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JavaScript JavaScript Basics (Retired) Creating Reusable Code with Functions Variable Scope

Corey Standish
Corey Standish
14,835 Points

Besides asking to have the basic lessons "Dumbed Down" even more, are there any tips on learning the basics?

When I get to the end of the videos and try the challenges, I'm confused and frustrated! Just wondering if anyone has any tips, trick or techniques they use to help understand this stuff?

Victor Learned
Victor Learned
6,976 Points

Open up the workspace and type/run the code while you are watching. I would also recommend typing notes while you are watching even if you just delete them. Coding is like any skill and the more you practice the more the concepts will stick.

Corey Standish
Corey Standish
14,835 Points

Thanks Victor, I already do that, unfortunately I'm not fast enough to keep up before he runs the code. I'm trying to keep up with the typing and pay attention at the same time. Not very productive. I'll keep at it though. Thanks again

stephanie sutedja
stephanie sutedja
3,693 Points

Pause the video when you're typing. Be gentle with yourself. You can do it.

Andrico Karoulla
seal-mask
.a{fill-rule:evenodd;}techdegree
Andrico Karoulla
Front End Web Development Techdegree Student 13,760 Points

Yo, If I'm ever having trouble with a lesson, be it with terminology or syntax. I rematch the video just to make sure I've absorbed everything. I often find I learn a new definition or understand a line of script a little better the second time around. If I'm still struggling, I will just use google. I forgot how to use the 'return' function (I wasn't sure if what I wanted to return had to be in brackets or commas etc.) So i googled it, saw a couple of examples and learnt how to use it. It can be quite confusing initially, and there's a lot to take in, but you're also learning programming concepts and fundamentals subconsciously, meaning that eventually everything's going to click and all the missing jigsaw pieces are going to slowly find their place, and you'll see a clearer picture.

4 Answers

Peter Smith
Peter Smith
12,347 Points

It takes time mate.

My first attempt at building a website was more than a decade ago and back then I failed hard. Then I tried again a few years later. The simplest stuff didn't make sense. I could do some rudimentary stuff, put up some basic HTML... but beyond the basics? Forget it.

I've taken other courses similar to treehouse and the content here is as clear as I've found. The keys are, of course, patience and persistence.

You got this.

When I try to keep up with the video by typing and listening at the same time, I make a lot of errors, then spend more time looking for them than thinking about the content of the video. I find it helps to watch the video, then pause it and type the code into Workspaces, test it, then continue with the video. That way I can focus better on what the teacher is teaching, then reinforce it when I type it myself. I keep Workspaces open to use as a reference when I take the challenges.

Samantha Carlson
Samantha Carlson
3,672 Points

I use W3 a lot for reference and practice. It gives examples that you can manipulate and test yourself. It's a little like a word problem worksheet in school. YAY REPETITION! http://www.w3schools.com/js/default.asp

Hope this helps.

Justin Black
Justin Black
24,793 Points

You say 'W3' as if it has anything to do with the W3C -- it does not. I would not advocate the use of w3schools to anybody. Much of the information contained there, is either wrong or completely out of date ( not just for javascript ). Nor do they advocate best practices.

w3schools should really be shut down in favor of each languages native documentation which is guaranteed to advocate best practices and contain the most up to date information.

Kevin Kevin
Kevin Kevin
5,108 Points

I use w3schools.com when I need a quick refresh or when I have a brain-fart. I can usually find what I'm looking for quickly and the information seems to always work for me. I'm not saying it is the best place to go, just wanted to share my experience.

Ian Z
Ian Z
14,584 Points

Your only at 12000 points just keep going until you got 30k 40k, or even 50k

Ian Z
Ian Z
14,584 Points

and take notes on the videos as well as watch them twice, the code challenges are usually identical to the stuff in video