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JavaScript

Understanding the Weird Parts

Anthony Alicea

4.8

Based on 48,620 ratings

, see reviews

Anthony Alicea

Truly knowing Javascript will get you a job, and enable you to build quality web and server applications.

NOTE: This course includes information on ECMAScript 6 (ES6) the next version of Javascript.

You will find clarity in the parts that others, even experienced coders, may find weird, odd, and at times incomprehensible. You'll learn the beauty and deceptive power of this language that is at the forefront of modern software development today.

Truly knowing Javascript will get you a job, and enable you to build quality web and server applications.

NOTE: This course includes information on ECMAScript 6 (ES6) the next version of Javascript.

We'll take a deep dive into the source code of popular frameworks such as jQuery and Underscore to see how you can use your understanding of Javascript to learn (and borrow) from other's good code.

Finally, you'll learn the foundations of how to build your own Javascript framework or library.

What you'll learn in this course will make you a better Javascript developer, and improve your abilities in AngularJS, NodeJS, jQuery, React, Ember, MongoDB, and all other Javascript-based technologies.

Learn to love Javascript, and code in it well.

Note: In this course you'll also get downloadable source code. You will often be provided with 'starter' code, giving you the base for you to start writing your code, and 'finished' code to compare your code to.

Enroll now

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What's inside

Learning objectives

Grasp how javascript works and it's fundamental concepts
Write solid, good javascript code
Understand advanced concepts such as closures, prototypal inheritance, iifes, and much more.
Drastically improve your ability to debug problems in javascript.

Avoid common pitfalls and mistakes other javascript coders make
Understand the source code of popular javascript frameworks
Build your own javascript framework or library

Grasp how javascript works and it's fundamental concepts
Write solid, good javascript code
Understand advanced concepts such as closures, prototypal inheritance, iifes, and much more.
Drastically improve your ability to debug problems in javascript.
Avoid common pitfalls and mistakes other javascript coders make
Understand the source code of popular javascript frameworks
Build your own javascript framework or library

Syllabus

Getting Started

Introduction and The Goal of This Course

Setup

Setup (Visual Studio Code)

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Teaches foundational JavaScript concepts and advanced topics, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced coders

Provides a deep dive into popular frameworks like jQuery and Underscore, enabling learners to enhance their understanding of JavaScript

Focuses on building a strong foundation in JavaScript, which is essential for success in web and server-side development

Taught by Anthony Alicea, an experienced instructor recognized for his expertise in JavaScript

Includes downloadable source code and starter code to assist learners in their coding journey

May not be suitable for learners with no prior programming experience

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

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Reviews summary

Demystifying javascript's core mechanics

According to learners, this course is a game-changer for understanding JavaScript's deeper intricacies, especially its often-called 'weird parts'. Students consistently praise the instructor's exceptional ability to clarify complex topics like execution contexts, hoisting, closures, and prototypal inheritance. While not for absolute beginners, it is highly recommended for developers with some prior JavaScript experience looking to drastically improve their debugging skills and comprehend how popular frameworks operate. Recent reviews confirm the course's continued relevance and value, including its coverage of ES6 features.

Ideal for developers with some JavaScript experience, not absolute beginners.

"Decent, but not for absolute beginners. I found myself lost quite a few times, especially when the instructor moved quickly..."

"It's good if you already have intermediate knowledge and want to deepen it, but the title might be misleading for some."

"While it assumes some basic JS knowledge, it doesn't shy away from explaining advanced concepts thoroughly."

The course content, including ES6, remains highly relevant for modern JavaScript.

"The ES6 updates are a welcome addition."

"While some examples could be more modern, the core principles remain relevant."

"This course has definitely stood the test of time and still provides immense value for understanding JS fundamentals."

Improves debugging skills and aids in understanding real-world JavaScript frameworks.

"My debugging skills have vastly improved."

"The deep dive into jQuery source was an eye-opener."

"This has made me so much more confident in writing robust and maintainable code, particularly when dealing with frameworks."

Features an instructor highly skilled at simplifying complex JavaScript topics.

"The instructor breaks down complex topics into digestible pieces, and the analogies he uses really stick."

"The instructor's passion is infectious."

"I appreciate how the instructor patiently explains everything, even the difficult bits, making it easy to follow."

Provides exceptionally clear explanations of JavaScript's fundamental workings.

"This course finally made JavaScript's internal workings click for me. The explanations of execution contexts, hoisting, and closures are crystal clear."

"The instructor's ability to explain complex topics like prototypal inheritance and 'this' keyword in such an accessible way is unparalleled."

"I truly feel like I understand JavaScript on a much deeper level now. It's not just about what to do, but why it works that way."

