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Introduction to JavaScript

In this beginning-level course you will discover where JavaScript fits into the world of web development. Through hands-on exercises, you will use the Notepad++ text editor to embed JavaScript code to an existing HTML document. As you code a simple JavaScript program to provide user interaction you will learn to recognize and apply syntax rules and coding standards associated with JavaScript. The final activity in the course has you moving your JavaScript code into an external file so that you can compare inline and external JavaScript.

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.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to JavaScript

IIn this beginning-level course you will discover where JavaScript fits into the world of web development. Through hands-on exercises, you will use the Notepad++ text editor to embed JavaScript code to an existing HTML document. As you code a simple JavaScript program to provide user interaction you will learn to recognize and apply syntax rules and coding standards associated with JavaScript. The final activity in the course has you moving your JavaScript code into an external file so that you can compare inline and external JavaScript.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores JavaScript's role in web development

Emphasizes practical exercises for JavaScript implementation

Teaches core JavaScript syntax and rules

Suitable for beginners with no prior JavaScript knowledge

Guides learners in using Notepad++ for JavaScript coding

May be restricted to learners in the North America region

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Reviews summary

Beginner-friendly intro to javascript

Learners say that this JavaScript course is a novice-friendly yet helpful introduction. According to students, this course teaches basic JavaScript commands using easy-to-follow instructions from the knowledgeable instructor. To get the most out of this course, learners should first have a basic understanding of HTML.

Instructor is knowledgeable and explains concepts well.

"Really informative and fun to do it along!"

"very understandable"

"...this instructor, especially as an introduction..."

Provides useful information for those new to the subject.

"Good for introduction and overview about Javascript."

"Very well done."

"Wonderful guided project from Judy!"

Solid choice for learners who are new to JavaScript.

"This is a great introduction to JavaScript."

"Good foundational, beginner Javascript class..."

"It is really helpful for the beginner."

Glitches and small video size can be annoying.

"However, with both class panels open, the video is way, WAY too small to read and cropped off."

"Both panels kept popping open every 2 minutes or so (all on their own!) when I was trying to watch the video."

"The information seemed useful, but the system would override my want to keep both screens open and would, instead, switch between the video only and the video + coding screen on its own terms."

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 with these activities:

Review HTML and CSS Fundamentals

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Ensures a strong foundation in HTML and CSS, which are essential for JavaScript development.

Browse courses on HTML

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Go over your notes or online resources on HTML and CSS.
Complete a few practice exercises to refresh your memory.

JavaScript Resource Compilation

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Creates a personalized repository of useful JavaScript resources for future reference.

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Gather online resources, tutorials, and documentation related to JavaScript.
Organize the resources into a structured format (e.g., folders, bookmarks).

Learn Java Concepts via 'Head First Java'

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Provides a solid grasp on the foundational concepts of Java and prepares you for later sections of the course.

View Melania on Amazon

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Read through the first 3 chapters to understand core concepts.
Go over the examples in the book to solidify your understanding of the material.
Create a simple Java program to practice applying the concepts you've learned.

Four other activities

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Show all seven activities

JavaScript Exercises on W3Schools

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Provides a structured environment to practice JavaScript and reinforce your learning.

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Go through the JavaScript exercises provided on W3Schools.
Attempt the exercises to test your understanding.
Review the solutions to identify areas for improvement.

JavaScript Tutorial Video

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Reinforces your understanding of JavaScript concepts through visual and auditory learning.

Browse courses on JavaScript Fundamentals

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Outline the key concepts you want to cover.
Record yourself explaining the concepts clearly and concisely.
Edit the video to make it engaging and informative.
Share your video with others to get feedback.

Interactive JavaScript Calculator

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Builds your practical skills in applying JavaScript for creating interactive elements.

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Design the layout and functionality of the calculator.
Implement the basic arithmetic operations using JavaScript.
Add user input handling and display the results.
Incorporate error handling to make the calculator more robust.

LeetCode JavaScript Problems

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Develops your problem-solving and algorithmic thinking skills in JavaScript.

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Select a set of JavaScript problems from LeetCode.
Solve the problems using JavaScript.
Compare your solutions with others to learn alternative approaches.

Career center

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

Front-End Developer

A Front-End Developer is responsible for the look and feel of a website or application. They use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create interactive and visually appealing experiences for users. This course provides a solid foundation in JavaScript, which is an essential skill for Front-End Developers. The course teaches JavaScript syntax, coding standards, and user interaction, which are all essential for creating effective and engaging web pages.

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

Web Developer

A Web Developer is responsible for creating and maintaining websites. They use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create interactive and visually appealing experiences for users. This course provides a solid foundation in JavaScript, which is an essential skill for Web Developers. The course teaches JavaScript syntax, coding standards, and user interaction, which are all essential for creating effective and engaging web pages.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Full-Stack Developer

A Full-Stack Developer is responsible for both the front-end and back-end of a website or application. They use a variety of programming languages, including JavaScript, HTML, CSS, Python, and Java, to create and maintain complex web applications. This course provides a solid foundation in JavaScript, which is essential for both Front-End and Back-End Development. The course teaches JavaScript syntax, coding standards, and user interaction, which are all essential for creating effective and engaging web applications.

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

Back-End Developer

A Back-End Developer works on the server-side of a website or application. They use programming languages such as JavaScript, Python, and Java to build and maintain databases, process data, and create application logic. This course provides a basic understanding of JavaScript, which is commonly used for Back-End Development. The course teaches JavaScript syntax, coding standards, and user interaction, which are all essential for creating efficient and scalable web applications.

