Today we have a book review for beginning coders who want to learn javascript. I fall into this category because I want to specialize in this particular coding language since I want to be a web developer.So I took the liberty upon myself to go to barnes and noble and bought this book on the subject called "Javascript For Kids" by Nick Morgan.But why would you buy a book for kids Courey? My reasoning behind this is, if a subject as complex as coding can be broken down for kids to understand, then I think that would be a great way for me to start. I think it was Albert Einstein who said "
Genius is taking the complex and making it simple."
For me that is one philosophy in my life I like to live by.So I picked it up and began to read. Let's just say my eyes and understanding was opened to what javascript is and how it can be used as a web application and yet so much more.Some of the things I gained from this book I will go over in this review from what I saw and gained in 5 areas
Lets start this review off with the subject of the matter. As I stated in the intro, and the book title, this book is primarily about learning to code in javascript. This book targets beginners who has never coded before in this language and would like to learn. It first breaks down the definition of javascript, the history of the language, and where it has grown today; all while giving examples of where we can see Javascript at work. Not only that but some simple guidance and best practices for reading a book like this on the language.If it's your first time being introduced to the language, just these first insights will catch your interests. I know it did mine.
Moving on from the intro of the book we begin to get into the meat and potatoes of the book. However, it will build you up slowly before you get to the full course meal. It's more like preparing the meal with all the ingredients before you get to the entree.So the book begins slowly with how javascript is written, or the syntax of the language, to data types, arrays, objects, and conditional statements. Each building on top of each other. What I thought was a cool aspect and give me a much better understanding was how javascript is integrated. We find out Javascript interacts with the html document.Before I read this book, for some reason I had no idea how javascript worked within the realm of web development. Rather I did not think that it would interact with the html document. i don't know why.Not only does it show you how they connect together, Nick gives a brief introduction of how to create an html document in order to see what you have been learning to take affect. In a sense, you get to learn two programming languages, since you need them both to actual operate.
As stated before the book builds upon each topic. You can't make a meal without knowing what ingredients are needed. So after he defines what Javascript is used for and why you should learn it, he then presents the fundamental building blocks that make up the language. Fundamentals from datatypes that make a variable to how to use a variable to create functions.What I enjoyed most about this book was the easy read. He wrote the book in a way that was easy and simple to grasp the concepts. I see why its says for kids because it laid out with simplistic terms that won't throw you in a loop with no return value. That's a javascript joke : ) sorry couldn't resist.I learned that through the book.In fact I'm taking courses on treehouse house to learn front end development and because of the book I feel like I had a better concept of the Javascript section.
When it comes to learning I like to go at my own pace and I don't think of myself as fast reader, but with this book I felt like I couldn't put this book down. In fact I still haven't. I'm still reading it again and practicing the exercises and projects presented in the book.So what I learned was, first and foremost, what javascript was and how it was used for. I haven't looked into other programming languages but reading what some of the capabilities of what Javascript can do I'm a little excited and interested in learning more.I seen that it's more than just adding interactivity to websites but can create games and even control robots. Growing up I kind of been interested in these topics, more towards robots. So for me it opened up the possibilities to what I can do if, and I will, take this program language seriously.It also adds animation to your html document. I think the biggest take away for me though, was the fact how I know now how javascript interacts with the html file. This concept alone blew my mind away.It's the small things in life that can take your breath away.The final take away...
This is the good part. I know you been waiting for this section the whole time. I mean if you read all the way to this point I think you should of seen some of the benefits already. However, I will still list some of the benefits of having this book in your arsenal of development library. So the benefits can be laid out as...
So there you have it, my review and experience on the book "Javascript for kids" by Nick Morgan. I think he is a good author and will most likely look into other books this publishing company has to offer.Hope this review helps and I would recommend it for anyone trying to learn the program or just even have as a reference.If you would love to check the book out yourself check it out with the link below.
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