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Rebecca Eilering
15,480 PointsI can't get the hang of javascript
I just don't know how to apply my knowledge so I'm not sure if I'm actually learning anything. I am going through the front end development track and I can follow the lessons, do the challenges and quizzes. I'm so frustrated cause after doing the Flickr API course I wanted to see if I could do the same with Instagram and after 3 days i'm throwing my hands up and quitting. I don't get how to use their API and how to code it. I don't think I'll ever understand this. My guess is some people are not cut out for this.
4 Answers
Roy Penrod
19,810 PointsHey, Rebecca.
I know you're frustrated right now, but don't give up yet. You're delving into a complex programming topic created by expert level programmers to serve other expert level programmers.
In other words ... you're not trying to tackle a beginner's problem with JavaScript. You're swimming in the deep end of the pool.
They specifically chose the Flickr API because it's the simplest API they could find. They wanted to get you comfortable with the concept, so you can start understanding how to think about the problem.
If this is your only experience with JavaScript, you're not ready to go out and tackle every API on the planet. Some are simple and some are extremely complex.
So give yourself a break and start with something simpler.
Here are a couple of ideas off the top of my head:
(1) Create an exchange rate calculator that converts one currency into another. For example, allow the user to enter a U.S. dollar amount and then convert it into Great British Pounds and Chinese Yen.
(2) Create a page with two columns. Each column contains a select box and a button. Write the JavaScript to move the selected item from one of the select boxes to the select box in the other column when the button is pressed.
Rebecca Eilering
15,480 PointsThanks for the suggestions. Also, I'm sure you're right in that I am biting off more than I can chew. I tend to do that...I learn something and I want to do everything right now. I am more of a designer with pretty good skill with HTML and CSS and I would like to get at least competent with javascript (even though this isn't something I have to do at work but I would like to understand it more, be more comfortable with it, and be able to do personal projects).
The thing is, this is a different type of thinking for me...I deal mainly and like images and I guess the more "creative" side. I note that I come from a more fine art background...not programming. HTML and CSS seem more straight forward to me and I can understand it from a more visual aspect. JavaScript is like this abyss where I can't see anything....
Thanks...I'll look into you're ideas or any other ideas and try something a little more appropriate for a beginner.
Roy Penrod
19,810 PointsI completely understand.
Let me tell you something ...
I'm comfortable with programming and I got overwhelmed when trying to digest the entire JavaScript landscape. There are so many frameworks and libararies out there. Don't even get me started on the APIs.
You just have to take a deep breath, get a big picture view, and then start diving down into the individual parts when you're ready for them.
Just start with the core JavaScript language and learn it. Write a few small programs in it, like the ones I suggested. Learn how to manipulate the DOM tree.
When you're finally comfortable with that, start by exploring one framework or code library. I like jQuery because it's very useful for getting around the DOM and it's got some nice animation features you'll probably use on the front-end.
Just take it slow and experiement. Be gentle with yourself ... you're learning an entirely new way of thinking.
jason chan
31,009 PointsAjax calls. Just be patient. You might not get it today, but you'll eventually figure it out later.
Don't give up. Programmers don't give up. We are patient problem solvers.
Rebecca Eilering
15,480 PointsThanks. I may come back to it later, but as someone else said, I may be trying to do something way over my head and need to try something more simple to get comfortable with the easier things and work my way to more difficult rather than jumping in and going straight to the harder stuff.
I'm not a quitter but I need to put whatever I was doing to the side and come back to it some other time. Though, I'm happy I did get to the point I could actually get some aspects to work so there were some tiny wins. I can take that away from this and just move on for now.
Jason Anders
Treehouse Moderator 145,863 PointsHi Rebecca,
I wouldn't get too discouraged. I did find JavaScript a bit more challenging to learn, but when you stick with it and use it regularly, it will stick and make more sense.
I kind of agree with you, however, about how some people are just better at some things than others. Myself, I personally struggle and fight with understanding and grasping Python and Ruby on Rails. So, for now, I've put them on the back-burner and am focussing my learning on more front-end as well as PHP in the back-end. Eventually, I will (maybe) return to those two, but for now, I'm focussing on what I enjoy and what I understand and will fine-tune and specialize in the others.
Keep Coding! :)
Jesse Freeman
3,769 PointsNo! Don't give up!!!
Have you tried other learning styles/ websites? Maybe you need more of a structured learning style? There are thousands of resources out there, You can do it!
I would suggest taking a break for a couple days, to clear your head and really digest everything you've learned. Right now you're probably going through an information overload, and even the simple things seem hard. Take a step back and come back too it in a couple days.
Believe in yourself, you can do it. Jesse
Jason Anders
Treehouse Moderator 145,863 PointsJason Anders
Treehouse Moderator 145,863 PointsHey Rebecca,
If you have a chance, take a look at the Javascript courses offered by Khan Academy. It's a free website and not nearly as detailed as Treehouse, but the JS courses over there focus more on the creative (i.e. drawing) capabilities of JavaScript.
Because the creative seems to be where your primary interest lie, this may be the kind of introduction to JS that will be much more enjoyable for you.
:)