What is JavaScript?
JavaScript is a text-based programming language, often abbreviated as JS. It has several uses, the primary one being giving interactive elements to web pages. With JavaScript, you can convert a boring static page to an interactive, user-friendly one. Also, it helps develop essential skills like the functional and imperative style of programming. All the skills are helpful to beginner programmers as they can apply these to any language, be it Python or Java.
While there are tons of video courses available to learn JavaScript, JavaScript Books are one of the handiest resources. Without any further ado, here is a list of the Top 10 JavaScript Books to get you started.
Best JavaScript Books
1. Eloquent JavaScript: A Modern Introduction to Programming
Originally Published– 2011
Author – Marijn Haverbeke
Level- Beginner
Description
This is the only book on the list, which is not an exclusive JavaScript book. Why is it still on the list, you wonder? That is because it is an introduction to programming through the use of JavaScript. And, it does an excellent job at it.
The book shows how JavaScript lies at the heart of almost every web application. As it focuses on writing real applications, the book is a great resource to get started. Moreover, it has some of the best exercises to bring home the concepts explained in the subsequent chapters.
You can buy this book here.
2. JavaScript: The Good Parts
Originally Published- 2008
Author – Douglas Crockford
Level- Beginner to intermediate
Description
This quick read (175 pages) sketches the development of JavaScript from a newborn programming language to its latest form. It’s crucial to note “JavaScript: The Good Parts” was written way back when the language was new. This shouldn’t let you believe that the book has become obsolete. Rather, with subsequent updates, the book helps you code better. As the name suggests, the book is more about the good stuff in JavaScript than about the drawbacks.
By no means, the book is not beginner-friendly. A basic understanding of JavaScript helps get more out of this book. It deals with concepts on syntax, arrays, methods, objects, and functions.
You can buy this book here.
3. JavaScript and jQuery: Interactive Front-End Web Development
Originally released- 2008
Author- Jon Duckett
Level- Intermediate to expert
Description
The thought of picking up a 1200-page book on JavaScript may sound intimidating to a beginner initially. But “JavaScript and jQuery: Interactive Front-End Web Development” is a fun way of learning the language. The book teaches JavaScript and jQuery side by side in a visually enriching way for front-end web development.
The book is well-organized and thoroughly explains one chapter before moving to the next one. Even the transposition from JavaScript to jQuery is smooth and natural, making it easy for the reader. The book covers almost all the topics under the language.
You can buy this book here.
4. JavaScript: The Definitive Guide
Originally published- 1996
Author – David Flanagan
Level- Beginner to Intermediate
Description
“JavaScript: The Definitive Guide” by David Flanagan is a beginner-friendly book. You don’t need any prior knowledge of the language to understand this book. Being true to its name, it is a comprehensive ‘guide’ to JavaScript.
While the book does start with basics, it goes well beyond it. Running well over 1000 pages, the book deals with every topic in detail and provides suitable examples. In addition, the book emphasizes building robust web applications and web platforms like API. Thankfully, publishers regularly update the book. And, the latest versions incorporate the latest JavaScript.
You can buy this book here.
5. JavaScript for Kids
Originally published- 2014
Author – Nick Morgan
Level – Beginner to intermediate
Description
Don’t be fooled by the pun intended in the title. This book isn’t for kids and greenhorns in programming. However, the book does a great job introducing the reader to JavaScript and programming altogether. The book is divided into three parts:
Fundamentals- This part covers the basics of JS, functions, and loops. Also, it teaches the basics to create HTML pages.
Advanced JavaScript- This part builds on the basics taught in the first part. It includes jQuery, an object-oriented programming language, and running code at intervals with timers.
Canvas – HTML5 canvas element, how to draw canvas, how to animate the drawings, and how to control animations are the content of this section.
You can buy this book here.
6. Effective JavaScript: 68 Specific Ways to Harness the Power of JavaScript
Originally Published- 2012
Author- David Herman
Description
The author of the book, David Herman, is a seasoned programmer, and he uses years of technical experience to teach JavaScript effectively. In this book, you need to understand the fundamentals to gain the most out of this book.
It deals with JavaScript Functions and variable Semantics, usage of prototype-based object-oriented programming. It covers foundations required for small and large applications. The book even has best practices while working with API designs, arrays, functions, libraries, and objects.
You can buy this book here.
7. A Smarter Way to Learn JavaScript
Originally published- 2014
Author- Mark Myers
Level- Beginner to intermediate
Description
This beginner-friendly book written by Mark Myers is a great way to learn the language. According to the author, two primary concerns faced by beginners in learning the language are comprehension and retention.
The author overcame both these challenges with a unique method. To this end, he first divided the 256-page book into small chapters and then provided exercises at the end of all those chapters. These sample exercises are available on the author’s website.
This book could also prove beneficial to an intermediate-level programmer as it also has advanced concepts like constructors and prototypes.
You can buy this book here.
8. Learn JavaScript VISUALLY
Originally published- 2014
Author- Ivelin Demirov
Level – Beginner
Description
This book is more of an introduction to JavaScript. It is a concise book that introduces beginners to the language in a step-by-step manner. The visual approach taken by the book makes it an exciting read, and hence the name too.
All the concepts are for beginners, and there is hardly anything an intermediate or expert can gain from this book.
You can buy this book here.
9. Programming JavaScript Applications
Originally published- 2014
Author – Eric Elliot
Level – Expert
Description
As the book’s name suggests, this book is all about making real-world applications that run on JavaScript.The book gives an overview of JavaScript app architecture. It examines the details of large-scale JavaScript applications. It covers the fundamentals of functional programming, logging, feature toggle systems, authentication, and authorization. In addition, it also provides best practices for JavaScript.
As obvious as it is, the book isn’t suitable for beginners. Instead, an expert on the language trying to learn applications will get the most out of it.
You can buy this book here.
10. High-Performance Browser Networking
Originally published- 2013
Author – Ilya Grigorik
Level – Expert
Description
If you are looking for a book to guide you to building a successful JavaScript application with highly optimized performance, High-Performance Browser Networking by Ilya Grigorik is just the perfect fit for you.
Application performance is vital for everyone, from developers to organizations, and this book is an excellent guide. It also covers topics like Data Streaming, Data Channels, WebSockets, etc.
You can buy this book here.
Conclusion
The right JavaScript books for you will depend on whether you are a complete beginner, intermediate, or expert in the language. It could also depend on your personal choice. While we have tried to compile some of the best books available on the market, this is not an exhaustive list. Do you think we missed any text that should have been on the list? Let us know in the comments.
FAQs
Q.1 Who developed JavaScript?
Ans. Brendan Eich was the founder of JavaScript.
Q.2 Why is it called JavaScript?
Ans. The name originated from Netscape’s support of Java applets in its browser.
Q.3 What are the JavaScript datatypes?
Ans. There are various datatypes such as:
- Boolean
- Null
- Number
- String
- Undefined
- BigInt
- Symbol
Q.4 Is JavaScript written in C?
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