It is hard to learn JavaScript for a person who knows basic Java, HTML and CSS?

Question

Which of the following books do you recommend to get?
1. JavaScript: A Beginner's Guide, Second Edition
2. JavaScript Demystified
3. Simply JavaScript
AND
Which server side scripting language do you recommend to learn?

Answer 1

Once you have one language down, picking up another is much easier. Structures are similar, and it's a matter of learning syntax.



Javascript is a pretty simple scripting language. I recently needed to learn it for work. I went for the 'Learn Javascript in 24 hours' book as a beginner guide. I read the first 7 or 8 sections and got some basics, but then I found it quicker and easier to just google what I needed.



There's tons of ready made scripts out there. Search for 'Javascript libraries' and see what I mean.

Answer 2

I'd go for 'JavaScript: A Beginner's Guide, Second Edition'. Read it to get a basic introduction to scripting, and after that try to apply your knowledge working on a small project of yours. When stuck just google for your problematic piece of code and you'll certainly get an answer within few minutes. As you get more experience the less you need to google for answers and if you're programming daily, in two months max, you'll be well on your own.



CSS is often changed dynamically using jscript, so you need to know how to access those properties, and of cours you need to know what CSS values are apropriate. Best resource for learning CSS is http://www.w3schools.com/css/default.asp

Answer 3

Before I begin, let me demystify you myself a little bit. Javascript has absolutely nothing to do with Java. In fact the guy that wrote it wanted to change the name but it had already stuck.



Before you start delving into books (there are quite a few), try looking at the javascript tutorials at http://www.w3schools.com/js/default.asp

It is a very good tutorial and will give you the basics on using javascript to script your pages.



As for server side technology, it depends on who you talk to. I use PHP, but Java and Ruby are very good. It is up to you.

Answer 4

With the sheer ammount of quality documentation on the web I honestly wouldn't bother purchasing reference material for JavaScript. If you decide you really need a hardcopy reference for javascript (or any other language for that matter) I highly suggest O'Reilly books, they make some of the best technical reference available. As to what server-side language to learn, why limit yourself to just one? I would suggest PHP as a starting point, it's easy to get into and makes database integration an absolute breeze. Assuming you aren't planning on platforming your web apps on a windows server I also suggest learning Perl. It just works.

Answer 5

Anyone can make their own game but it might not be very good it will take time if you want as good as runescape you will have to spend a lot of time scripting getting people to help you (Or take more time and do it yourself) approve copyright things and all that but a 5 year old can with time and help form parents :P