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

UI Designer

A UI Designer is responsible for designing the user interface of a website or application. They use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create intuitive and visually appealing user experiences. This course provides a basic understanding of JavaScript, which is commonly used for UI design. The course teaches JavaScript syntax, coding standards, and user interaction, which are all essential for creating effective and engaging user interfaces.

See salaries and explore the career path for UI Designer

Software Engineer

A Software Engineer designs, develops, and maintains software systems. They use a variety of programming languages, including JavaScript, Python, and Java, to create and maintain complex software applications. This course provides a basic understanding of JavaScript, which is commonly used for software development. The course teaches JavaScript syntax, coding standards, and user interaction, which are all essential for creating efficient and scalable software applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

UX Designer

A UX Designer is responsible for the overall user experience of a website or application. They work with UI Designers to create intuitive and visually appealing user interfaces, and they also conduct usability testing to ensure that users have a positive experience. This course provides a basic understanding of JavaScript, which is commonly used for UX design. The course teaches JavaScript syntax, coding standards, and user interaction, which are all essential for creating effective and engaging user experiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for UX Designer

Software Developer

A Software Developer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software systems. They work with stakeholders to identify software needs, develop software solutions, and test software performance. This course may be useful for Software Developers who want to learn more about the technical aspects of web development, as JavaScript is a commonly used programming language for building web applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Computer Programmer

A Computer Programmer is responsible for writing and maintaining code for software applications. They work with stakeholders to identify software needs, develop software solutions, and test software performance. This course may be useful for Computer Programmers who want to learn more about the technical aspects of web development, as JavaScript is a commonly used programming language for building web applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Project Manager

A Project Manager is responsible for planning, executing, and delivering projects. They work with stakeholders to define project goals, develop project plans, and manage project risks. This course may be useful for Project Managers who want to learn more about the technical aspects of web development, as JavaScript is a commonly used programming language for building web applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Data Scientist

A Data Scientist is responsible for using data to solve business problems. They work with stakeholders to identify data needs, develop data models, and create data visualizations. This course may be useful for Data Scientists who want to learn more about the technical aspects of web development, as JavaScript is a commonly used programming language for building web applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Machine Learning Engineer

A Machine Learning Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and deploying machine learning models. They work with stakeholders to identify machine learning needs, develop machine learning models, and evaluate machine learning performance. This course may be useful for Machine Learning Engineers who want to learn more about the technical aspects of web development, as JavaScript is a commonly used programming language for building web applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Data Analyst

A Data Analyst is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data. They work with stakeholders to identify data needs, develop data models, and create data visualizations. This course may be useful for Data Analysts who want to learn more about the technical aspects of web development, as JavaScript is a commonly used programming language for building web applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Business Analyst

A Business Analyst is responsible for understanding the needs of businesses and developing solutions to meet those needs. They work with stakeholders to gather requirements, analyze data, and develop business processes. This course may be useful for Business Analysts who want to learn more about the technical aspects of web development, as JavaScript is a commonly used programming language for building web applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Product Manager

A Product Manager is responsible for the development and launch of new products. They work with engineers, designers, and marketers to create products that meet the needs of users. This course may be useful for Product Managers who want to learn more about the technical aspects of web development, as JavaScript is a commonly used programming language for building web applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Reading list

We've selected eight 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.

How JavaScript Works

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Will help you learn the essential parts of JavaScript, and how to write clean and maintainable code.

How JavaScript Works

Kindle Edition

JavaScript

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Comprehensive guide to JavaScript, covering a wide range of topics from the basics to advanced concepts.

Quick JavaScript

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Comprehensive reference guide to JavaScript, covering a wide range of topics from the basics to advanced concepts.

Quick JavaScript (Quick Programming)

Paperback

Quick JavaScript (Quick Programming)

Kindle Edition

Head First Design Patterns

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Will help you learn JavaScript in a fun and engaging way, using a visual and interactive approach.

Head First Design Patterns: Building Extensible and...

Paperback

Head First Design Patterns: Building Extensible and...

Kindle Edition

JavaScript for Impatient Programmers

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Will help you learn JavaScript quickly and efficiently, by focusing on the essential concepts.

JavaScript for impatient programmers

Paperback

Learning JavaScript Design Patterns

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Will help you learn how to use design patterns to write reusable and maintainable JavaScript code.

Learning JavaScript Design Patterns: A JavaScript...

Paperback

Learning JavaScript Design Patterns

Paperback

(中文) JavaScript设计模式（异步图书） (Chinese Edition)

Kindle Edition

Object-Oriented JavaScript

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Will help you learn how to use design patterns to write reusable and maintainable JavaScript code.

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

Paperback

Javascript: Object Oriented Programming

Kindle Edition

$$$

Node.js in Action

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Will help you learn how to use Node.js, a popular JavaScript runtime environment for building server-side applications.

Node.js in Action

Paperback

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Hands-on JavaScript Project: JSON

Effort

1 hour and 45 minutes

Level

Introductory

Via

Coursera

Institution

Coursera Project Network

Instructor

Judy Richardson

Language

English

Good to know

Explores JavaScript's role in web development

Emphasizes practical exercises for JavaScript implementation

Teaches core JavaScript syntax and rules

Suitable for beginners with no prior JavaScript knowledge

Guides learners in using Notepad++ for JavaScript coding

May be restricted to learners in the North America region

Share and help others discover this course.

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