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Head First Series
Head First JavaScript Programming: A Brain-Friendly Guide
If you know HTML & CSS then you know all about web page style and structure; now it's time to give those pages some behavior, some interactivity. Want to understand that code you've been copying and pasting into your web pages? And do it in a way that won't put you to sleep? Then Head First JavaScript Programming is for you.
Learning a programming language is no easy task, but Head First JavaScript Programming uses puzzles, visuals, mysteries, interviews, and fun examples to make learning JavaScript fast, fun, and effective. But don't be fooled; you might be having a good time while you're learning JavaScript, but you're still learning all the serious stuff. Like how functions and objects work, what a callback is, how to interact with the web page using the Document Object Model, how to use arrays, and even what a closure is. JavaScript is one of the most popular languages in the world, and it's only getting more popular as the Web continues to grow. Learn JavaScript the Head First way, and get in on all the action.
Learning a programming language is no easy task, but Head First JavaScript Programming uses puzzles, visuals, mysteries, interviews, and fun examples to make learning JavaScript fast, fun, and effective. But don't be fooled; you might be having a good time while you're learning JavaScript, but you're still learning all the serious stuff. Like how functions and objects work, what a callback is, how to interact with the web page using the Document Object Model, how to use arrays, and even what a closure is. JavaScript is one of the most popular languages in the world, and it's only getting more popular as the Web continues to grow. Learn JavaScript the Head First way, and get in on all the action.
661 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2014
271 people are currently reading
789 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
August 16, 2020
Head First JavaScript offers one of the clearest guide to understanding the language basics and takes the reader to some of the advanced features of the language in a very helpful way.
I'm a big fan of Head First style and find it very helpful for self-taught students, without having to worry about every little thing out there. I've read the HF-Pyhon, HF-SQL and HF-HTML/CSS before, but I think this one is the best out of all of them. It's much more organized and one doesn't need much other knowledge to dive right in.
I'm a big fan of Head First style and find it very helpful for self-taught students, without having to worry about every little thing out there. I've read the HF-Pyhon, HF-SQL and HF-HTML/CSS before, but I think this one is the best out of all of them. It's much more organized and one doesn't need much other knowledge to dive right in.
June 2, 2015
I'm going through a coding boot camp now and am so glad that I went through most of this book before going. I knew very little about programming, having started out with Eloquent JavaScript, which was great and easy enough to understand after multiple iterations through Chapter 4. Once I started Chapter 5 (Higher Order Functions), I just about gave up and really questioned my decision to get into the field of CS/programming. I'm glad I picked up Head First JavaScript, which taught in a great, casual way that made the information stick. The explanations are thorough and straightforward and the bantering format really keep the book from getting dull. The exercises and solutions are excellent, really hammering in new knowledge and skills and giving the reader the chance for immediate feedback.
If you want to learn how program in JavaScript, this book is an absolute must-have. It's true that there are so many free online resources, but that can almost be more of a curse rather than a blessing. It gets very overwhelming to go through the plethora of websites and ebooks and this book gives the programming noob real structure that can be followed and is very logically sequenced and organized. My very highest praises to Eric Freeman and Elisabeth Robson, the authors and to Head First for this fabulous programming guide for beginners.
If you want to learn how program in JavaScript, this book is an absolute must-have. It's true that there are so many free online resources, but that can almost be more of a curse rather than a blessing. It gets very overwhelming to go through the plethora of websites and ebooks and this book gives the programming noob real structure that can be followed and is very logically sequenced and organized. My very highest praises to Eric Freeman and Elisabeth Robson, the authors and to Head First for this fabulous programming guide for beginners.
June 5, 2018
كنت قد بدأت بسلسلة كايل سيمبسون (أنت لا تعرف جافاسكربت)* وتوقفت عند الجزء الثاني عندما شعرت بصعوبة المتابعة، وأن الكاتب يتوجه في سلسلته إلى فئة لديها بعض المعرفة المسبقة في جافاسكربت أكثر مما كان لديّ. هكذا اخترت كتاب تعلم البرمجة من سلسلة "هيدفيرست" الشهيرة الموجهة بشكل أساسي لمن يرغب بتعلم البرمجة للمرة الأولى، وقد كان خيارًا أكثر من موفق.
لغة الكتاب سلسلة، وقرائته ممتعة رغم حجمه الذي يبدو كبيرا للوهلة الأولى، أساليب الشرح منوعة للغاية من ترتيب التعابير البرمجية، حل الكلمات المتقاطعة، إجراء مقابلات مع المفاهيم البرمجية، إدارة حوار بين عدّة أشخاص، إلى كتاب أكود بالقلم أو على الحاسب.
