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JavaScript

Posted by Patrick Chumley
Patrick Chumley
6,009 Points

Generally speaking, How competent should I be with HTML & CSS before jumping into Javascript?

Once I've completed the HTML & CSS courses in my Front End Developer track will I be ready for Javascript? Or should I wait until I feel like I've mastered those? I don't want to miss out on anything that I should have a firm grasp of, before progressing to JS.

10 Answers

Steven Walters
Steven Walters
10,573 Points

I think they are different enough that you can do both at the same time. HTML and CSS are more "mechanical" where JavaScript is a programming language.

Once you understand HTML forms and CSS selectors work JavaScript/jQuery should be next.

Robert Richey
PLUS
Robert Richey
Courses Plus Student 16,352 Points
Robert Richey
Robert Richey
Courses Plus Student 16,352 Points

I'll argue that you shouldn't wait before trying JavaScript. I highly recommend the new course by Dave McFarland - JavaScript Basics - he does a great job explaining this topic and engaging the viewer.

Steven Walters
Steven Walters
10,573 Points
Steven Walters
Steven Walters
10,573 Points

If you can make it through CSS Foundations you can do anything :)

Chanse Campbell
Chanse Campbell
4,453 Points

Hahahahaha I couldn't agree with any comment more than this.

kevinardo
.a{fill-rule:evenodd;}techdegree
kevinardo
Treehouse Project Reviewer

CSS Foundations for the win :) Guil is a CSS Jedi Master for sure.

Benjamin Wegley
seal-mask
.a{fill-rule:evenodd;}techdegree
Benjamin Wegley
Front End Web Development Techdegree Student 18,943 Points
Benjamin Wegley
.a{fill-rule:evenodd;}techdegree
Benjamin Wegley
Front End Web Development Techdegree Student 18,943 Points

Honestly, there is a lot of good advice here from the others. Javascript for me seemed particularly daunting at first (and still does to a degree), but after finishing the Front End Web Developer course I think you certainly have the grounds to start more intensive JS.

Do you learn better from actually putting into practice what you've learned thus far and digesting the information that way? Or do you learn better by just absorbing as much as possible and then seeing what has stuck with you? There are a lot more ways to learn than just these, obviously, but I would say ask yourself how you'll best get into learning and that should tell you whether you should:

  1. Just start building your own sites and see the gaps that can only be filled with JS

OR

  1. Jump right into learning it and then start building websites. Then if you find a deficiency in knowledge, head back to Treehouse and touch up whatever info you're missing.
kareem Pierre
seal-mask
PLUS
.a{fill-rule:evenodd;}techdegree
kareem Pierre
Full Stack JavaScript Techdegree Student 20,263 Points
kareem Pierre
.a{fill-rule:evenodd;}techdegree
kareem Pierre
Full Stack JavaScript Techdegree Student 20,263 Points

I would say a very good understanding of how the DOM works. and a basic understanding of html and CSS.

Dave Abalos
Dave Abalos
6,976 Points
Dave Abalos
Dave Abalos
6,976 Points

If you understand how a certain things work in HTML and CSS then I'm pretty sure you're ready for Javascript. I don't mean memorise everything since you can look up at the reference guide. Learn bit by bit and you'll be surprise how far you'll be.

Vince Varga
Vince Varga
15,338 Points
Vince Varga
Vince Varga
15,338 Points

Though I am not a professional developer, in my opinion if you understand the basics of HTML and CSS and you get the concept, you can move to JavaScript without creating tens of designs from scratch.

Vince Varga
Vince Varga
15,338 Points
Vince Varga
Vince Varga
15,338 Points

I think after "How to make a website", "HTML Forms" courses you can start JS courses.

Jonathan Grieve
MOD
Jonathan Grieve
Treehouse Moderator 91,254 Points
Jonathan Grieve
Jonathan Grieve
Treehouse Moderator 91,254 Points

You could probably go into the Front End Development track right away as this covers the How to make a website course and the CSS Foundations course,

If you've done these and feel confident the jump right in. :-)

Isaac Asante
Isaac Asante
4,752 Points
Isaac Asante
Isaac Asante
4,752 Points

I'd say intermediate level is enough for you to jump into the basics of Javascript and progress from there. Looks like you just need to have a clear idea of coding before. Not that you're asked to be a guru though.

Chanse Campbell
Chanse Campbell
4,453 Points
Chanse Campbell
Chanse Campbell
4,453 Points

I personally just finished the HTML and CSS foundation modules within the Web Design course (before the tracks got changed) and then after building 2-3 of my own HTML/CSS mock websites from the ground up whilst referring to my previous notes I've now decided to move forward with Javascript.

It's a little bit of a leap in terms of being able to grasp the concepts IMO but I think it's good to try and absorb whilst your still building your understanding with the other front end languages.