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JavaScript

Posted by pauladams2
pauladams2
8,399 Points

Trouble getting the hang of JavaScript

I have been trying to learn JavaScript for the past 3-4 weeks and starting to think maybe I shall just never get there.

Sure I understand data types, variables, loops and functions. However, I just can't put it all together.

I very much struggle with using methods, eventhandlers, traversing document items. Also have troubles breaking down problems into pseudo code level.

I am wondering if this will just come overtime with hard work and trial and error or whether it's just beyond my capabilities.

I can do html and css and create simple WordPress bootstrap templates.

The trouble is I really want to move on my career as a front end developer but without javascript or solid php there is really no hope.

Anyone with advice on how long it's taken you and techniques would be highly appreciated.

Many thanks Paul

Jesus Mendoza
Jesus Mendoza
23,289 Points
Jesus Mendoza
Jesus Mendoza
23,289 Points

That's just inexperience. With the time and experience you will get better, you just have to keep going!

Try thinking about simple stuff and try to make them with JavaScript, then start creating more complex things and so on

4 Answers

rachaelallison
rachaelallison
9,521 Points

Hi Paul!

I've been learning JS too, and I'm finding it hard too...but it's not outside my abilities, and it's not outside yours! I agree with a previous poster--that feeling of frustration and not being able to get it is just a symptom of inexperience, and will come with practice and time put in.

I've been reading well-known book called Eloquent Javascript. It's available for free online, and I've been reading it along with doing the treehouse courses. I've re-read and re-watched every section I've done of both, multiple times, and I find that the variety of learning formats and different teachers works really well in tandem. They're both excellent resources on their own, but I've found that together I've been able to make new connections I haven't with just one style of learning.

Best of luck! Take heart--if you can learn HTML, CSS, and Wordpress w/ Bootstrap, you can do this too! It may take longer, sure, but you'll get there with practice.

pauladams2
pauladams2
8,399 Points

Thanks for your support Rachael,

It's nice to hear others experiences with learning JS. I have taken your advice and found a couple of books (including Eloquent JavaScript) and will try combining learning methods. I also realise now that I need to make room for actual practice time too!

I guess half the battle is I'm very tough on myself and when learning from home as an individual it's impossible to gauge your progress of learning. I shall keep fighting my way through and I'm sure sooner or later it shall all come together.

Good luck on your web adventure

Thanks

Paul

Tara Bendig
Tara Bendig
7,290 Points
Tara Bendig
Tara Bendig
7,290 Points

I had a really hard time with JavaScript as well. It is going to sound silly, but my husband purchased a book called A Smarter Way to Learn JavaScript for me from Amazon. Its pretty cool, after each chapter you go to the site provided with the book and do little quizzes and time challenges. It was really just a different way off looking at the information, and made me realize I did actually understand.

pauladams2
pauladams2
8,399 Points

Thanks Tara,

I had a look at the book you suggested and ordered myself a copy. It's comforting to know that others are and have found learning JS on the tough side. I guess I just need to stick with it, get plenty of practice and not get frustrated and it will come with time.

Many thanks

Paul

Garrett Rodriguez
Garrett Rodriguez
17,588 Points
Garrett Rodriguez
Garrett Rodriguez
17,588 Points

You can practice the pseudo code by using it in the projects you are familiar with. I'll bet even if you aren't typing it into your HTML or Wordpress projects you are thinking it in your head.

As far as learning js goes, try implementing some plugins. Go get something that looks cool like a slideshow, carousel, or crazy animations and start looking at the options. I always find it's easier to learn if I can get immediate feedback so editing something that already works is how I try and learn. (the old take it apart, see how it works, and put it back together)

Steve Davies
Steve Davies
10,389 Points
Steve Davies
Steve Davies
10,389 Points

Oh my gosh, I have just retaken a class on here in JavaScript and feel as though it's gone through one ear and out of the other! I have moved from one resource to another which I don't think has helped.

I find W3C schools a great resource but I think I will use Treehouse as a way of seeing how much I have improved and a way of testing. I found reading 'Javascript for Web Designers' by Mat Marquis / A book apart great. It is by no means exhaustive but it helps me look at it from a different angle. I wonder if the JavaScript courses come at it from a programmers angle rather than a web designer? I think there is a subtle difference and it is important to grasp the programming angle.