JavaScript Programming Essentials from Coursera

JavaScript has become the most popular programming language amongst software developers. This JavaScript essentials course is designed for anyone interested in a software engineering career as a web, mobile, front-end, back-end or full stack developer.

You’ll start with JavaScript basics, covering fundamental concepts and ECMAScript 6 features. You’ll also explore key data structures, including arrays, DOM, AJAX, and effective debugging techniques.

Next, you will focus on honing your error handling and DOM manipulation skills. You’ll explore handling errors and exceptions in JavaScript, become proficient in working with functions and events, apply string manipulation techniques, and learn to traverse and manipulate the DOM to create dynamic web pages.

You’ll use JavaScript functions, tools, and libraries to create and style navigation and pages and utilize AJAX to fetch and display data from APIs.

Throughout this course, we will provide step-by-step instructional guidance through videos followed by hands-on labs to practice what you learn. You will also complete a final project to showcase your newly acquired JavaScript programming skills and build a dynamic website.

This course is for JavaScript beginners and assumes a basic working knowledge of HTML, CSS and Git.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to JavaScript Development

In this module, you will learn about introductory JavaScript development concepts. You will learn the basics of software development, including the evolution of JavaScript with ES6, which standardized the JavaScript language. You will explore variables and data types in JavaScript. You will acquire an understanding of operators and expressions with the help of examples. You will study different types of functions and concepts, such as closure and hoisting. You will get oriented to ECMAScript. Finally, you will learn about events in JavaScript and their triggers to make dynamic web pages.

Arrays and Objects in JavaScript

In this module, you will learn about arrays and objects. You will first acquire a strong understanding of arrays and gain practical skills in creating, manipulating, and iterating arrays. You will learn about various JavaScript array methods and explore two-dimensional arrays. Additionally, you will gain a clear understanding of classes and objects in JavaScript and learn about accessing object properties. You’ll explore various string manipulation techniques and recognize the importance of the math object in JavaScript and the use of date objects.

Working with DOM in JavaScript

In this module, you will learn about debugging techniques and tools in JavaScript. In lesson 1, you will explore more about the Try-catch block as a debugging tool. You will get oriented to the working of the DOM and its various nodes. You will study various methods to access and manipulate DOM elements. In lesson 2, you will learn key components of the Browser Object Model (BOM) and how to use them in an HTML file. Next, you will understand different traversing methods and techniques using examples. You also learn how to style the DOM to change its visual representation.

JavaScript Async

In this module, you will learn the importance of JavaScript Object Notion (JSON) in data interchange. In lesson 1, you will also be able to differentiate between JSON and object. You will understand asynchronous and synchronous programming using examples. You will also learn the key difference between asynchronous and synchronous programming. You will explore the history and evolution of Asynchronous JavaScript and XML (AJAX). You will acquire knowledge of best practices to implement AJAX in development. You will also learn the features and functionalities of XMLHttpRequest with examples. In lesson 2, you will learn callbacks using an example. You will also learn about promises, their three states, syntax, and advantages. You will explore the characteristics of fetch API and its different methods to interact with data on web resources. You will also learn about Axios and its syntax using an example. You will be able to differentiate between Axios and fetch API.

Final Project and Course Wrap-up

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Introduces JavaScript fundamentals and ECMAScript 6 features, which are essential for web development

Provides hands-on labs and interactive materials for practicing and reinforcing concepts

Covers key data structures, including arrays and DOM, which are fundamental to JavaScript development

Builds a strong foundation in error handling and DOM manipulation, essential skills for creating dynamic web pages

Teaches the use of JavaScript functions, tools, and libraries for creating and styling navigation and pages

Emphasizes the use of AJAX for fetching and displaying data from APIs, which is crucial for modern web applications

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 Programming Essentials with these activities:

MDN JavaScript Tutorial

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Provides a structured approach to learning JavaScript fundamentals from a reputable resource.

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Follow the MDN JavaScript Tutorial.
Complete the interactive exercises and quizzes to reinforce your understanding.

Connect with JavaScript Mentors

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Access personalized guidance and support from experienced JavaScript developers.

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Attend industry events or join online communities to connect with JavaScript professionals.
Reach out to potential mentors via email or LinkedIn.
Explain your learning goals and request their guidance.

Read Head First JavaScript

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Introduces core JavaScript concepts essential for understanding and building web applications.

View Head First JavaScript Programming on Amazon

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Read chapters 1-5 to learn fundamental JavaScript concepts and data types.
Attempt exercises and build projects in the exercises section to practice your understanding.

