Top 7 JavaScript Books for Every Skill Level

Are you fascinated by JavaScript? Do you wish to learn this programming language? Well, if yes, JavaScript (JS) books are your best bet on becoming an avid JavaScript web developer.

Many programmers opt for books to increase their coding language. But there are many books on JS, and choosing the one to use to improve your skills may be an uphill task. However, the best JS books offer you information that will help you transition from a newbie to an experienced programmer.

To ease your search for the best books on JavaScript, we will list the JS books we deem ideal for every stage of learning. This comprehensive list is the result of an internal audit in our community and of thorough online research on the most popular books you should read to become a JavaScript ninja.

A brief introduction to JavaScript

JS hit the internet in 1995. It’s a programming language that eases the implementation of complex activities on websites. You should learn JavaScript because it’s the most used coding language, and because it’s also available in all browsers.

JavaScript is ideal for aspiring web developers as it’s relatively easy to learn the basics and it will help you to build immaculate websites. Yet, it is a rather complex language as it is a product of time and complexity. 

No secret that JS enjoys a love-hate relationship with its users. Its back-end and front-end development systems have flaws that allow less experienced web developers to make broken websites and programmes.

Best ways to learn JavaScript

There are several tried and tested methods you can use to learn this object-oriented programming language. Let’s look into some of them:

Use self-guided courses and websites

There are a ton of free courses on the internet created by renowned JS authors. The courses and websites offer you a flexible option for learning JavaScript.

Free does not necessarily translate to better; it’s advisable to gauge your options before settling down for a course. You can also enlist the help of YouTube videos as they offer in-depth visual training. Or, you can also opt for paid courses to get personalized training. 

In addition, forums like JavaScript subreddits on Reddit are an excellent source of information. You can also use other social media platforms like Facebook groups and follow JavaScript-related tweets on Twitter.

Attend boot camps

If self-guided courses are of little help to you, it’s time to attend a programming boot camp. The camps offer guidance and support through the course. Upon completion, you will receive a certificate of participation.

An average boot camp runs for a few weeks or months. It saves you time when compared to the normal four-year programs. The camp’s schedules depend on the organizer’s timeline. It can be full-time or part-time.

A short time programming boot camp will shore up your JavaScript skills, making you highly marketable.

Attend networking and meet-up events

Networking offers a fast way of learning programming. For instance, by attending forums, you gain first-hand experience in programming. In addition, you will be able to tap into the vast expertise of veteran web developers.

The best JS authors hold most meet-ups and networking fairs. Their input is invaluable, and it will give your journey as a developer a huge boost. Holding talks with the industry’s best is the ideal way to learn JavaScript. Have a look at our talks library on JavaScript here.

Put your skills into practice

After completing your training, try putting the skills into work. The transition from tutorials to reality is not easy, but you have to brave the journey. Start slowly by incorporating programs one by one until you become proficient.

Books

And, of course, books. For many people, nothing beats the good old paper. Books to learn JavaScript still hold an important role as a great learning option. There are many books online that offer a practical way of learning programming.

Best JavaScript books for both beginners and experts

In this shrunk-down list, there are books that can help to steer your JavaScript journey, and others that are more indicated for seasoned JS expertsl. They help to keep the veterans fresh while supplying them with new information. Let’s delve into some of them:

#1. A smarter way to learn JavaScript

One of the best JS authors, Mark Mayer, crafted this book to help newbies and veteran web developers. The book is made up of basic programming fundamentals and technical concepts like prototypes and constructors.

The book is 256 pages in length. It is subdivided into small chapters for easy information digestion. Mark further provides 20 free exercises on his websites. Through tests, you will be able to reminisce about the details that you will learn. It’s one of the best JavaScript books for both newbies and seasoned programmers.

2#. Eloquent JavaScript: A modern introduction to programming

Authored by Martin Haverbeke, this book offers a great introduction to programming and its uses. The book is not heavy on JavaScript, but it gives an unbeatable computer science foundation that will ease your JS learning.

He uses simple language to explain coding basics and analogies to drive his points home. It offers a step-by-step guide and is heavy on practical exercises that even seasoned programmers will find useful to exercise. In addition, it covers how to handle errors, modularity, bug fixing, and how to use JS to program them.

We think that this book is resourceful to both experienced and aspiring programmers

3#. JS and jQuery: interactive web development

Written by John Duckett, this book targets people who are not proficient in information technology, making it the ideal book for beginners. It covers basic concepts and other intricate details of the JavaScript language.

It’s well organized with great graphics aiding the deconstruction of JS. It incorporates both JavaScript and jQuery. In addition, it follows a logical arrangement enabling you to follow closely.

4#. JavaScript: The good parts

Douglas Crockford zeroes in on some of the JS aspects that are usually left out. He has helped to bring the hidden details into the light. This book presents a wealth of information on the latest JS language in just 175 pages. You will not get bored flipping through its pages.

We have had the pleasure to host Douglas Crockford on a few occasions. This is what he shared with our audience on the good parts of JS.

5#. JavaScript: The definitive guide to activate your web pages

The David Flanagan authored book provides more insight into programming. It is a comprehensive issue that entails all the details of JavaScript, covering all aspects from basic level programming to advanced levels. 

It’s a 1000+ pages issue and has a lot of information for all web developers, but we think it is ideal when you have already grasped the basic concepts of writing code.

6#. JavaScript for Kids: A playful introduction to programming

Crafted by Nick Morgan, the book offers a beginner’s guide to basic programming. Contrary to the book’s title, it’s not written for kids in literal terms. It rather provides an excellent place to learn basic concepts if you have never touched coding.

7#. Maintain a JavaScript by Nicholas Zakas

Nicholas Zakas breaks down complex programming issues, and understandably. He uses his vast experience amassed from his years at Yahoo during the infant years of JavaScript with a straightforward approach that is ideal for new developers.

The book touches on how to write JavaScript while managing code. It’s perfect for individuals who want to up their programming skills.

Best paid book

Summing up to find the best deals is never easy, but we managed thanks to our community, who has voted the following best paid books to learn JavaScript:

• JavaScript: The Good Parts by Douglas Crockford gives you access to a veteran’s view of JavaScript coding. It offers you a glimpse of the transformation of the industry and its best practices.
• JavaScript: The definitive guide by David Flanagan truly is a masterpiece, and excellent means for you in your quest to master programming.
• You don’t know JS by Kyle Simpson is ideal once you finish your basic JavaScript introduction.

Best free book

Thanks to the web, we can find plenty of free resources, including full books in their digital version. Here are three free JavaScript books you can find online:

• Eloquent JavaScript by Marjin Haverbekeis the ideal book for an introduction to coding. It is full of general coding concepts, and it touches on node programming.
• JavaScript enlightenment by Cody Lindsey offers more insight into advanced JavaScript features. It is mainly technical, and it dedicates whole chapters to learning the null value.
• Learning JavaScript design patterns by Addy Osman is heavy on JS and jQuery. It shows you how to use good design patterns to improve your code’s quality and efficiency.

Conclusions

JavaScript has been on the market for over a quarter of a century and it still is the most used language of all. Developers can leverage it for both front-end and back-end programming as for creating web applications and services or to make mobile and gaming apps. 

Thus, learning JavaScript language is a surefire way to market yourself. Like 25 years ago, books for programmers remain the ideal way of learning, in our opinion. Young JavaScript developers too have shown a great level of appreciation for this analogical source of knowledge and that is why choosing the right JavaScript books is still a great way to kick off your learning journey.