Learning Javascript

I’ve been a C++ developer for the last six years working in P4V and P4Merge, and I realized it was time for a new challenge. So, I decided to learn Javascript. I’ve only been at it for a few weeks, but I can already tell that there are many language differences to get used to and a huge amount of resources to tap into.

1. Take a class.
   I took a Javascript class back in December, but I have to say, it was not as good as I would have liked it to be. In hindsight, I wouldn’t have taken it since there are so many resources and tutorials online.
2. Read a good Javascript book(s).
   There are lots of Javascript books out there, but so far, I like these three best:
   
   Also see the blog What to Read to Get Up to Speed in JavaScript.
3. Look at examples, tutorials, and videos.
   There are many excellent videos, tutorials, and resources online:
    
   Douglas Crockford video series
   Learning to love Javascript
   
   Javascript for Beginners Part 1
   Javascript for Beginners Part 2
   Javascript for Beginners Part 3
    
   The Big List of JavaScript, CSS, and HTML Development Tools, Libraries, Projects, and Books
   
   Tutorials:
   Javascript Tutorial w3schools.com
   Google Code University CSS, HTML and Javascript
4. Find a real project or tasks to work on.
   To me, there is nothing more valuable than looking at real code and working on a real-world project or task instead of just looking at examples. I’ve been helping Brian Murrell implement some of the new Perforce Javascript API operations. So far, I have implemented a few of them, and having something concrete to work on has proven to be really helpful in learning a new programming language. The next project I’ll be working on is implementing Merge Quest using HTML5 and Javascript. Wish me luck.