JavaScript has never been hotter, thanks to projects like Node.js, JQuery and PhoneGap. You can now use JavaScript for scripting in the browser, for creating desktop and mobile applications, and for creating server side web applications. But how do you get started? We’ve compiled a list of six free books and tutorials for beginning programmers, but those with programming experience may find some of these resources valuable as well. Feel free to add more free resources in the comments.
Experienced programmers may also want to take a look at this StackOverflow thread on the subject, but most of the resources there aren’t free.
Eloquent JavaScript
Eloquent JavaScript is a JavaScript book by Marijn Haverbeke. The digital form is free, and a print version is forthcoming. The book assumes no prior programming experience. Of the books listed here, this one might have the most to offer experienced programmers looking to get started with JavaScript.
Sams Teach Yourself JavaScript in 24 Hours
Sams Teach Yourself JavaScript in 24 Hours by Michael Moncur is part of the well known series of Sams books.
Learn to Program with Javascript
Learn to Program with Javascript is a series of tutorials from About.com. As the title implies, no programming experience is required.
W3Schools JavaScript Tutorial
W3Schools is one of the most venerable and respected resources for online tutorials, and of course it has its own JavaScript tutorial. It also has a stash of JavaScript examples, including some advanced scripts.
Mozilla Developers Network JavaScript Guide
Mozilla Developers Network JavaScript Guide is recommended by W3Fools as an alternative to the W3Schools JavaScript tutorial (see here and here for details). It assumes basic knowledge of HTML, but does not require experience with programming languages.
Wikibooks JavaScript
The Wikibooks book on JavaScript isn’t finished yet, but it’s one to watch. If you’re an experienced JavaScript programmer looking for a way to give back to the community, maybe you could contribute to this book.
SitePoint’s JavaScript Tutorials
SitePoint is another well respected online source for tutorials and books. It has a few free tutorials, mostly as previews for its books. Its JavaScript Guru List is a good place to start.
Bonus: Douglas Crockford’s JavaScript Lectures
Well known JavaScript expert and JavaScript: The Good Parts author Douglas Crockford has a series of free lectures available on history of JavaScript, its features, and its use.
