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JavaScript

Erik Erb
Erik Erb
7,529 Points
Posted by Erik Erb
Erik Erb
7,529 Points

Struggling with understanding the language of JavaScript...

Trying to understand the logic behind it, but I keep to constantly hit a wall. Once I get it, I now see the introduction of let and const, lol. After that, I see arrow syntax and I'm beyond confused. I understand the former way of writing a function, but this arrow syntax ordeal is yet another wrench thrown in trying to learn and understand.

Any tips/tricks? I finished the front-end web development track and am now starting the full-stack JS track. I'm already re-lost (lol) on arrow syntax and especially dom manipulation. The jQuery course by Andrew was very difficult for me to follow.

So many more obstacles. Ahh!!! :( I can't even begin to think about touching Angular or React.

Does anyone know how I can overcome the obstacle of beginning to "think" in JS? Right now it just seems foreign.

2 Answers

Steven Parker
Steven Parker
231,198 Points
Steven Parker
Steven Parker
231,198 Points

I recommend bolstering the basics. I write JavaScript all the time but I still haven't learned React. And I love arrow functions, but I don't think I've ever had a situation were I could not have used a conventional function instead. But on the other hand, there are times where an arrow function just won't work and you must use a conventional function.

So I'd say save the the new language elements and the latest frameworks for when you've become comfortable with the basics.

But do give DOM manipulation another shot. That's a very important application for JavaScript, and can be done entirely with conventional language elements.

Jonathan Grieve
MOD
Jonathan Grieve
Treehouse Moderator 91,253 Points
Jonathan Grieve
Jonathan Grieve
Treehouse Moderator 91,253 Points

Hi there Eric.

If you're struggling, it's well worth taking Steven's advice and just taking a pause. By that, I don't mean stop learning but going back through the basics. It's also worth taking into consideration that learning JavaScript can span various different motivations.

Do you for example just want to refresh yourself of the basic knuts and bolts of JavaScript? Do you want to learn to build a basic game to harness your skills? Do you want to learn how to manipulate the DOM using JavaScript? Do you want to get involved with using npm and build projects with the command line and the module pattern? What about React? Angular? Express?

If all sounds overwhelming, don't worry. I've been there and if I'm honest I'm still travelling that journey. All these things are built around JavaScript. I;m going to assume at this point you're familair with the fundamentals of HTML and CSS.

If that is the case then I would recommend taking a look at the Beginner JavaScript tracl. This will take you through all you need to know about the basics of the JavaScript and working with pure JavaScript in the browser.

Then, once you're comfortable you might want to move on to Full Stack JavaScript or React. All that is up to you and what you want to do in your JS career. But if you don't know where to start, the Beginner JavaScript is the place to go. :-)

Good luck!!