يتسلسل الكتاب من أساسيات المتغيرات، الثوابت، الحلقات، مرورًا بالدوال والكائنات والأنواع، وانتهاء بمواضيع متقدمة مثل البرمجة كائنية التوجه، الإغلاق** في الدوال وغيرها.
ساعدني الكتاب تحديدًا في الفصول المتقدمة، حيث قرأتُ تلك المفاهيم من مصادر أخرى سابقًا ولم أتمكن من فهمها تمامًا، لكن أسلوب هيدفرست كان أكثر من رائع. عدتُ بعد ذلك إلى المصادر التي كنت أستصعبها سابقًا و... واو، هاأنذا أعرف تماما ماذا يقصدون في كل سطر :)
إذا كنت ترغب بتعلم البرمجة للمرة الأولى أو وجدت صعوبة في المصادر التي بدأتَ معها أنصحك باختيار كتاب من هذه السلسلة
الكتاب يحتاج إلى تحديث (صدر في 2014) لا سيما لجعله متوافقا مع ES6
* YDKJS
** Closures
لغة الكتاب سلسلة، وقرائته ممتعة رغم حجمه الذي يبدو كبيرا للوهلة الأولى، أساليب الشرح منوعة للغاية من ترتيب التعابير البرمجية، حل الكلمات المتقاطعة، إجراء مقابلات مع المفاهيم البرمجية، إدارة حوار بين عدّة أشخاص، إلى كتاب أكود بالقلم أو على الحاسب.
يتسلسل الكتاب من أساسيات المتغيرات، الثوابت، الحلقات، مرورًا بالدوال والكائنات والأنواع، وانتهاء بمواضيع متقدمة مثل البرمجة كائنية التوجه، الإغلاق** في الدوال وغيرها.
ساعدني الكتاب تحديدًا في الفصول المتقدمة، حيث قرأتُ تلك المفاهيم من مصادر أخرى سابقًا ولم أتمكن من فهمها تمامًا، لكن أسلوب هيدفرست كان أكثر من رائع. عدتُ بعد ذلك إلى المصادر التي كنت أستصعبها سابقًا و... واو، هاأنذا أعرف تماما ماذا يقصدون في كل سطر :)
إذا كنت ترغب بتعلم البرمجة للمرة الأولى أو وجدت صعوبة في المصادر التي بدأتَ معها أنصحك باختيار كتاب من هذه السلسلة
الكتاب يحتاج إلى تحديث (صدر في 2014) لا سيما لجعله متوافقا مع ES6
* YDKJS
** Closures
January 21, 2021
برای منی که به صورت کاملا تجربی، به حد رفع ضرورت جاوااسکریپت یادگرفته بودم، گزینه خوبی بود. چون جذاب بود و با روایت ساده و داستان گونه، خشکی و خسته کنندگی معمول این مباحث رو کم کرده بود و احتمال فراموشی رو هم، چون با طرح مسئله و حلش همراه بود، کم کرده بود.
نکته جالب این بود که این کتاب، برای کسی که اطلاعات حداقلی از برنامه نویسی داره هم خوب بود، و همین باعث می شد یکی مثل من که سالهاست در این حوزه مشغوله، دو سه فصل اول را با حوصله کمتری نسبت به سایر فصول بخونه.
مشکل بزرگی که با این کتاب داشتم، که البته مشکل کتاب نبود، مشکل زمان بود، این بود که کتاب در سال ۲۰۱۴ و قبل از تحول چشمگیر جاوااسکریپت در ۲۰۱۵ نوشته شده و خوب طبیعتا یک سری مباحث پوشش داده نشدند.
دوم اینکه اینکه این کتاب برای جاوااسکریپت کارها، چندان مناسب نیست، چون اونها احتمالا دنبال یک مرجع کامل هستند که خود کتاب هم در مواقعی که چیزی رو پوشش نداده به کتاب JavaScript The Definitive Guide ارجاع داده که از قضا سال ۲۰۲۰ ویرایش هفتمش هم اومده.
در مجموع از خوندنش راضیام ترسم رو از برنامهنویسی با زبانهایی مثل جاوااسکریپت کم کرد. هرچند که خوندن این کتاب برای یک برنامه نویس حرفهای شدن جاوااسکریپت کتاب کافی محسوب نمی شه اما برای شروع گزینه خوبیه، مخصوصا اگر ویراست جدیدش بیاد.
