As I’ve said many times before, “There’s always a better way and more than one solution!” The sentiments of this statement are echoed by the many ways a solution can be programmed using any of the many available languages including JavaScript.
Although I’ve been working with JavaScript for a number of years, I continue to discover interesting nuances in the language. The learning never stops and is an inherent part of the intrigue that is programming.
While many solutions exist, some techniques and methods of programming are preferred over others. Once you’ve mastered the basics of JavaScript, the programming challenges you are prepared to accept will inevitably become more complex.
Learning to address various coding problems is directly dependent on the knowledge and tools with which you are already familiar. Be reminded however that just because they work doesn’t mean they are as effective or as efficient as they could be.
On this premise, I consider programming as a learning continuum. Books and videos tend to serve as my primary sources of learning and reference. In the case of JavaScript, one such book is:
- Effective JavaScript – 68 Specific Ways to Harness the Power of JavaScript, by David Herman (Addison-Wesley, ISBN-13: 978-0-321-81218-6 / ISBN-10: 0-321-81218-2).
Effective JavaScript presents detailed examples of what NOT to do and why followed by effective solutions to resolve the concerns identified. The examples are succinct and clearly demonstrate complex ideologies in a simple, straightforward manner. I have learned more from this book than most could begin to offer.
Learning how to code is only one aspect of programming. Understanding how your code (or the language) works and why is another. Effective JavaScript does both with a greater emphasis on the latter. You will save yourself many hours of debugging your code when you have a clear understanding of what JavaScript can do when used correctly.
Of course, there is always Google, however, the information is typically solution oriented without the full benefit of scope or context. As I’ve said before, “Be careful who teaches you.” Unless you understand the code you are using, resorting to a “searched” solution may be cause for more trouble than it’s worth.
Until Next Time – STAY lean!
Related Articles and Resources
- Mastering Clean Code in JavaScript [Video], Save time and effort by learning efficient coding techniques, by Dimitris Loukas, ISBN #: 9781788999588, Packt Publishing Limited.