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Sketch Goddess
4,258 PointsStruggling with basic JavaScript
I am currently on the front end web developer track and have completed the first 2 steps in HTML and CSS which I absolutely loved. Now that I am on to the JavaScript Basics course, I am finding it very difficult. I watched some tutorials on YouTube which made more sense to me, and thought I was ready to return to TeamTreehouse, but am still finding a lot of the challenges impossible to pass on my own. I'm almost done with the JavaScript Basics course and most of the concepts are totally over my head, I still just don't get it...I'm worried, because this is the BASIC course. Did anyone else struggle this hard with JavaScript at first and then go on to understand and use it? Will it eventually 'click'? I'm not going to give up, but I'm becoming discouraged.
3 Answers
Kevin Lozandier
Courses Plus Student 53,747 PointsHi, Sketch Goddess:
Don't feel discouraged; JavaScript is a very versatile & quirky language; it accordingly has a lot of routes developers can go along with it that is impossible for one person to comprehensively understand.
It is definitely beneficial & OK to hear about the same topics through various means…including various learning methods (learn by doing, screencasts, workshops, talks, and etc. ).
As far as help about that particular course, feel free to ask away here as many questions as you fit here and other places such as StackOverflow to be aided; there's no such thing as a stupid question.
You're not the only one who began their JS journey feeling this way, and you certainly won't be the last. What's important is never stop learning, and not be afraid to ask the specific questions you have so an opportunity will present itself that others can help to get what you currently want accomplished with JS at this time.
Tobias Helmrich
31,604 PointsHey there,
yep, I think that's absolutely normal and I'm sure that "click" you mentioned will happen at some point! :) You might think that it shouldn't already happen in the basics course but I think this is one of the most difficult stages in learning JavaScript. In the beginning it can be a bit overwhelming and intimidating to write JavaScript, especially with no other programming experience than HTML and CSS, but believe me that once you're past this stage it will become a lot more fun, so please don't give up! Just stick with it and when you don't understand something watch the video again, make notes, try to understand what's happening and practice.
To make it click I think it's important to practice what you've learned and I think the "clicking" happens after the basics. So once again: Don't give up, I'm sure you won't regret it! :)
Sketch Goddess
4,258 PointsThanks so much, Tobias! I love HTML and CSS so much, I've decided I want to make a career out of front end development. I became deflated when starting JavaScript but I will keep at it until it becomes less scary and more fun.
Tobias Helmrich
31,604 PointsNo problem! :) Sounds great, don't give up and stay positive, good luck! :)
Jesse Sullivan
2,070 PointsI am going through the same thing currently. I just finished the JavaScript basics and I don't feel like I've learned much of anything. I know this is an old thread, but if you're still on here I wanted to follow up with you and see if it ever clicked for you? If so, what did you do?
Jomar Martinez
Courses Plus Student 2,003 PointsJomar Martinez
Courses Plus Student 2,003 PointsHey!,
When i first started It wasn't "clicking" to me either. The secret to learning is to force your mind and make your mind think and learn. After a few weeks of taking courses here in TreeHouse, not just Web Development, but App Development, I started to get everything. Now I'm able to create an interactive website using HTML, CSS & javaScript. Don't be discouraged!