I've been coding in multiple languages, but for some reason, JavaScript just isn't clicking with me—even after countless attempts to learn it. I've got a decent grasp on how the DOM works, and I've played around with some basic functions. I even built the backend for a GNOME desklet, which required diving into JS documentation. However, when it comes to JavaScript, there's still a significant gap in my understanding.
For this hackathon, while I easily whipped up a core debugger in Python (with a little help from LLMs), the JS section totally stumped me. I struggled with executing anonymous functions and felt overwhelmed by trying to "just do it" without really grasping the concepts.
I do have a web tool that utilizes advanced JavaScript functionality, but I'm not aiming for that level right now. I want to focus on the fundamentals that developers often use—like making API calls and managing data efficiently. I understand the theory but need help with the practical application. What are some resources or tips that can actually help me get a solid foundation in JavaScript?
5 Answers
It's good that you're diving into JavaScript, but be careful trying to learn just through trial and error. You don't need to understand every little detail about anonymous functions to use JS effectively, especially when working with APIs. Have you checked out the Fetch API documentation? It's pretty straightforward for making API calls. Also, understanding JSON is crucial since most APIs return data in that format, so make sure you're comfortable with it.
You mentioned making API calls; XMLHttpRequest and XMLHttpRequest-based Ajax are options, but I recommend using the Fetch API. It's more modern and easier to work with. Just remember to handle the responses correctly, especially if you're working with JSON!
If you're looking for a resource, try reading 'You Don't Know JS' series. It's super helpful for covering the intricacies of JS, making them easier to grasp.
The hardest part about JavaScript for me was wrapping my head around callbacks and async functions, especially coming from Python. But once I got those concepts down, the rest started to make more sense. Both languages are dynamically typed, so there are similarities, but the async patterns are definitely new if you're not used to them.
It helps to ask specific questions to get better answers. If you're feeling stuck with certain JS functions, like `textContent` or `className`, maybe try breaking down small code snippets and looking them up individually. Sometimes, understanding the surrounding context helps clear things up.
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