JavaScript: The Missing Manual

By David Sawyer McFarland
July 2008
Pages: 543
Series: The Missing Manuals
ISBN 10: 0-596-51589-8 | ISBN 13: 9780596515898
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 Description

This book from bestselling author David McFarland teaches you how to use JavaScript in sophisticated ways -- even if you have little or no programming experience. Once you the master the language's structure and terminology, you'll learn how to use advanced JavaScript tools to add useful interactivity to your sites quickly, rather than script everything from scratch. Like other Missing Manuals, this one is clear, concise, and entertaining cover to cover.


Full Description

JavaScript is essential for creating modern, interactive Web sites. But, unlike HTML and CSS, JavaScript is a true programming language with complex rules that are challenging for most Web designers to learn. In JavaScript: The Missing Manual, bestselling author David McFarland teaches you how to use JavaScript in sophisticated ways -- even if you have little or no programming experience.

In a clear, entertaining way, the book starts out by teaching you how to build a basic JavaScript program. Then, once you've mastered the structure and terminology, you'll learn how to use advanced JavaScript tools to add useful interactivity to your sites quickly and painlessly, rather than scripting everything from scratch.

To jump-start your progress, the book offers several "living examples" -- step-by-step tutorials for building Web site components with JavaScript using raw materials, such as graphics and half-completed Web pages, that you can download from the book's companion Web site.

In this book, you will learn:

  • How to get started. The book introduces the building blocks of JavaScript, and general tips on computer programming. Learn to add scripts to a Web page; store and manipulate information; communicate with the browser window; respond to events like mouse clicks and form submissions; and identify and modify HTML.
  • How to build Web Page Features. McFarland provides real-world examples of JavaScript in action. Learn to create pop-up navigation bars, enhance HTML tables, build an interactive photo gallery, and make Web forms more usable. Create interesting user interfaces with tabbed panels, accordion panels and pop-up dialog boxes.
  • How to troubleshoot and debug. The book will teach you how to avoid the ten most common errors new programmers make, and how to find and fix bugs.
  • How to communicate with the Web server. In addition to basic JavaScript, this manual covers Ajax, the approach that made JavaScript glamorous. Learn to use JavaScript to communicate with a server so that your Web pages can receive information without having to reload.

If you want to put JavaScript to work right away without getting tangled up in code, JavaScript: The Missing Manual is the best book available.


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Filled in my missing information,  February 27 2009
Rating: StarStarStarStarStar
Submitted by aaronworks   [Respond | View]

For me, this book filled in and consolidated all of the information I needed on Javascript. Additionally, I have really enjoyed learning about the jQuery framework after dabbling in other less well documented javascript frameworks. Thanks for providing me with a must have "go-to" reference anytime I want to put some zing in my projects!


a good read,  January 21 2009
Rating: StarStarStarStarStar
Submitted by leocullen   [Respond | View]

I feel the Kasper's review is overly negative so to be fair and balance things up I give this book 5 stars - granted, I have only read the first 5 chapters but so far the writing is engaging, concepts are explained clearly and the material seems to be well organised and the tutorials are entertaining and its clear some work has gone into them. As a book for getting things done it excels - if a library exists eith the code you need why waste time reinventing the wheel? If you need an exhaustive account of javascript's features there is 'the definitive guide'. On the strength of the first 5 chapters I bought David Mac Sawyer's 'CSS, the missing manual'. If you're looking for a book to get you into javascript and and putting it to work making your sites look good I say go for it. When I have finished the book I'll try to give an updated review, time permitting.


More about jQuery then about JavaScript,  January 11 2009
Rating: StarStarStarStarStar
Submitted by Kasper   [Respond | View]

Personally, I was having high expectations of JavaScript: The Missing Manual. I was hoping for an improvement on my client-side scripting, an aspect of webprogramming on which I have always been lacking skills. Unfortunately, this book failed to do so. Contrary to what is on the front or back of the book, it's main content is how to use a javascript framework (i.e. jQuery) to implement certain nice and/or useful features on your website. However, I was already using a framework (prototype/script.aculo.us) to get those neat 'web 2.0 artwork', but I wanted to be able to write my own framework. Besides that, why would I switch from prototype/script.aculo.us to jQuery?


So, in the end, only the first few chapters which explain in general the working and syntax of JavaScript were good for me. I had already read some about that, but it was a good opportunity to freshen up that knowledge. But if you're really looking for something to learn JavaScript from, leave this book on its shelf. However, if you're looking for a way to get fancy websites fast using jQuery, this could be just the book for you!



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Media reviews
"One of the beauties of the Missing Manuals is that there is always something new to discover and the research is quite thorough...I kept finding snippets of information, in the way of Tips or Notes, that would give just that bit extra."
-- Graham K. Rogers, Bangkok Post


"I have reviewed quite a number of Missing Manual books and I am always impressed with them. David Pogue is a Mac master and the depth of his knowledge shines through."
-- Roger Bernau, ACT Apple User Group Incorporated


"Overall, an excellent choice; its thorough coverage, cost, topic, and friendly tone make this a recommended title..."
-- Lisa Ennis, The Tech Static



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"One of the beauties of the Missing Manuals is that there is always something new to discover and the research is quite thorough...I kept finding snippets of information, in the way of Tips or Notes, that would give just that bit extra."
--Graham K. Rogers, Bangkok Post