JavaScript is among the most popular and beginner-friendly programming languages primarily used for web development and other use cases. Unfortunately, programming languages generally have a steep learning curve, especially for learners without prior knowledge and experience. It may take a while before grasping several coding concepts. The following tips can help beginners learn JavaScript programming.
Start with JavaScript Basics
It is important to pace yourself when learning JavaScript or other programming languages. While you may find the initial concepts simple and easy to understand, you should spend more time on these basics as they build up to complex concepts later. That said, the best place to begin is to sign up for an online course or Java camp.
Ensuring that you absorb all the basic information at the beginning is crucial. If you find introductory learning quite challenging, the following tips can help;
- Buy a book or notepad solely for JavaScript learning. Take notes as you study, ensuring that you understand everything you are writing down.
- Review your notes before starting a new session
- Include JavaScript code examples in the notes. This helps visualize code blocks or concepts.
You should also consider using flashcards and trying out coding challenges.
Save Frameworks for Later
Most learners start asking about the best framework to learn right at the beginning, which is wrong. As mentioned, you should prioritize mastering the basics. Before thinking of JavaScript frameworks, be it angular, Vue, or React, ensure that you have mastered the basics of JavaScript.
Besides, frameworks are designed by combining different programming languages. Therefore, before you think of learning a framework, evaluate the pre-requisites and learn them to master the framework.
Download or Use an Online Code Editor
While your online course may not recommend or necessitate the use of a code editor, this tool is overly beneficial for beginners. Although online courses provide a space for writing codes directly into the browser window, you should learn how to use a desktop code editor once you become an accomplished developer. For starters, look for a free, intuitive, and feature-rich code editor.
Find a Good Online Course
Beginners can learn JavaScript and other programming languages through many methods. Experienced persons who understand coding basics can improve their skills by reading tutorials, watching YouTube videos, and practising in the code editor. However, this might prove challenging for beginners without prior coding experience.
Fortunately, you can sign up for an online course for beginners. Unlike coding boot camps or opting for a computer science course, online courses are free and flexible. They are also tailored to optimize the learners’ experience.
Don’t Shy From Practical Tests
Testing yourself regularly is probably the best way to evaluate your learning process. Unlike before, several excellent coding websites run tests for various programming languages.
Regular Practice is Important
Regular practice is another crucial component of learning programming languages. In the beginning, you may find this boring. However, you should learn to practice with several examples to master JavaScript. Start with simple programs and progress to challenging tasks over time.
Understand Your Code
Most learners find it easier to write codes that they don’t understand fully, especially when learning from free online courses that give comprehensive directions. However, you shouldn’t blindly follow these directions without understanding the codes. Ensure that you understand every line of the code before writing it in the code editor.
Write Complex Codes in Plain Language
At first, you will find it easier to write codes, especially complicated or unfamiliar codes, in plain languages. Through this, you can figure out what the code should achieve before writing it. Writing in plain language also lets you catch bugs before implementing the code.
Find a Mentor
Finding a mentor can also boost your learning efforts. Fortunately, computer science has a rich community of experts ready to help. You can pick your friend, colleague, or online connection with expertise in JavaScript. Having a mentor reduces frustrations and boosts your learning efforts.
Find Study Partners
Learning how to code JavaScript alone can quickly become boring. Studying with learners who have similar goals is very rewarding. Start your search for like-minded learners on Facebook or programming and web development groups in your locality.
Create Your Projects
Once you’ve mastered the basics and some advanced concepts, you should start thinking of building your projects. You can get project ideas online or from your mentor. Building projects from scratch will boost your proficiency in JavaScript. Simple projects to consider include;
- Basic JavaScript quiz game
- Simple calculator
- Simple website landing page
Completing these simple projects will motivate you to start working on complicated projects.
The Bottom Line
Learning JavaScript and other programming languages might prove hard, especially for beginners. However, this shouldn’t deter you from learning these important skills of the 21st century. The tips mentioned above can ease your JavaScript learning curve.
