I think the first step is understanding that there is JavaScript (the language), then there is the browser's Document Object Model (DOM) and "HTML5" APIs. The JavaScript language is used in more places than just browsers (e.g. Rhino and Node.js) and doesn't change very rapidly. The DOM and APIs vary more across browsers and get new features with just about every browser release.<p>I'd recommend learning the language first, then the basics of the DOM and subscribing to the main browser's blogs to keep up with their changes.<p>If you just want a site to learn JavaScript, I'd highly recommend <a href="https://developer.mozilla.org/en/JavaScript" rel="nofollow">https://developer.mozilla.org/en/JavaScript</a> (as other people have too). Mozilla's docs are top-notch. They're a wiki so sign up and help make them even better.
Best way to learn javascript is to type CTRL+SHIFT+I(in chrome I think its f12 in others) and look at the code. Chrome will even de-obfuscate it for you automatically. Step through the code, maybe write some script in the console, go through some resig tutorials.<p>I really liked looking at the underscore.js literate source but thats a little more theoretical than practical.<p>Also if you are just learning javascript you might as well learn jQuery because it will do a huge chunk of your basic practical needs. If you are learning javascript to really understand the language or build something super complex you may wanna watch the crockford videos and understand prototypes and those things. Otherwise jQuery will probably cover you.
Does anybody have a link to some good JavaScript exercises? One answer is "why don't you just try building something" but I personally learn better from progressing through exercises versus doing the "just build anything" or watching videos.
I have been looking to go beyond HTML/CSS and learn some JavaScript (HTML5 also) myself. Bookmarked the online book Eloquent JavaScript a while ago and I have been meaning to read it.
<a href="http://eloquentjavascript.net/" rel="nofollow">http://eloquentjavascript.net/</a><p>My local hackerspace, the Buffalo Lab is hosting the first meeting of the Buffalo JavaScript Club which is tomorrow. I am hoping this will jump-start me...
<a href="http://www.meetup.com/hackerspaces/events/25855541/" rel="nofollow">http://www.meetup.com/hackerspaces/events/25855541/</a>
I've said it before.<p>Sign up for Lynda.com watch the JavaScript videos a couple of times and then get started.<p>I found that when something gets turned into a video a lot of the un-necessary and verbose ness get taken out. Plus you get the advantage of the tutor putting the right emphasis on the right words.<p>I have learned quite a few things that way.
I have always wondered–is there an obvious/definitive JavaScript reference site like <a href="http://php.net/manual" rel="nofollow">http://php.net/manual</a>, <a href="http://ruby-doc.org" rel="nofollow">http://ruby-doc.org</a>, etc.? Is it the mozilla site?
I've summarised the most recommended resources here and on SO in a blog post at <a href="http://alicious.com/javascript-tutorials/" rel="nofollow">http://alicious.com/javascript-tutorials/</a> (aff links abound, sorry if that bothers you).
1-write lots of jQuery code. It has a dead simple api; hides most of the ugliness of the language; it slowly introduces you to closures (as opposed to Crockford, who loves them)
2-once you have that, then read Crockford
Here are some good videos for you guys looking to get into javascript and jquery<p><a href="http://learn.appendto.com/lessons" rel="nofollow">http://learn.appendto.com/lessons</a>