How To Learn JavaScript Faster And Effectively

It is okay to feel confused while learning to code; this is why JavaScript looks harder than it is.

Introduction

When many new developers learn JavaScript, they get tied up in the tutorials or the language’s complexity and struggle to fix more bugs — which becomes counterproductive. This article will explain why this happens, how to overcome the technical hurdles and learn JavaScript faster.

It is okay to feel confused while learning to code. JavaScript, an asynchronous programming language, is often used for its speed and excellent functionality with front-end and backend(Node) Web development. It can also be used for exciting things like game development, mobile application development(React Native), and machine learning.

JavaScript is not hard. All that is required is the right learning approach. The right approach saves you time from taking too many tutorials that keep you in a dependence loop. Ideally, you shouldn’t spend more than three months on tutorials to learn JavaScript well.

Since it’s majorly used for web development, you should have mastered HTML and CSS before learning it.

However, here are five tips to note on how to learn JavaScript faster:

Focus on the basic concepts:

Most times, developers get fascinated with complicated concepts while ignoring the basics and skipping the tutorials — this practice is not advisable. You can’t know everything in a programming language. It would be best to have these basics first and solve problems or build projects on other topics as you advance with them. For now, focus on the following:

• Variables and types

• Functions and parameters

• Objects

• Arrays

• Loops

• If/else condition statements

• Event listeners and DOM manipulation

• Study good materials:

Studying many materials is good, but finding just one good material is better. Since programming is better understood with practice and experience, you need a minor focus on the theoretical aspects and the data structure. Albeit, the theories shouldn’t be overlooked.

Slowdown to learn faster:

Sometimes you ignore some codes, thinking you already understand the concept. But an attempt at writing opens up your negligence and weaknesses — this can cost you more time to debug the code and fix your errors. You may find courses that read “learn JavaScript in ten minutes” or other quick learning click baits.

While these may help you understand little things, you should also know that many concepts will be left out, and the short clips are fast-tracked to fulfil their marketing aim. Quality learning takes time; according to Thinkful, it will probably take 12–24 weeks to get competent at it. Don’t take shortcuts.

Practice constantly:

While seeing is believing, doing is knowing and understanding. If you’re busy, set aside a practice period that fits your schedule perfectly. Be committed and consistent, and you’ll start to see results in no time. 4 — to 8 hours daily will suffice.

As you watch the tutorials, write all the codes and learn from your mistakes. Project-based practice is the best way to learn. Think of something interesting and complex to build — this makes the learning more gratifying and fulfilling. And when you get hooked down by a problem, use Google, youTube, Stackoverflow, and GitHub open-source projects to demystify your misconceptions and improper practices.

Mentorship helps:

In terms of mentorship, there are two types — direct and indirect mentorship. Either way, it’s one factor that positively stimulates and motivates the fast learning process of anything. Follow experienced thought leaders on Twitter or LinkedIn. There, you’d get stories and tips on learning better. And if you have a personal mentor, they can easily guide you and give you relatable tips from their experience as a developer. By this, you’d minimize time and maximize productivity.

Learn from the right places:

Learning from the right place is one of the best ways to avoid pitfalls and redundant learning. This section will tell you the best places to learn JavaScript(free and paid). Ideally, one of the best ways to learn is through boot camps and structured curriculums. If you do not fall into any of these learning categories and are a self-taught developer, the first thing is to structure your learning, write a checklist and meet your targets within a time frame.

Here are the five best places to learn JavaScript in no particular order (free and paid):

1. Code Academy: Code Academy is a subscription-based learning platform. Still, some free resources can help you get started. You can access many tutorials and an effective learning curriculum that requires your coding while learning.

2. FreeCodeCamp: FreeCodeCamp’s website helps with tons of materials that enable a developer to understand complex things about programming. You can learn JavaScript through their YouTube channel. A beginner or someone with prior knowledge can go for their project-based course. Another good thing about this website is the constant updates of their materials and tutorials with qualified professionals, knowing that programming is a fast-paced industry with constant updates.

3. W3Schools: There’s hardly any programmer that is not familiar with W3Schools. Even when you seem confused about a concept in JavaScript or other programming languages, you can always look up that topic on this website. It has an accessible open user interface that helps you get into details without signing in. They even have an online IDE that can assist you in practising their examples and tests.

4. Coursera: Coursera combines free and paid courses with organized learning curriculums. Big tech companies like Google and IBM recognize it. It even offers certifications for most courses there. If you do not have money to pay for their certificates, you can apply for financial aid and will get one if you follow their terms and conditions.

5. Sololearn: Sololearn is known for synergizing all experience levels with the coding practice. It will help you understand and write codes while savouring the gaming-like process. You will learn applicable real-time codes.

To evolve fast, subscribe to newsletters, and read articles, blog posts, and tweets on JavaScript programming. Remember, commitment and consistency are crucial to progress. Learning correctly boosts your confidence, and making mistakes is part of the process. It should prompt you to learn rather than dousing your passion.