Some sections are thorough, while others may feel rushed or too basic.

"Some parts on building a framework felt a bit rushed towards the end, but overall, it delivers on its promise."

"I felt some sections were a bit slow-paced, and then others jumped ahead too quickly."

"The framework building section felt a bit basic, but the jQuery deep dive was excellent for understanding real-world code."

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: Understanding the Weird Parts with these activities:

Review basic Javascript concepts

Show steps

Familiarize yourself with the fundamentals of Javascript.

Browse courses on JavaScript

Show steps

Revise the syntax of Javascript.
Review basic programming constructs like variables, data types, and control flow.
Practice writing simple Javascript functions.

Follow online tutorials for intermediate Javascript

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Supplement your learning with tutorials on advanced Javascript concepts.

Browse courses on JavaScript

Show steps

Search for online tutorials covering topics like closures, prototypal inheritance, and event handling.
Follow the tutorials step-by-step and implement the concepts in your own code.
Troubleshoot any errors you encounter.

Read classic Javascript books like Eloquent Javascript

Show steps

Gain a deeper understanding of Javascript from an authoritative source.

View Eloquent JavaScript, 4th Edition on Amazon

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Get a copy of the book.
Read the book thoroughly.
Take notes and highlight important concepts.

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Solve coding challenges on online platforms

Show steps

Test your understanding of Javascript by solving coding challenges.

Browse courses on JavaScript

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Register on online coding platforms like Codewars or LeetCode.
Choose a challenge that matches your skill level.
Implement your solution in Javascript.
Submit your solution and review the feedback.

Write blog posts or articles about Javascript topics

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Reinforce your understanding of Javascript by explaining concepts to others.

Browse courses on JavaScript

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Choose a Javascript topic that you are familiar with.
Research and gather information on the topic.
Write a well-structured blog post or article.
Publish your content on a blog or website.

Build a personal website or web application

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Solidify your Javascript skills by creating a practical project.

Browse courses on JavaScript

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Plan and design your website or web application.
Implement the frontend and backend using Javascript.
Test and debug your project.
Deploy your project online.

Contribute to open-source Javascript projects

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Gain practical experience and make a valuable contribution to the Javascript community.

Browse courses on JavaScript

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Find an open-source Javascript project that interests you.
Read the project documentation and understand the codebase.
Identify an issue or feature that you can contribute to.
Fork the project and make your changes.
Submit a pull request and collaborate with the project maintainers.

Participate in Javascript hackathons or coding contests

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Challenge yourself and showcase your Javascript abilities in a competitive setting.

Browse courses on JavaScript

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Find a Javascript hackathon or coding contest that aligns with your interests.
Form a team or work solo.
Develop a solution to the challenge.
Submit your solution and wait for the results.

Career center

Learners who complete JavaScript: Understanding the Weird Parts will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

JavaScript Developer

JavaScript Developers specialize in designing, developing, and maintaining web and software applications using JavaScript. This course provides in-depth knowledge of the fundamentals of JavaScript and its advanced concepts, making it a valuable resource for JavaScript Developers who want to advance their skills and understanding of the language.

See salaries and explore the career path for JavaScript Developer

Full-Stack Developer

Full-Stack Developers have expertise in both front-end and back-end development. As JavaScript is used throughout the stack, from user interfaces to server-side logic, this course offers a comprehensive understanding of JavaScript, enabling Full-Stack Developers to build complete web applications confidently.

See salaries and explore the career path for Full-Stack Developer

Front-End Developer

Front-End Developers focus on the user interface and experience of a website or application. JavaScript is a cornerstone of front-end development for creating interactive elements and enhancing user interaction. This course offers a comprehensive understanding of JavaScript, enabling Front-End Developers to build dynamic and engaging user interfaces.

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

Back-End Developer

Back-End Developers handle the server-side logic and data management of web applications. Node.js, a JavaScript runtime environment, has gained popularity for back-end development. This course provides a solid foundation in JavaScript and its concepts, equipping Back-End Developers with the knowledge to build robust and scalable back-end systems.

