Head First JavaScript

A Learner's Companion to JavaScript

By Michael Morrison
December 2007
Pages: 650
Series: Head First
ISBN 10: 0-596-52774-8 | ISBN 13: 9780596527747
(4) (Average of 4 Customer Reviews)

Description

Want to make the leap from writing HTML and CSS web pages and create dynamic web applications? Want to take your web skills to the next level? It sounds like you're ready to learn the Web's hottest programming language: JavaScript. Head First JavaScript is your ticket to going beyond copying and pasting the code from someone else's web site, and writing your own interactive web pages.
Full Description

So you're ready to make the leap from writing HTML and CSS web pages to creating dynamic web applications. You want to take your web skills to the next level. And you're finally ready to add "programmer" to the resume. It sounds like you're ready to learn the Web's hottest programming language: JavaScript. Head First JavaScript is your ticket to going beyond copying and pasting the code from someone else's web site, and writing your own interactive web pages.

With Head First JavaScript, you learn:

The basics of programming, from variables to types to looping
How the web browser runs your code, and how you can talk to the browser with your code
Why you'll never have to worry about casting, overloading, or polymorphism when you're writing JavaScript code
How to use the Document Object Model to change your web pages without making your users click buttons

If you've ever read a Head First book, you know what to expect -- a visually rich format designed for the way your brain works. Head First JavaScript is no exception. It starts where HTML and CSS leave off, and takes you through your first program into more complex programming concepts -- like working directly with the web browser's object model and writing code that works on all modern browsers.

Don't be intimidated if you've never written a line of code before! In typical Head First style, Head First JavaScript doesn't skip steps, and we're not interested in having you cut and paste code. You'll learn JavaScript, understand it, and have a blast along the way. So get ready... dynamic and exciting web pages are just pages away.

Featured customer reviews

Finally, a different approach to teaching JavaScript., January 11 2009

Rating:

Submitted by Mfragin [Respond | View]

I pre-ordered this book on the strong reputation this line of books has. I like the Head First Java, 2nd Edition book, and still believe their Head First HTML with CSS & XHTML book is the best book there is for learning "smart" XHTML and CSS at the same time--whereas many books have NOT handled that balance well.

I sponsor a high school computer programming club and my students had me pre-order this book for them, as they loved the Head First HTML book and felt this would be their best bet at really understanding JavaScript.

JavaScript is a strange language to teach. Although you want to teach the basics of programming, you also want to have early exciting examples that show its possibilities when embedded in a web page. This book does about as well as can be done in one book, with sections on loops, decision making, de-bugging, functions and objects for those new to programming. Then there are also chapters on the most common uses of JavaScript, including, of course, forms and validation.

If you're familiar with the Head First approach, you will find this book to fit in perfectly with their other titles. This is the kind of book you buy, highlight, and write in. Active learning. This is not a reference book.

Fairly easy to follow and understand, September 27 2008

Rating:

Submitted by SuperSpongeMan [Respond | View]

I found this book to be well written for a scripting/programming book. It has a lot of entertaining images, humor and matter of fact information that almost makes you feel as though you are in an actual classroom. Your Instructor is always nearby ready to assist and answer any questions you never thought to ask.

I have read through this book once completely. 6 weeks, 100 pages a week) I am now going back through it again, (currently on Chapter 2) to complete every example and make sure that they work and that I understand all the concepts.

Interactive websites using Javascript will be soon be Mine ! : )

Excellent introduction to Javascript, May 03 2008

Rating:

Submitted by Chris W. [Respond | View]

This is the first computer book since the K&R C book that I've read cover to cover. Why? Because it's edutainment. It filled in a lot of holes in my Javascript knowledge and it didn't feel painful like the typical language book that punishes me with fifty pages of syntax before I get to write one line of code. From the beginning, there's programs that actually work and are easy to modify if you want to experiment. It's very nonlinear and that kept me reading.

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too much alert, April 26 2008

Rating:

Submitted by Caleb Cushing (xenoterracide) [Respond | View]

I admit I'm only on chapter 3. but so far the book uses the alert function (which creates a sort of pop up) a lot. That function is annoying, it would be nice if he used document.write and html input fields more. Other than that it's good like all the head first books.

Media reviews
"So as a seasoned JavaScript vet I found Head First JavaScript very helpful as a review of JS topics plus a great first introduction into topics like function literals, prototypes, and inner HTML intricacies. But JS neophytes need not shudder, this book is jammed with examples, explanations, and novel quizzes that will make the basics of JavaScript imminently palatable. And in fact, except for the price of $40, this book would be perfect for a 3-5 day course on Web 2.0 and JavaScript. Course takers would then have the perfect follow up vehicle including excellent references and exercise to be done post lessons...For a lively, hands-on and memorable intro into JavaScript, Head First JavaScript is hard to beat. "
-- Jacques Surveyer, Keep an Open Eye

"Head First Javascript actually does a decent job of describing who this book will help, and who it will not help. That alone had me intrigued right from the start...As a hobbyist I felt like this was a great introduction to JavaScript. I think it gave me a foundation to build on and the ability to use more of the materials freely available on the web. Sometimes there is just so much of that out there, that it is difficult to know where to start. One of my primary goals in reading this book was to put together a couple simple web apps for myself as well as to get a better understanding of using the DOM for some Firefox plugins I would like to write. This book met those needs."
-- JR Peck, Slashdot.org

"As with any good teacher, this O’Reilly series attacks the material from a variety of angles. If you know it, or you’re a quick learner, you can breeze right through. If you’re like me, they try everything possible to make things comprehensible."
-- Dana Blankenhorn, Dana Blankenhorn & Paula Rooney, ZDNet.com

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"For a lively, hands-on and memorable intro into JavaScript, Head First JavaScript is hard to beat. "
--Jacques Surveyer, Keep an Open Eye