I'm a beginner to intermediate developer currently working on a small app mainly for learning. I've previously used TypeScript and React, but this time I want to stick with vanilla JavaScript and utilize the DOM and Web APIs. My goal is to keep things simple to better understand the fundamental concepts without the help of frameworks or libraries. I wish to learn how to structure my code effectively and determine whether I should pursue object-oriented programming or functional programming styles. I'm also unsure about the limits of the basic web technologies and whether I need a database or if I can just use JSON or objects in my code. Ultimately, I'm looking for guidance on resources or topics that will help me make informed decisions in building a minimalistic app and understanding core web technologies.
4 Answers
Starting with vanilla JavaScript is a smart move; it will really help you grasp the foundations before diving into frameworks. For your project, using JSON files for storage is totally fine since you're just learning, and you don't need a database for that. Just keep your data in a module and import it wherever necessary. Regarding code architecture, don't get too tied up in choosing between object-oriented or functional programming right now. Focus on writing small, single-purpose functions and break them down if they get complex. You'll find that intuitive approach will serve you better than rigid patterns. For books, I'd suggest skipping 'Clean Code' for now; it doesn't deliver the freshest insights. Instead, try going through the MDN docs for the APIs you're using—it's dry but incredibly valuable. After that, check out 'JavaScript: The Good Parts' for a concise overview. Once you get the hang of event delegation and the module pattern, understanding React and Vue will become much easier!
As a self-taught front-end developer who is now a tech lead, two fantastic resources I recommend are 'You Don’t Know JS' by Kyle Simpson and the 'Hard Parts of JavaScript' course by Will Sentance. They really dig deep into JavaScript concepts. Frontend Masters has top-notch classes too. On Udemy, Stephen Grider explains things well, focusing on good practices. Just make sure you're okay with pacing yourself. Diving into too many topics at once can be overwhelming! I'm happy to share more of my learning journey and exercises if you're interested.
If you're looking for resources, I highly recommend checking out Wes Bos' JavaScript course at beginnerjavascript.com. It’s focused on plain JavaScript and helps you build real projects, giving you a solid foundation for using frameworks later on!
Practical experience is key! Go for small projects that challenge you—real paying projects if possible. They boost engagement and enhance your learning experience. When it comes to databases, I recommend looking into PostgreSQL when you're ready. It can handle a lot and will be beneficial in your developer journey!

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