Like the title says, I want to learn Javascript. I'm very impressed of what can be done with node, backbone.js, jQuery and all sorts of js libraries. For a noob like me, what you suggest as a starting point. Please be nice with me, I'm still learning.
PS: I'm rather good at PHP, HTML and CSS3 and C, so I'm not that new to programming.
Since you already know C, you also know most of JavaScript. The syntax is very similar. I would suggest loading up nodeJS and using it in REPL mode to work your way through the basics. printf = console.log() - without the formating :-(<p>Then starts the hard part of getting a handle on DOM. I recommend David Flanagan's "Rhino book" and Douglas Crockford's articles which you may find at www.crockford.com. In my experience Chrome and Safari developer tools let you explore effectively. Although reading the W3.org standards documents does help clarify difficult points.
If you know some programming, you're kinda where I was when I started learning Javascript. I just jumped in using jQuery, because I wanted to write cross-browser code. Start by looking through the jQuery plugins website, find cool plugins you want to use, and incorporate jQuery plugins into your apps. Look through the plugin code to learn how it works. Then make your own plugins when you need them. For backbone.js, the online tutorials are good. You'll get the hang of it - good luck!
The top answer at <a href="http://stackoverflow.com/questions/2353818/how-do-i-get-started-with-nodejs" rel="nofollow">http://stackoverflow.com/questions/2353818/how-do-i-get-star...</a> lists some really nice resources, including information on node.js and javascript in general. There is also <a href="http://www.manning.com/resig/" rel="nofollow">http://www.manning.com/resig/</a> a new book John Resig, author of jQuery - havn't checked it out, though.
Ignore w3schools. Don't get hooked/dependant on jquery/coffeescript/objective-j but do know how to use them. Get into the habit of things like progressive enhancement.
Professional JavaScript for Web Developers (Wrox Programmer to Programmer) by Nicholas C. Zakas <a href="http://t.co/Z0JoXla" rel="nofollow">http://t.co/Z0JoXla</a>
If you're not new to programming, then I'd recommend a simple Javascript tutorial. You'll pick it up quickly.<p>For example, <a href="http://lmgtfy.com/?q=javascript+tutorial" rel="nofollow">http://lmgtfy.com/?q=javascript+tutorial</a>