نکته جالب این بود که این کتاب، برای کسی که اطلاعات حداقلی از برنامه نویسی داره هم خوب بود، و همین باعث می شد یکی مثل من که سالهاست در این حوزه مشغوله، دو سه فصل اول را با حوصله کمتری نسبت به سایر فصول بخونه.
مشکل بزرگی که با این کتاب داشتم، که البته مشکل کتاب نبود، مشکل زمان بود، این بود که کتاب در سال ۲۰۱۴ و قبل از تحول چشمگیر جاوااسکریپت در ۲۰۱۵ نوشته شده و خوب طبیعتا یک سری مباحث پوشش داده نشدند.
دوم اینکه اینکه این کتاب برای جاوااسکریپت کارها، چندان مناسب نیست، چون اونها احتمالا دنبال یک مرجع کامل هستند که خود کتاب هم در مواقعی که چیزی رو پوشش نداده به کتاب JavaScript The Definitive Guide ارجاع داده که از قضا سال ۲۰۲۰ ویرایش هفتمش هم اومده.
در مجموع از خوندنش راضیام ترسم رو از برنامهنویسی با زبانهایی مثل جاوااسکریپت کم کرد. هرچند که خوندن این کتاب برای یک برنامه نویس حرفهای شدن جاوااسکریپت کتاب کافی محسوب نمی شه اما برای شروع گزینه خوبیه، مخصوصا اگر ویراست جدیدش بیاد.
November 25, 2015
Another great HoF series book. A great update to the nowadays old 2007 HeadFirst JS book.
This one keeps the beginner-friendly attitude, while tackling JavaScript's mostly misunderstood perks.
However the question remains, is JavaScript the appropriate first programming language? In my opinion Python is better suited.
This one keeps the beginner-friendly attitude, while tackling JavaScript's mostly misunderstood perks.
However the question remains, is JavaScript the appropriate first programming language? In my opinion Python is better suited.
August 7, 2023
Don't read this book, not because it's bad, but because it's old.
January 14, 2022
This fun book really helped me grasp the fundamentals of JavaScript really well. It can get a little difficult in the later chapters due to the advance concepts of OOP and function expressions. The interactive assignments are perfect if if you are a right-brained individual, or a person that wants a different learning approach to JavaScript. The only issue is that it's too old now in 2022 with JavaScript being in ECMAScript 6 (Since 2015) Supplement this book with Free Code Camp to get brought up to speed if you are reading this book. Hopefully they come out with a new edition soon!
August 31, 2019
Extremely comprehensive for a beginner book. Tackles some fairly high level stuff with very digestible code examples. Might be the best beginner book in any language.
It explains object oriented programming, inheritance, execution contexts, lexical scope etc. much better than other way more advanced books.
Would be pretty good to read or reread for any level programmer, since it solidifies ones terminology without requiring too much work.
Would be great if they did a ES6 book too.
The cover art is horrendous.
It explains object oriented programming, inheritance, execution contexts, lexical scope etc. much better than other way more advanced books.
Would be pretty good to read or reread for any level programmer, since it solidifies ones terminology without requiring too much work.
Would be great if they did a ES6 book too.
The cover art is horrendous.
May 8, 2017
A lot of the JavaScript instructional material I had been using earlier was fine at instructing me in the use of the language but did absolutely nothing to show me actually how to integrate it into client-side programming. This title in the Head First series does that. If you're experienced with programming in general, be aware that a lot of the material is going to be really really entry-level and perhaps annoying, but I certainly got something useful out of it.
June 1, 2018
I like how the Head First books present information. They don't just shove information into your head: they make sure you are engaged with it, that you see it from different perspectives, and you work with the concepts so they are internalized. Clearly there's a lot to learn about using JavaScript after I've finished reading this book, but I do feel like I now have a foundation to build upon. Overall I think this is one of the best software development books I have read.
The first seven chapters were pretty skimmable for me because I already have programming experience, but they'd be good for someone who is coming in from a different background. The remaining chapters were good for helping me learn how JavaScript is different from other languages I already know. (And in some ways it is _quite_ different.)
I like that the appendix introduces additional important concepts without going into too much detail. Anything else would have been too much for this book, and anything less would have been irresponsible.
I do wish the book had talked about validating inputs for functions, but maybe that's just my strongly-typed programming background talking.
I did find some typos toward the end of the book, but nothing major. At least all the example code looks like it would run.
The first seven chapters were pretty skimmable for me because I already have programming experience, but they'd be good for someone who is coming in from a different background. The remaining chapters were good for helping me learn how JavaScript is different from other languages I already know. (And in some ways it is _quite_ different.)