Five other activities

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JavaScript Tutorial Blog

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Enhances understanding and knowledge retention by explaining JavaScript concepts in your own words.

Browse courses on Web Development

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Choose a specific JavaScript topic to write about.
Research and gather information from reliable sources.
Write clear and concise explanations, providing examples and code snippets.
Publish your blog post on a platform like Medium or Dev.to.

JavaScript Practice Problems

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Strengthens problem-solving abilities and deepens JavaScript understanding.

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Work through practice problems from JavaScript textbooks or online resources.
Focus on problems that cover core JavaScript concepts and coding patterns.
Debug and test your solutions thoroughly.

JavaScript Coding Challenges

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Reinforces JavaScript fundamentals and develops problem-solving skills.

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Solve coding challenges on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank.
Focus on challenges involving JavaScript arrays, objects, and functions.
Review solutions and discuss approaches with peers or mentors.

JavaScript: The Good Parts

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Offers insights into JavaScript design patterns and best practices, enhancing code quality.

View How JavaScript Works on Amazon

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Read chapters 2-5 to understand JavaScript's strengths and weaknesses.
Apply the principles and patterns discussed in the book to your own JavaScript code.

JavaScript Web Application Project

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Demonstrates your JavaScript skills by building a functional web application.

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Design and plan your web application, including its features and functionality.
Implement the frontend using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Create a user interface that is intuitive and user-friendly.
Test and debug your application thoroughly to ensure it works as intended.

Career center

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

Web Developer

A Web Developer is an individual responsible for developing and maintaining websites who typically holds a bachelor's degree in computer science, web design, or a related field. This course is a great introduction to web development for those interested in a related career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Software Developer

A Software Developer is a computer science professional responsible for designing, developing, testing, and maintaining software who typically holds at least a bachelor's degree in computer science or related field. Experience is also often required for these roles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Mobile Developer

A Mobile Developer is an individual who creates applications for mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets. They typically hold a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or related field. This course is a great choice for those interested in building a foundation for a career as a Mobile Developer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mobile Developer

Front-End Developer

A Front-End Developer is an individual who designs and develops the user interface of a website who typically holds a bachelor's degree in computer science, graphic design, or related field. This course is a good choice for those interested in the visual aspects of web development and building a strong foundation in Javascript.

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

Full-Stack Developer

A Full Stack Developer is an individual who can work on both the front-end and back-end of a website who typically holds a bachelor's degree in computer science, web development, or related field. This course can be part of a strong foundation for a career in this role.

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

Back-End Developer

A Back-End Developer is an individual who works on the server-side of websites and web applications who typically holds a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. This course is a great starting point for those interested in this type of role.

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

Junior Web Developer

A Junior Web Developer is an individual who helps create and maintain websites under the supervision of a senior developer who typically holds an associate's degree or bachelor's degree in computer science or related field. This course can provide foundational skills needed to build a career in web development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Junior Web Developer

Software Engineer

A Software Engineer is an individual who designs, develops, maintains, and tests software systems who typically needs at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field. This course is a great start towards the skills needed by a Software Engineer.

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Web Designer

A Web Designer is an individual who designs and develops the visual appearance of websites who typically holds a bachelor's degree in graphic design or a related field. This course can teach the fundamentals of JavaScript for those interested in a related role.

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Data Scientist

A Data Scientist is an individual who works with data to extract meaningful insights who typically holds at least a master's degree in computer science, statistics, or a related field. Some roles may require a PhD. This course may be a helpful starting point for those interested in this field.

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UX Designer

A UX Designer is an individual who focuses on the user experience of websites and applications who typically holds a bachelor's degree in human-computer interaction, graphic design, or a related field. This course can teach the basics of JavaScript needed by a UX Designer.

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Technical Writer

A Technical Writer is an individual who creates instruction manuals, training materials, and other documentation for a variety of products and services who typically holds a bachelors degree in technical writing or related field. This course can be useful for learning JavaScript syntax to clearly document technical concepts.

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Quality Assurance Analyst

A Quality Assurance Analyst is an individual who tests software for bugs and defects who typically holds a bachelor's degree in computer science or related field. This course may be useful for learning essential JavaScript concepts for testing web-based applications.

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IT Project Manager

An IT Project Manager is responsible for planning, executing, and closing IT projects who typically needs at least a bachelor's degree in computer science or related field. This course may provide foundational JavaScript knowledge for managing projects related to web development.

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Product Manager

A Product Manager is an individual who is responsible for the development and launch of new products who typically holds a bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or a related field. This course may be helpful for learning how to use JavaScript to develop new web-based products.

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