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

Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers write and maintain the code that powers software applications and systems. JavaScript is widely used in various domains, including web development, mobile apps, and server-side programming. This course offers a comprehensive understanding of JavaScript's fundamentals and advanced concepts, enabling Computer Programmers to confidently develop and maintain robust software solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Web Developer

Web Developers are responsible for the design and development of websites and web applications. Since JavaScript is widely used for interactive web elements and dynamic content, having a strong understanding of JavaScript is essential for Web Developers. This course delves into the intricacies of JavaScript, helping you gain a deeper understanding and become a more proficient Web Developer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers design and develop machine learning models and systems. JavaScript is used in machine learning for tasks such as data preprocessing, model training, and visualization. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of JavaScript and its libraries for machine learning. By taking this course, Machine Learning Engineers can gain the necessary skills to build and deploy machine learning models effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Technical Lead

Technical Leads mentor and guide software development teams. They ensure the technical quality and efficiency of software projects. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of JavaScript and its advanced concepts. By gaining this knowledge, Technical Leads can effectively support and direct their teams in developing high-quality software solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Lead

Mobile Developer

Mobile Developers create and maintain applications for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. JavaScript frameworks like React Native allow developers to build cross-platform mobile apps. This course provides a solid understanding of JavaScript and its frameworks, making it beneficial for Mobile Developers who want to expand their skillset and confidently build mobile applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mobile Developer

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use scientific methods and algorithms to extract insights from data. JavaScript is increasingly used for data analysis and visualization. This course offers a solid foundation in JavaScript and its libraries for data manipulation and visualization. By taking this course, Data Scientists can expand their skillset and enhance their ability to analyze and present data effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Software Quality Assurance Analyst

Software Quality Assurance Analysts test and evaluate software to ensure it meets quality standards. They often work with developers to identify and resolve issues. This course provides a deep understanding of JavaScript and its advanced concepts, enabling Software Quality Assurance Analysts to effectively evaluate the quality of JavaScript code and identify potential problems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Quality Assurance Analyst

Software Architect

Software Architects design and oversee the development of software systems. They need a deep understanding of programming languages and their applications. JavaScript, being a versatile language used in various domains, is valuable for Software Architects. This course offers insights into the intricacies of JavaScript, helping Software Architects make informed decisions and effectively guide software development projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Architect

Software Engineer

Software Engineers use computer science theory and software development to analyze user needs, design applications, and create solutions using software coding. Understanding Javascript is crucial in this role as it is an essential language for web development and software applications. This course can help build a foundation in JavaScript and expand your understanding of its more complex aspects to become a more well-rounded Software Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Computer Scientist

Computer Scientists research and develop new computing technologies and applications. JavaScript, being a versatile language with a wide range of applications, is often used in research and development projects. This course provides a deep understanding of JavaScript's core concepts and advanced features, enabling Computer Scientists to leverage the language effectively in their research and development endeavors.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Scientist

UI/UX Designer

UI/UX Designers focus on the user experience and interface of digital products. While not directly coding in JavaScript, having a solid understanding of JavaScript's capabilities and limitations can help UI/UX Designers create more informed designs that are feasible and align with the technical implementation.

See salaries and explore the career path for UI/UX Designer

Reading list

We've selected 14 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: Understanding the Weird Parts.

Quick JavaScript

Save

Comprehensive reference guide to JavaScript. It covers everything from the basics to advanced topics.

Quick JavaScript (Quick Programming)

Paperback

Quick JavaScript (Quick Programming)

Kindle Edition

How JavaScript Works

Save

JavaScript: The Good Parts must-read for any JavaScript developer. It provides a comprehensive overview of the language and its best practices.

How JavaScript Works

Kindle Edition

Clean Craftsmanship

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Must-read for any software developer. It provides a detailed look at the principles and practices of clean code.

Clean Code: A Handbook of Agile Software...

Paperback

Clean Code: A Handbook of Agile Software...

Kindle Edition

Eloquent JavaScript, 3rd Edition

Save

This practical book takes you on a guided tour of JavaScript with a friendly and thorough introduction that covers the basics to advanced topics.

Eloquent JavaScript, 3rd Edition: A Modern...

Paperback

Eloquent JavaScript, 3rd Edition: A Modern...

Kindle Edition

Pro JavaScript Techniques

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Collection of techniques and best practices for JavaScript developers. It's a great choice for those who want to take their JavaScript skills to the next level.

Pro JavaScript Techniques: Second Edition

Kindle Edition

The Design of Design

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Classic in the software development community. It provides a timeless look at the challenges and complexities of software development.

Design of Design, The: Essays from a Computer...

Kindle Edition

(中文) The Design of Design(Chinese Edition)

Paperback

You Don't Know JS: Up & Going

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Provides a detailed look at variables, scope, types, and data structures. It's a great choice for those who want to build a solid foundation in JavaScript.

You Don't Know JS: Up & Going

Paperback

Object-Oriented JavaScript

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Provides a collection of common JavaScript patterns and techniques. It's a great choice for those who want to learn how to write more efficient and maintainable JavaScript code.

Object-Oriented JavaScript - Third Edition: Learn...

Paperback

Javascript: Object Oriented Programming

Kindle Edition

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