I like that the appendix introduces additional important concepts without going into too much detail. Anything else would have been too much for this book, and anything less would have been irresponsible.
I do wish the book had talked about validating inputs for functions, but maybe that's just my strongly-typed programming background talking.
I did find some typos toward the end of the book, but nothing major. At least all the example code looks like it would run.
May 28, 2017
I really love this book. I had done several JavaScript tutorials online before this book, but nothing taught me as well as this book. They dig in and really explain the concepts, which is great for me as a newcomer to these ideas. The content is engaging, I loved doing the exercises, and I feel like a learned a lot working through this book. The book takes on a lot of topics, from the easy starting points to more challenging and complicated topics that had previously confused me, like closures. I feel like a have a better grasp of the vocabulary, structure, and syntax of JavaScript after working through this book. I highly recommend it to new programmers learning one of their first languages.
May 29, 2018
Some important things I get from this book:
DOM or Document Object Model is a translate from HTML to JavaScript that browser create to help dev manipulate any interaction.
Parameters in a function are like variables. They are passed by value.
Asynchronous event is a type of event that is called at an unknown moment when the page is running.
Closure is important. We make it by passing a function to another function.
If a property or method is not in an object, sometimes it is in its prototype and the browser may search in there when a method or property is called.
Everything in JS is object
DOM or Document Object Model is a translate from HTML to JavaScript that browser create to help dev manipulate any interaction.
Parameters in a function are like variables. They are passed by value.
Asynchronous event is a type of event that is called at an unknown moment when the page is running.
Closure is important. We make it by passing a function to another function.
If a property or method is not in an object, sometimes it is in its prototype and the browser may search in there when a method or property is called.
Everything in JS is object
April 8, 2020
The book introduces the very basics of JavaScript to its reader quite thoroughly, although unfortunately this instruction is presented in a messy format, which-together with the pointless images and "humor"-I found more confusing than educational. The document object model was under-represented, and, as this book was published before 2015, it also lacks any of the functionalities of ES6, so the reader will find no instruction in the book for ES6-related content, such as let, arrow functions, template literals, for-of iteration or REST operators.
November 5, 2016
საკმაოდ კარგი წიგნია, მაგრამ ნუბებისთვისაა და მომენტებში ძალიან მოსაწყენი იყო.
What happens if I compare a number, like 99, to a string, like “ninety-nine”, that can’t be converted to a number? - ეს კითხვა ეპიკი იყო :დ
What happens if I compare a number, like 99, to a string, like “ninety-nine”, that can’t be converted to a number? - ეს კითხვა ეპიკი იყო :დ
August 20, 2022
O'Reilly books are generally solid programming tutorials. This was my first in the Head First series, which appears to have a more fun, whimsical tone. I've done a bit of JavaScript programming, but I generally do database management and other back end work. I picked this up because I figured I was long overdue to take a deeper dive and get some experience. Very satisfied with it. Freeman and Robson do a great job.
In terms of the technical stuff, they cover everything I would expect them to. The practice exercises are pretty straightforward, not too steep a learning curve for anyone new to programming. They acknowledge some of the, ahem, more strange, perhaps controversial matters (like stylistic preferences or what's "right" vs "practical"), without taking sides. You get a decent introduction to some key concepts like event handling, closures, and prototypes. For an intro tutorial, it's all you could expect.
In terms of the style, this may be part of the Head First series but they take a fun, light approach drawing from pop culture and some lighthearted humor. They dad jokes as mnemonic devices, but they do a great job with it. While I was reading it I kept thinking that if I were 10 years old I would absolutely love this, and convince myself I was becoming some kind of super hacker. At 40, I'm a far cry from a hacker but I still appreciate the approach. When I'm on the job, I do prefer the dry technical stuff just because it's to the point, but for a tutorial they really nailed it.
A great intro to JavaScript and one of the better intros to programming I've come across.
In terms of the technical stuff, they cover everything I would expect them to. The practice exercises are pretty straightforward, not too steep a learning curve for anyone new to programming. They acknowledge some of the, ahem, more strange, perhaps controversial matters (like stylistic preferences or what's "right" vs "practical"), without taking sides. You get a decent introduction to some key concepts like event handling, closures, and prototypes. For an intro tutorial, it's all you could expect.
In terms of the style, this may be part of the Head First series but they take a fun, light approach drawing from pop culture and some lighthearted humor. They dad jokes as mnemonic devices, but they do a great job with it. While I was reading it I kept thinking that if I were 10 years old I would absolutely love this, and convince myself I was becoming some kind of super hacker. At 40, I'm a far cry from a hacker but I still appreciate the approach. When I'm on the job, I do prefer the dry technical stuff just because it's to the point, but for a tutorial they really nailed it.
