Learn JavaScript step by step

The facts are pretty simple.

The average salary for a Senior Software Developer in the US is about $130k. JavaScript is one of the most popular programming languages in the world, and isn't going anywhere due to it being the only language that can be used on the frontend.

The conclusion? Learning JavaScript sets you on the path to financial security in a time when many other typically middle class jobs are in decline. JavaScript is something you just can't afford not to learn.

There is a problem though.

Many people set out to learn JavaScript, and most of them seem to fail. They spend a lot of time consuming learning materials, but never really 'get' how to code in JavaScript on their own. They are doomed to languish in tutorial purgatory, never really being able to call themselves coders. I don't want that to be you. If you don't either, read on.

I've spent the past year looking at the learning materials available, and talking to code newbies to find out why this is, and how to fix it. This course is the result of my findings. It's designed to maximise your chances of successfully learning JavaScript.

What I found was there was abundance of materials available to help you learn JavaScript, both free and paid for. The problems I found were:

• Many learning materials were not in depth enough. They favoured quantity of topics covered and speed over depth of knowledge.
• Free materials have the disadvantage of the learner not having invested in them, so they were too easy to pick up and discard at the first signs of boredom.
• Too many courses focused on being flash (e.g. look at this amazing web app you build in just 2 hours!) rather than imparting the deep level of knowledge which will actually get you hired.
• Courses pushing newbies into more advanced topics (ie React, Angular) rather than building strong foundations in core JavaScript first.
• Passive courses that just fire info at the learner, instead of offering exercises which make sure you can practically apply the knowledge.
• Free courses that deliver small snippets of information in bits and pieces from different instructors, so you're never sure if you have the full picture.
• Learners left with zero instructor support, so it's easy to get stuck and quit.

How is Learn JavaScript Step by Step different?

This course is designed from the ground up to address all of these problems and ensure you have the best possible chance at actually 'getting it' when it comes to programming in JavaScript. Here's how it does that:

• The course starts at the very beginning, assuming absolutely zero prior programming experience.
• It focuses ruthlessly on the core basics. These are your JavaScript programming foundations. Without these, you simply won't ever be hireable as a JavaScript developer.
• It has a slow pace. It's designed to make sure the knowledge actually goes in, rather than just flying through topics to give a false sense of achievement.
• It actually teaches you how to program in general. In the first part of the course interaction with the browser is completely ignored so you can focus on learning to program.
• Regular quizzes test that you actually understand what I'm teaching you.
• Regular exercises, often including downloadable code that will actually test the code you write for correctness. This ensures you can practically apply the knowledge. Without this you'll never be able to actually code for yourself.
• Access to the course's private Slack channel. You'll be able to discuss sticking points with other students, and I'll be on there twice a week to guide you through your sticking points.

The course covers core modern JavaScript and how to practically apply JavaScript to build dynamic web apps:

• Variables
• Data types
• Functions
• Scope
• Closures
• Arrays
• Maths in JS
• String manipulation in JS
• Objects
• Classes
• Basic HTML / CSS
• Using JavaScript to make a webpage a dynamic application
• Getting data from APIs into your webpage and using it to great effect
• Building small apps in the browser
• Bundling and compiling your JavaScript like a pro