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JavaScript Introduction

Michel Buffa

This course is part of W3C's "Front-End Web Developer" Professional Certificate.

JavaScript lets you add interactive features to your Web sites, including dynamically updated content, controlled multimedia, animated images, and much more. Developed in partnership between W3C and University Côte d'Azur, this introductory course has been designed to help Web developers have an understanding of the basic concepts of the language. We present JavaScript best practices by means of many interactive examples, some of which being demonstrated in live coding videos.

We use JavaScript in the Web browser. Why JavaScript is worth your time:

HTML5, CSS and JavaScript are the “classic three” for developers and designers;
It adds interactivity to your Web sites;
It is powerful, easy to learn, and quick to write;
It has great tools (editors, runtimes, lint tools, browsers, and third party libraries) as well as great online support through plenty of active open source communities.

At the end of the course, we expect you to be able to read the source code of any JavaScript example found on the Web, learn from it, tweak it, and even – why not? – start contributing to open-source JavaScript projects.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

How to add javascript code in your web site/web app, and how to debug it
How to make interactive web sites through the dom api
How to change the css styles of html5 elements from javascript

How to deal with html5 forms
How to make basic graphics and animations using the html5 canvas

How to add javascript code in your web site/web app, and how to debug it
How to make interactive web sites through the dom api
How to change the css styles of html5 elements from javascript
How to deal with html5 forms
How to make basic graphics and animations using the html5 canvas

Syllabus

Module 1: Introduction to JavaScript

JavaScript, HTML and CSS

JavaScript overview

Your first HTML/CSS/JS page

Variables, values, functions, operators, and expressions

Simple JavaScript examples to play with

Module 2: Adding interactivity to HTML

Conditional statements, loops and logical operators

Functions and callbacks

Handling events

The DOM API

Let's write a small game

Module 3: Playing with HTML5

Arrays and iterators

HTML5 multimedia and JavaScript API

Displaying a map with the Geolocation API

Playing sound samples and music

Module 4: Structuring data

Objects, properties and methods

Creating multiple objects

Improving the small game with classes

Module 5: Working with forms

Built-in JavaScript objects

HTML5 tables, forms and input fields

The JSON notation

Let's create a small application

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches JavaScript best practices by means of many interactive examples, some of which being demonstrated in live coding videos

Examines modern JavaScript syntax and features, which are standard in industry today

Introduces various essential JavaScript concepts and tools, making it suitable for beginners

Provides hands-on labs and interactive materials to reinforce learning

Offers a comprehensive study of JavaScript fundamentals, building learners' foundation

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Reviews summary

Beginner-friendly js course

According to students, this JavaScript introduction course provides an accessible starting point for absolute beginners, despite some confusing and challenging aspects.

A solid choice for beginners

"This is a great beginner course"

"This is a good course for those who are completely new to JavaScript"

Some concepts may not be well explained

"Does not follow a clear path"

Audio quality could be better

"The videos are hard to understand"

"There are moment when he does not even speak English at all"

May be hard to follow at times

"However, there were some videos that were hard to follow"

"Not every mentioned things is explained"

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 JavaScript Introduction with these activities:

JavaScript Fundamentals Review

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Reviewing JavaScript fundamentals will help you solidify your understanding of core concepts, preparing you for more advanced topics.

Browse courses on JavaScript

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Go over your class notes and textbooks to refresh your memory on basic JavaScript syntax.
Find online resources or tutorials that provide interactive exercises on JavaScript fundamentals.
Solve coding challenges or practice writing simple JavaScript programs to test your understanding.
Participate in discussions or forums where you can ask questions and engage with other learners.
Build a small JavaScript project to apply your refreshed skills.

Eloquent JavaScript

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Reading a comprehensive book on JavaScript will provide you with a solid foundation in the language and its concepts.

View Eloquent JavaScript, 4th Edition on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of Eloquent JavaScript, either physically or digitally.
Set aside dedicated time each day to read and study the book.
Take notes and summarize key concepts to enhance your understanding.
Complete the exercises and challenges provided in the book.
Discuss your learnings with peers or an experienced JavaScript developer.

JavaScript Coding Challenges

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Solving coding challenges will help you solidify your understanding of JavaScript syntax and concepts, improving your problem-solving skills.

Browse courses on JavaScript

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Find a reputable online platform that offers JavaScript coding challenges.
Set aside a specific time each day to practice solving challenges.
Work through the challenges step-by-step, debugging your code as needed.
Review your solutions and identify areas for improvement.
Participate in online forums or communities to discuss your solutions and learn from others.

Four other activities

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JavaScript Study Group

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Collaborating with peers will provide you with opportunities to share knowledge, learn from others' experiences, and reinforce your understanding of JavaScript.

