We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

Introduction to Javascript

The Basics

Khaled M. Attia

In this 2h 10m long project-based course, you will learn how to create dynamic web pages using Javascript. Javascript is one of the most popular scripting languages used in front-end, back-end web applications and hybrid mobile applications. It can be used to add interactivity to static HTML pages. It also could be used at the back end of modern web applications. Moreover, it is the core of many modern frameworks used to build hybrid mobile web applications. Learning Javascript opens up a huge variety of promising career options.

Note: This course works best for learners who are based in the North America region. We’re currently working on providing the same experience in other regions.

Enroll now

Or subscribe to Coursera Plus

And get unlimited access to Coursera

Here's a deal for you

Save money when you learn with a deal that may be relevant to this course.

All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.

Valid until August 30

Google AI App Builder

Learn how to use Gemini API and API Studio with a three-course series from Google DeepMind

What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Builds a strong foundation for beginners who want to add dynamic interactivity to web pages using Javascript

Teaches JavaScript, which is one of the core components of front-end development

Provides comprehensive study of JavaScript for beginners

Uses hands-on labs and interactive materials for better engagement

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.

Save

Reviews summary

Concise javascript introduction for beginners

According to students, this course is a largely positive and concise introduction to JavaScript, especially for absolute beginners. Many highlight the project-based approach as highly effective for practical application of concepts, making learning engaging and fun. The instructor's explanations are frequently praised for their clarity. However, some learners with prior programming experience found it too basic and felt it lacked the necessary depth for career-focused skills, viewing it more as a brief overview than a comprehensive study. It serves as a solid foundation but requires additional study for proficiency.

Some minor challenges with the described setup environment.

"I struggled a bit with the setup environment described, as some steps seemed slightly different from my current system."

"Some of the tools mentioned in the setup might need current versions."

Instructor provides clear, easy-to-follow explanations.

"The instructor's explanations were clear and easy to follow."

"The instructor is very clear. It motivated me to delve deeper into JavaScript."

"The instructor was good."

Effective project-based approach for hands-on learning.

"The project-based approach really helped solidify the concepts."

"The hands-on project is highly engaging and makes learning fun."

"I learned a lot in a short time. Definitely sets you on the right path for more advanced topics."

An excellent starting point for those new to programming.

"This course was a fantastic starting point for someone like me who had zero prior experience with JavaScript."

"Absolutely loved this introductory course! It's concise, well-structured... Highly recommended for beginners who want a quick, practical start."

"I would recommend this to anyone completely new to programming or web development."

The 2-hour length means it's a quick, high-level introduction.

"A very quick introduction. It's good for a complete novice to see what JavaScript can do, but it's only 2 hours."

"Felt like it covered too little too fast."

"I felt it was a bit rushed at times, but overall a decent starting point. The 2-hour length is accurate for its scope."

Too basic for intermediate learners or career readiness.

"Very basic, almost too basic. As someone with a bit of programming background, this course didn't offer much new."

"I zipped through it in an hour. Not ideal for intermediate learners or those wanting job-ready skills."

"For a career path, this is just a tiny first step. You need much more."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to Javascript: The Basics with these activities:

Brush up on your JS fundamentals

Show steps

Reinforces the foundation necessary for this course.

Browse courses on JavaScript

Show steps

Review basic programming concepts like variables, data types, and control flow.
Work through some basic JavaScript exercises or tutorials.

Read 'Eloquent JavaScript'

Show steps

Provides a comprehensive and engaging introduction to JavaScript.

View Eloquent JavaScript, 4th Edition on Amazon

Show steps

Read through the book, taking notes and highlighting key concepts.
Work through the exercises and examples provided in the book.

Follow Along with Coursera's JavaScript Courses

Show steps

Provides structured and guided learning tailored to the course topics.

Show steps

Enroll in Coursera's JavaScript courses.
Follow along with the video lectures and complete the assignments.

Six other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all nine activities

Join a Study Group or Online Forum

Show steps

Facilitates collaboration, knowledge sharing, and support.

Show steps

Find a study group or online forum dedicated to JavaScript learning.
Introduce yourself and ask questions.
Participate in discussions and share your knowledge.

Code Along with Online Tutorials

Show steps

Provides hands-on practice to solidify understanding of JavaScript concepts.

Show steps

Find online tutorials that cover the topics you're learning in the course.
Follow along with the tutorial and code along with the instructor.

Explore the MDN Web Docs for JavaScript

Show steps

Offers comprehensive documentation and interactive examples to enhance understanding.

Show steps

Visit the MDN Web Docs for JavaScript.
Find the section relevant to the topic you're learning.
Read through the documentation and try out the examples.

Solve JavaScript Coding Challenges

Show steps

Tests problem-solving skills and reinforces JavaScript concepts.

Show steps

Find websites or platforms that offer JavaScript coding challenges.
Select a challenge and try to solve it.

Build a Simple JavaScript Project

Show steps

Encourages application of knowledge and fosters creativity.

Show steps

Choose a simple project idea, such as a calculator or a to-do list.
Plan out the structure and functionality of your project.
Start coding and implement your project.

Create a Personal Website or Portfolio

Show steps

Provides a practical application of JavaScript skills and showcases your abilities.

