermediate coders and programmers, covering JavaScript and computer science topics. Flexible programs are offered for college students and working professionals.
General Assembly
General Assembly offers on-campus classes and flexible online options. This course features an industry-validated curriculum, hands-on training, a global professional network, and real-world projects.
Hack Reactor
Hack Reactor offers fully remote, flexible coding programs covering React, ES6, full stack, JavaScript, and computer science fundamentals.
NuCamp
NuCamp offers affordable coding bootcamps, teaching in-demand tech skills for careers in coding and web development. This bootcamp teaches building a responsive web with Bootstrap, hones React and JavaScript skills, and covers back-end and mobile development.
Springboard
Springboard's bootcamps are self-paced and online. The software engineering bootcamp teaches front- and back-end web development, databases, data structures, and algorithms.
Key Skills Learned in JavaScript Bootcamps
- Full-Stack Web Development: JavaScript is necessary for learning full-stack web development.
- Web Application Security: JavaScript creates web applications, but coding issues can leave applications vulnerable to security threats.
- Application Testing: Tools like MochaJS or Karma are used to test codes on various devices and web browsers.
Career Paths After a JavaScript Bootcamp
- Web Developer: Web developers help multiple clients through their own businesses.
- Software Developer: Software developers code software that solves a problem.
- Database Administrator: These professionals organize and maintain organizations' computer databases.
Choosing the Right JavaScript Course
When selecting a JavaScript course, consider the following factors:
- Learning Style: Choose a course that aligns with your learning preferences (interactive exercises, video tutorials, or hands-on projects).
- Skill Level: Look for courses designed for your current skill set (beginner, intermediate, or advanced).
- Course Structure & Pace: Consider the format (videos, text, quizzes) and learning pace (self-paced or structured).
- Community & Support: Check if the course offers a supportive community or forum for questions and help.
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