JavaScript for Beginners: Your Guide to Learning to Code

TLDR: JavaScript is one of the most beginner-friendly and widely used programming languages, making it an excellent choice for new coders. With free courses, YouTube tutorials, and coding challenges, learning JavaScript has never been easier. Whether you want to build websites, apps, or games, JavaScript provides a solid foundation for launching a tech career.

Are you new to the world of coding and software development? JavaScript is a fantastic first programming language to learn, and here's why it's a great choice for beginners looking to dive into programming and web development.

Why Learn JavaScript?

JavaScript is widely used, beginner-friendly, and highly versatile. Here’s why JavaScript is a good coding language for beginners:

• It’s everywhere: JavaScript powers the web, making it essential for building websites and web applications.
• It’s relatively easy to learn: JavaScript has a forgiving syntax compared to other programming languages, making it accessible for beginners.
• It’s versatile: Knowing JavaScript allows you to create websites, mobile apps, and even games.

Top Resources for Learning JavaScript

Thanks to the wealth of resources available, learning JavaScript has never been easier. Whether through online courses, YouTube tutorials, or coding challenges, beginners have plenty of opportunities to practice and refine their skills.

Take Free Online JavaScript Courses for Beginners

Taking online courses is an excellent first step to learning JavaScript. There are many different courses available for free. Many options are self-paced, so you don't have to worry about falling behind or feeling rushed. 

Here's a list of the top four free online JavaScript courses for beginners, ideal for those preparing to apply to a coding bootcamp:

1. Learn JavaScript (Scrimba): Offers over 140 interactive coding challenges and four projects, including a Chrome Extension. A hands-on approach to learning JavaScript fundamentals in a 10.38-hour course.
2. JavaScript Algorithms and Data Structures (freeCodeCamp): This comprehensive course covers basic JavaScript, ES6, regular expressions, basic data structures, Object-Oriented Programming, and functional programming. It's interactive and concludes with certification upon completion.
3. Learn JavaScript (Codecademy): This course provides a concise introduction to JavaScript fundamentals in about 20 hours. It includes 11 lessons covering conditionals, functions, arrays, and more, making it ideal for absolute beginners​.
4. Intro to Coding (Code Platoon):  Intro to Coding is a free, self-paced online course designed especially for beginners. This 11-session course featuring seven hours of video instruction will teach you two things: JavaScript fundamentals—including JavaScript syntax—and problem-solving. The course is also offered in a live, online format taught by experienced Code Platoon instructors.

Follow Along with JavaScript Tutorials on YouTube

Many free JavaScript video tutorials and YouTube channels cater to beginners. Here are three popular choices:

• Clever Programmer: Run by Rafeh Qazi, this channel offers fun, interactive JavaScript tutorials with a focus on web development.
• Codecademy: Provides step-by-step beginner-friendly JavaScript Guides for absolute beginners.
• Code Platoon: As a nonprofit coding bootcamp, Code Platoon makes all of our program lectures available for free on our YouTube channel. This includes our Intro to Coding JavaScript course. (We also have an Intro to Coding Python course available.)

Practice with JavaScript Coding Challenges

Practicing coding challenges helps reinforce JavaScript concepts and problem-solving skills. A great platform to check out is:

• Codewars: Features a variety of challenges with a strong community aspect, allowing users to create and solve problems collaboratively.

JavaScript: Your Stepping Stone to a Career in Tech

JavaScript's flexibility and its extensive supportive community make it an outstanding first choice for individuals venturing into coding and software development. For those at the starting point of their tech journey, learning JavaScript is a strategic move. It lays a solid foundation for a career in web development or software engineering. 

As you grow more comfortable with the basics, consider taking the next step with an Immersive coding bootcamp like Code Platoon. Bootcamps provide structured training to help you transition into a tech career, equipping you with the hands-on experience needed for a successful tech career.