How Long Does It Take to Learn JavaScript?

A few weeks ago a close friend of mine asked me. “How Long Does It Take to Learn JavaScript? Can I learn JavaScript in a week?”. That’s why I decided to write this post as I wonder how many more are having similar questions in mind.

Many people find it easy to learn CSS and HTML. But when it comes to learning Javascript they find it hard to learn it.

Like many other topics in programming, there is no single right answer to the question “How Long Does It Take to Learn JavaScript?” . However, JavaScript is a relatively easy programming language. So, the amount of time needed to learn JavaScript is directly proportional to the amount of time you are willing to invest in learning it.

Well, the amount of time that it takes to learn JS really depends on the method you use. You can choose between books, ebooks, online courses, blogs, youtube etc.

I am more of a reader, so I prefer learning by reading the official documentation but one of my friends prefers watching video tutorials in youtube as he finds it difficult to learn by reading. However, we both are doing well in our own ways.

So, there is no best way or method to learn JavaScript, choose whichever you feel more comfortable with.

There are various factors that may affect the rate at which you learn Javascript

• Background:

Are you already comfortable with any programming language such as python, c++, PHP, etc?  If your answer is yes and then you will find it much easier and quicker for you to learn.

• Efforts given:

Just like learning any other activity Learning JavaScript depends on the amount of time you put in. The more hours and effort you put the faster you will learn JavaScript

• Method you use:

It depends on where and how you are learning this from. You might find some good websites for this but also try to find a good book that has good contents for learning. If you want to actually learn at a fast pace, you can do it by simply watching videos.

• Personal ability:

Each and every person has their own pace at which they learn and grasp things. If you are a slow learner it will take more time to learn Javascript Basics and if you are a fast learner you will be able to learn Javascript in a week.

• Requirements:

Javascript can do a lot of things. If we want to achieve small things like showing a red error when a user enters a password less than 10 characters then it won’t take much time to learn.

What is JavaScript?

JavaScript is one of the most popular programming languages in the world. Along with HTML and CSS, JavaScript forms the basis of front-end web development, allowing the creation of interactive elements. Using Javascript you can do changes on your HTML page without needing to refresh the page. With the HTML DOM, JavaScript can access and change all the elements of an HTML document. Some cool stuff you can do using Javascript are

• Form submit without refreshing the page.
• Change button style such as font color on click
• Hide and show elements based on user screen size, device, etc.
• Creating a beautiful slideshow gallery
• Creating browser-based games.

Is JavaScript a programming language?

JavaScript (JS) is a scripting language. All scripting languages are programming languages. The theoretical difference between the two is that scripting languages do not require the compilation step and are rather interpreted. For example, normally, a C program needs to be compiled before running whereas normally, a scripting language like JavaScript or PHP need not be compiled.

Did I say Javascript is easy to learn?

Javascript undoubtedly isn’t the toughest programming language at the moment but keep in mind that not everyone has the same difficulty barriers so what may seem easy to learn to someone may be hard for you.

When learning JavaScript try to focus on one thing rather than jumping from one concept to another. While popular Javascript libraries like React and Jquery may seem cool. Don’t get intimidated by seeing them. Clear the basic concepts of JavaScript first. This way you will know exactly the behind the scenes of those popular libraries.

When it comes to a specific concept-related challenge you have to be persistent and keep going through any frustration or confusion that might come. Remember programming gets easier with practice regardless of the language that you are learning at the moments. So remember the more you practice the better you will get.

Do we need JavaScript?

Yes and no. We can create beautiful websites using just html and css but do note that HTML and CSS are static. By static I mean it will show the user whatever you type. It can’t do arithmetic and logical operations, conditional operations etc.

Example:

If you type “It took me 7*10 hours to learn HTML”. It will display the same thing to the user.

It took me 7*10 hours to learn HTML

But using javascript if you write something like this

“It took me “+7*10+” hours to learn HTML” will display as follows

It took me 70 hours to learn HTML.

As you can see it is interpreting the multiplication instead of directly displaying it as it is.

Not just it, JavaScript has many other uses which include

• Adding interactivity to websites- If you want a website to be more than a static page of text then you will need to do some JavaScripting.
• Creating web browser-based games- JavaScript probably makes it happen when you want to play a game directly from the web browser.
• Developing mobile applications- JavaScript can also be used to create android, iOs, Windows phones etc.
• Back-end web development- JavaScript is mostly used on the front end but javascript is incredibly versatile. It can be used for BackEnd development to write server logic too.

How do you add JavaScript to a Website?

Adding Javascript to a website is just like adding CSS to your website. However, unlike CSS, javascript is enclosed in script tags instead of style tags.

See how a website with HTML, Javascript & CSS look like

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
  <title>Learning Javascript</title>
  <style>
    .btn-red {
      background: red;
      color: white;
    }
  </style>
</head>
<body>
  <button onclick="greet()">Click Me</button>
  <script>
    function greet() {
      alert("Hello visitor! Javascript is working fine.")
    }
  </script>
</body>
</html>

The above code is an example of a page having html,css and javascript. The css code I have used will style our button to red and when the user clicks the button a Javascript function which I have defined here as greet() will be called. What it basically does is say hello to the visitor by clicking the button.

If we have a lot of Javascript functions in our HTML code it will look messy and we may get confused in knowing which part is HTML, which part is js and which part is CSS. In that case, we can create a new js file and link to it in our HTML page, such as

<script src="/myscript.js" type=”text/javascript”></script>

How to get the best out of JavaScript

• Focus on the fundamentals. JS has variables, loops, if/else, etc – like any other language.
• Try to replicate an awesome feature you see on a popular website.
• Already searching for a solution in google before asking for help from someone.
• Keep practising every day.
• Never stop learning

Best way to learn JavaScript

I wouldn’t advise you to buy those “Learn javascript in 30 days” course ebooks. There are already so many JavaScript tutorials available on the internet. If you like to learn Javascript by reading then https://www.w3schools.com/js/ is a good website, to begin with, and if you like to learn it by watching just search for “Javascript Beginner Tutorial” on youtube and you will find a lot of good resources for free.

Final words

There is no set time frame for learning JavaScript; it all depends on your level of experience and how much time you can spare. However, with the tips and strategies set out in this guide, you can streamline your approach to learning this key programming language.

Goal-setting can be a powerful tool to help you make headway on your path towards learning JavaScript. Set goals around exercises, like creating a simple landing page, to help you practice and move forward. This will help you stay on track and, shared with the right person, can help you stay accountable.

Build your exercises around real-world problems to gain an understanding of the language and its applications. Be patient and don’t give up! Learning any new skill takes time and dedication.

Good Luck with that, we hope that you succeed in your endeavour of learning JavaScript.

Pro Tip:

Stackoverflow is your best friend.

Whenever you face a problem or difficulty try to search for it in StackOverflow. I’m sure you will find the solution to your problem there 90% of the time.