Browse courses on JavaScript

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Find a study group or create one with classmates or colleagues who are also taking the course.
Set regular meeting times and establish a study plan.
Take turns presenting topics to the group and lead discussions.
Work on projects or assignments together, providing feedback and support.
Participate in online forums or communities to connect with other JavaScript learners.

JavaScript Best Practices Tutorial

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Following best practices will help you write clean, maintainable, and efficient JavaScript code, enhancing the quality of your web applications.

Browse courses on JavaScript

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Identify a comprehensive tutorial on JavaScript best practices.
Go through the tutorial, taking notes on key principles and guidelines.
Apply the best practices to your own JavaScript projects.
Review your code regularly to ensure adherence to best practices.
Seek feedback from experienced JavaScript developers on your code.

JavaScript Web App Tutorial

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Creating a tutorial will not only reinforce your understanding of JavaScript but also allow you to share your knowledge with others.

Browse courses on JavaScript

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Choose a specific JavaScript topic or feature that you wish to teach.
Develop a step-by-step outline for your tutorial.
Write clear and concise explanations, providing examples and demonstrations.
Record your screen or create a video presentation to illustrate the concepts.
Publish your tutorial on an online platform or blog, making it accessible to others.

Interactive JavaScript Game

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Building a game will challenge your JavaScript skills and provide you with a practical application of your knowledge.

Browse courses on JavaScript

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Brainstorm and design the game concept, including gameplay mechanics and user interface.
Create the game engine and core game logic using JavaScript.
Develop the game's assets, such as graphics, sounds, and animations.
Implement user input handling and event listeners.
Test and debug the game, refining the gameplay and performance.

Career center

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

Web Developer

Similar to Front-End Developers, you will design and develop websites. This course will help you understand the basic concepts of JavaScript. While this course does not cover all the skills needed for a web developer, it may be useful for building a foundation in JavaScript.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Front-End Developer

As a Front-End Developer, you will be responsible for designing and developing web pages. JavaScript is one of the programming languages that you will need to know. According to a course description, this course will help you understand the basic concepts of JavaScript. Topics include interactively updating web content, controlling multimedia, and creating animated images. Whether you are looking to enter into or advance within your career as a Front-End Developer, this course may be useful.

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

Full-Stack Developer

A Full-Stack Developer works on both the front end and back end of a website. This course will help you understand the basic concepts of JavaScript. While this course focuses primarily on the front end, it can lay the groundwork for developing back end skills.

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User Interface Designer

User Interface Designers create the look and feel of websites and applications. Familiarity with JavaScript can be helpful in understanding how to design interactive elements.

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Quality Assurance Analyst

Quality Assurance Analysts test websites and applications to ensure they are working correctly. Familiarity with JavaScript can be helpful in understanding how to test interactive elements.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. While JavaScript is not the primary language used by Software Engineers, understanding the basics of JavaScript can be helpful in working with front end applications.

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Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers design and develop machine learning models. While JavaScript is not the primary language used by Machine Learning Engineers, understanding the basics of JavaScript can be helpful in working with data visualization tools.

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Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to solve problems. While JavaScript is not the primary language used by Data Scientists, understanding the basics of JavaScript can be helpful in working with data visualization tools.

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Product Manager

Product Managers manage the development and launch of products. While JavaScript is not the primary language used by Product Managers, understanding the basics of JavaScript can be helpful in understanding the technical aspects of product development.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers create documentation for technical products. Familiarity with JavaScript can be helpful in understanding the subject matter.

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IT Security Analyst

IT Security Analysts protect computer systems from unauthorized access and attacks. While JavaScript is not the primary language used by IT Security Analysts, understanding the basics of JavaScript can be helpful in understanding how to secure web applications.

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Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers write and maintain code for a variety of applications. While JavaScript is not the primary language used by all Computer Programmers, understanding the basics of JavaScript can be helpful in working with web applications.

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Database Administrator

Database Administrators manage and maintain databases. While JavaScript is not the primary language used by Database Administrators, understanding the basics of JavaScript can be helpful in working with web applications that access databases.

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Network Administrator

Network Administrators manage and maintain computer networks. While JavaScript is not the primary language used by Network Administrators, understanding the basics of JavaScript can be helpful in working with web applications that use networking.

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Business Analyst

Business Analysts analyze business needs and develop solutions. While JavaScript is not the primary language used by Business Analysts, understanding the basics of JavaScript can be helpful in understanding the technical aspects of business solutions.

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Reading list

We've selected 22 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 JavaScript Introduction.

Java in a Nutshell

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Comprehensive guide to JavaScript, covering from basic syntax to advanced concepts like OOP and functional programming.

JavaScript Introduction

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Reviews summary

Beginner-friendly js course

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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