What's the best and most efficient book to learn JavaScript? [closed]

Question

What's the best and most efficient book to learn JavaScript?

If depends on how you learn. Some learn best by reading examples, some want to know the theory up front while some just like to dive in and try stuff out. On that basis, I'd say the question (or at least the answers) are subjective. — Colin Mackay
– Colin Mackay, Commented Jul 16, 2009 at 19:34
Because we all deserve the best, Geo ;). To keep going with what Colin was saying, not only does how you learn matter, but your background and as well. There are some decent books that are good for designers who want to learn JavaScript, but those same books are atrocious for people with any programming background. — Justin Johnson
– Justin Johnson, Commented Jul 17, 2009 at 2:17
see duplicate: stackoverflow.com/questions/74884/good-javascript-books — Ray
– Ray, Commented Aug 26, 2009 at 20:34
best : Professional JavaScript for Web Developers, 3rd Edition — Melih Altıntaş
– Melih Altıntaş, Commented Feb 22, 2015 at 0:15

Sinan Ünür · Accepted Answer · 2016-05-13 14:55:54Z

28

Take a look at JavaScript: The Definitive Guide.

Also take a look at David Flanagan's web site as well as Douglas Crockford's videos and his essays on JavaScript.

edited May 13, 2016 at 14:55

answered Jul 16, 2009 at 19:31

Sinan Ünür

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5 Comments

Nosredna Over a year ago

I think it's a great reference book, but I give it a "meh" on teaching you the language.

Rich Seller Over a year ago

It's not a book, but I found Crockford's essays a great help: crockford.com/javascript

Sinan Ünür Over a year ago

I was always mystified by JavaScript (not that I am expert now) until I read Flanagan's book. I found Crockford's essays more useful than the "Good Parts" book.

Artur Carvalho Over a year ago

FYI: There is a 6th edition of Javascript: The definitive guide.

nawfal Over a year ago

The only book Crockford himself recommends is JavaScript: The Definitive Guide by David Flanagan on his website: crockford.com/javascript/javascript.html

Nosredna · Accepted Answer · 2009-07-16 19:35:52Z

16

I think I've read them all. Here's the dark sheep. This one came out of left field. I was surprised at how good it is.

JavaScript: The Missing Manual

alt text http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51cPJ2k%2BOGL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA240_SH20_OU01_.jpg

The other books are great. But for actually learning the language, I think this one wins hands down.

answered Jul 16, 2009 at 19:35

Nosredna

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1 Comment

alex Over a year ago

+1 looks good! Just bought it :)

RichardOD · Accepted Answer · 2009-07-16 19:32:54Z

16

JavaScript the good parts.

answered Jul 16, 2009 at 19:32

RichardOD

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5 Comments

Gordon Gustafson Over a year ago

have the book, it doesn't offer a complete intro though, so if you see a "bad part" somewhere, you might not know what it does. Its about 1/10 the size of the definitive guide, and only covers the language, not any interaction with the browser. great supplemental book though. :D

Nosredna Over a year ago

My favorite JavaScript book, but for learning, go with "The Missing Manual" first.

Douglas Over a year ago

i read The Good Parts as my very first javascript book, and it helped me keep good practices in mind when reading other books, so I would actually recommend this as a first (but not only) JS book

nawfal Over a year ago

@Douglas are you self promoting your book? :)

nawfal Over a year ago

@GordonGustafson, The only book Crockford himself recommends is JavaScript: The Definitive Guide by David Flanagan on his website: crockford.com/javascript/javascript.html

erenon · Accepted Answer · 2009-07-16 19:33:46Z

4

after the basics, every Javascript developer must read this:
Douglas Crockford: JavaScript: The Good Parts

answered Jul 16, 2009 at 19:33

erenon

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Community · Accepted Answer · 2017-02-08 14:13:34Z

3

ppk on JavaScript was really great. His website is also filled with tons of useful information including lots on browser incompatibilities.

alt text

edited Feb 8, 2017 at 14:13

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answered Jul 16, 2009 at 19:35

Bob

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1 Comment

Zack The Human Over a year ago

This book got me started. I thought it wasn't overly technical or dry and gave some practical advice.

Gordon Gustafson · Accepted Answer · 2009-07-16 21:32:28Z

3

After you've tried out some of the books, read them through, make sure you try many things and ideas out on your own. The only way to really learn a language is to write programs in it. After you have a good understanding, answer some questions on SO. This can really help you learn stuff and have fun talking code with other people. An SO technique I use is to find a user with 20k + rep who has a lot of posts in the javascript tag, then look at some of their most upvoted javascript answers. Good luck! :D

answered Jul 16, 2009 at 21:32

Gordon Gustafson

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opHasNoName · Accepted Answer · 2009-07-16 19:32:57Z

2

i would recommend "Head First JavaScript" it is nice to read, with good illustrations. I love the books from this publisher.

answered Jul 16, 2009 at 19:32

opHasNoName

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Otávio Décio · Accepted Answer · 2009-07-16 19:34:52Z

2

Object-Oriented JavaScript

answered Jul 16, 2009 at 19:34

Otávio Décio

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Oleksandr Yanovets · Accepted Answer · 2009-07-16 19:45:14Z

2

I'd recommend Pro JavaScript Techniques: The Ultimate JavaScript book for the modern Web Developer by By John Resig, the author of jQuery framework.

answered Jul 16, 2009 at 19:45

Oleksandr Yanovets

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Booji Boy · Accepted Answer · 2009-07-16 19:34:15Z

1

JavaScript: The Good Parts

http://www.amazon.com/JavaScript-Good-Parts-Douglas-Crockford/dp/0596517742

answered Jul 16, 2009 at 19:34

Booji Boy

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Michael Brown · Accepted Answer · 2009-07-16 19:49:19Z

1

Learning Javascript: http://www.amazon.com/Learning-JavaScript-Shelley-Powers/dp/0596527462/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1247773699&sr=8-16

answered Jul 16, 2009 at 19:49

Michael Brown

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Community · Accepted Answer · 2017-05-23 10:29:58Z

0

I'm a believer in Sinan's recommendation of JavaScript: The Definitive Guide for a good reference type book.

Previous SO Question

Another previous SO Question

edited May 23, 2017 at 10:29

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answered Jul 16, 2009 at 19:35

chauncey

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Eric · Accepted Answer · 2009-07-16 19:37:52Z

0

Sams TEach yourself JavaScript Fourth Edition. Buy it really CHEAP here.

answered Jul 16, 2009 at 19:37

Eric

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Amr Elgarhy · Accepted Answer · 2009-08-06 16:13:59Z

0

I like this one too much "OReilly.JavaScript.The.Definitive.Guide.5th.Edition.Aug.2006"

answered Aug 6, 2009 at 16:13

Amr Elgarhy

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