Show steps

Plan the design and functionality of your website or portfolio.
Create the HTML structure and style it with CSS.
Implement JavaScript to add interactivity and dynamic features.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Javascript: The Basics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Front-End Developer

Front End Developers design and build the user interface of websites and web applications. Javascript is one of the most popular programming languages used for front end development. This course, "Introduction to JavaScript: The Basics" would provide a strong foundation for Front End Developers. The course will introduce learners to the fundamentals of Javascript, including syntax, data types, variables, and operators. The course also covers topics such as event handling, DOM manipulation, and AJAX. These concepts are essential for Front End Developers to build interactive and dynamic web pages. Additionally, Javascript is the core of many modern frameworks used to build hybrid mobile web applications, making this course relevant to those interested in careers in mobile development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Front-End Developer

Back-End Developer

Back End Developers are responsible for the server-side of web applications, handling data storage, processing, and communication with the front end. Javascript can be used at the back end of modern web applications, making this course relevant for Back End Developers. The course will introduce learners to the fundamentals of Javascript, as well as concepts such as object-oriented programming, asynchronous programming, and error handling. These concepts are essential for Back End Developers to build robust and scalable web applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Back-End Developer

Web Developer

Full Stack Developers are responsible for both the front end and back end of web applications. Javascript is one of the most popular programming languages used for full stack development, making this course relevant for Full Stack Developers. The course will introduce learners to the fundamentals of Javascript, including syntax, data types, variables, and operators. The course also covers topics such as event handling, DOM manipulation, AJAX, object-oriented programming, asynchronous programming, and error handling. These concepts are essential for Full Stack Developers to build complete and functional web applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, test, and maintain software systems. Javascript is used in a wide variety of software development projects, making this course relevant to Software Engineers. The course will provide learners with a strong foundation in Javascript, including syntax, data types, variables, operators, and control flow. The course also covers object-oriented programming concepts such as classes, objects, and inheritance. These concepts are essential for Software Engineers to build robust and scalable software applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Web Designer

Web Designers are responsible for the look and feel of websites and web applications. Javascript can be used to add interactivity and dynamic features to websites, making this course relevant to Web Designers. The course will introduce learners to the fundamentals of Javascript, including syntax, data types, variables, and operators. The course also covers topics such as event handling, DOM manipulation, and AJAX. These concepts are essential for Web Designers to create engaging and user-friendly websites.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Designer

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to solve problems and make predictions. Javascript can be used for data analysis and visualization, making this course relevant to Data Scientists. The course will introduce learners to the fundamentals of Javascript, including syntax, data types, variables, and operators. The course also covers topics such as data structures, algorithms, and machine learning. These concepts are essential for Data Scientists to build models and analyze data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Mobile Developer

Mobile Developers design and develop mobile applications for smartphones and tablets. Javascript is the core of many modern frameworks used to build hybrid mobile web applications, making this course relevant for Mobile Developers. The course will introduce learners to the fundamentals of Javascript, including syntax, data types, variables, and operators. The course also covers topics such as event handling, DOM manipulation, and AJAX. These concepts are essential for Mobile Developers to build engaging and user-friendly mobile applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mobile Developer

Game Developer

Game Developers design and develop video games. Javascript can be used to develop web-based games, making this course relevant for Game Developers. The course will introduce learners to the fundamentals of Javascript, including syntax, data types, variables, and operators. The course also covers topics such as event handling, DOM manipulation, and AJAX. These concepts are essential for Game Developers to build engaging and interactive games.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Developer

Technical Writer

Technical Writers create documentation and other materials to explain the use of technical products and services. Javascript is a popular programming language used in many technical products, making this course relevant for Technical Writers. The course will provide learners with a basic understanding of Javascript, including syntax, data types, variables, and operators. This knowledge will help Technical Writers to more effectively explain the use of Javascript in technical products and services.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Project Manager

Project Managers plan, execute, and close projects. Javascript is often used in software development projects, making this course relevant for Project Managers. The course will provide learners with a basic understanding of Javascript, including syntax, data types, variables, and operators. This knowledge will help Project Managers to better understand the technical aspects of software development projects and to more effectively manage these projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for the development and launch of new products. Javascript is often used in the development of web and mobile applications, making this course relevant for Product Managers. The course will provide learners with a basic understanding of Javascript, including syntax, data types, variables, and operators. This knowledge will help Product Managers to better understand the technical aspects of product development and to more effectively manage the development process.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Business Analyst

Business Analysts gather and analyze business requirements, and then design and implement solutions to meet those requirements. Javascript is often used in the development of business applications, making this course relevant for Business Analysts. The course will provide learners with a basic understanding of Javascript, including syntax, data types, variables, and operators. This knowledge will help Business Analysts to better understand the technical aspects of business application development and to more effectively analyze and design solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Quality Assurance Analyst

Quality Assurance Analysts test software applications to ensure that they meet quality standards. Javascript is often used in the development of web and mobile applications, making this course relevant for Quality Assurance Analysts. The course will provide learners with a basic understanding of Javascript, including syntax, data types, variables, and operators. This knowledge will help Quality Assurance Analysts to better understand the technical aspects of software testing and to more effectively test software applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst

Technical Support Specialist

Technical Support Specialists provide technical support to users of computer hardware and software. Javascript is often used in the development of web and mobile applications, making this course relevant for Technical Support Specialists. The course will provide learners with a basic understanding of Javascript, including syntax, data types, variables, and operators. This knowledge will help Technical Support Specialists to better understand the technical aspects of the products they support and to more effectively troubleshoot and resolve technical issues.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Support Specialist

Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers write code to implement software applications. Javascript is a popular programming language used in many different industries, making this course relevant for Computer Programmers. The course will provide learners with a basic understanding of Javascript, including syntax, data types, variables, and operators. This knowledge will help Computer Programmers to more effectively write code and develop software applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Reading list

We've selected 13 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Introduction to Javascript: The Basics.

Eloquent JavaScript, 3rd Edition

Save

Provides a comprehensive and in-depth coverage of JavaScript. It covers all the major concepts of the language, including data structures, algorithms, and functional programming. It also provides a detailed explanation of the JavaScript runtime environment and the browser DOM.

Introduction to Javascript

The Basics

Here's a deal for you

What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Concise javascript introduction for beginners

Activities

Career center

Reading list

Share

Similar courses