A great intro to JavaScript and one of the better intros to programming I've come across.
September 1, 2020
Great place to start if one wants to learn programming fundamentals like functions, arrays, objects, methods in Javascript. It is actually fun to learn with awesome examples and exercises that are just the right level of hard, everything is explained in detail and it's written in such way and style that supports the retention of the material.
Learning this stuff I find the retention part the hardest, it has me questioning my memory..not sure if it's me or there just is so much of it that if I move too fast, it gets overwritten by later stuff.
Learning this stuff I find the retention part the hardest, it has me questioning my memory..not sure if it's me or there just is so much of it that if I move too fast, it gets overwritten by later stuff.
August 23, 2023
Before reading this book, all books about programming I've read were severe and kinda dull because they had a mission to teach readers systematically and thoroughly. Those books would list all basic knowledge meticulously with old-hat examples and countless code pages. They treat readers as 'students'.
This book tries to be a friend to readers. Honestly, this book covers part of Javascript programming knowledge, which makes some adept programmers disappointed. Readers can find official terms or descriptions far less than those "serious books".
I like this book and its way of teaching.
This book tries to be a friend to readers. Honestly, this book covers part of Javascript programming knowledge, which makes some adept programmers disappointed. Readers can find official terms or descriptions far less than those "serious books".
I like this book and its way of teaching.
March 10, 2025
Fantastic Book for Learning JavaScript!
Head First JavaScript is an excellent resource for anyone looking to strengthen their JavaScript fundamentals. The book is easy to follow, engaging, and well-structured, making even complex concepts feel approachable. The interactive style and real-world examples helped me feel more secure in my understanding of JavaScript fundamentals, reinforcing key concepts in a way that sticks.
Head First JavaScript is an excellent resource for anyone looking to strengthen their JavaScript fundamentals. The book is easy to follow, engaging, and well-structured, making even complex concepts feel approachable. The interactive style and real-world examples helped me feel more secure in my understanding of JavaScript fundamentals, reinforcing key concepts in a way that sticks.
March 21, 2020
My six-word memoir: Practical knowledge about programming made easy.
This is another great book from the HeadFirst series. Read it to gain very good knowledge about JavaScript. Very basic HTML and CSS knowledge required. The last three chapters were very difficult to understand. Especially the topic about closures. I highly recommend this book.
This is another great book from the HeadFirst series. Read it to gain very good knowledge about JavaScript. Very basic HTML and CSS knowledge required. The last three chapters were very difficult to understand. Especially the topic about closures. I highly recommend this book.
November 17, 2024
I read this book to rebuild my understanding of JavaScript because I want to learn the React library. It turns out this book is really great! It taught me a lot about the fundamentals of JavaScript. I think for JS Developer who want to know more about JS or even someone know nothing about JS and start from nothing, this book is perfect.
July 18, 2025
\Flipping through youtube on a quiet evening, I saw posts about online casinos. Wanted a site with fun slots and solid security. Cosmo Casino , a Canadian gem, has a huge game library and crisp graphics. The mobile compatibility is ace, and there are heaps of promos. On my opinion, it’s a great spot for some casual gaming fun.
February 6, 2020
This is my second completed Head First book. I like the format and Elisabeth Robson and Eric Freeman are excellent authors. Once you get over the non-traditional presentation, the books are actually fun to read and work the exercises, helping to instill the concepts.
December 8, 2024
1. Стиль книги, який подають як веселий та легкий, для мене був дратливим та зайвим;
2. Книга була написана ще до виходу ES6, тож багато тем сучасного JS тут не згадується. Можна на це дивитися як на вивчення основ, але див. пункт 1
2. Книга була написана ще до виходу ES6, тож багато тем сучасного JS тут не згадується. Можна на це дивитися як на вивчення основ, але див. пункт 1
January 2, 2019
This is a great book to start learning JavaScript. Know first the fundamentals instead of focusing on frameworks.
January 29, 2019
You want to know the basic concepts of Javascript and build a fun project. Give this book a shoot
December 18, 2019
Fun and interesting way to learn JavaScript. Gives great explanation and small projects to put into action what you learn. I recommend this to anyone wanting to learn to code.
March 31, 2020
If the authors are confident that everything is an object....
am I evil for objectifying women now?
am I evil for objectifying women now?
June 16, 2020
10 🌟 really.
It explains JavaScript programming concepts like you would a toddler which in my opinion is the only way to explain any programming concepts.
Best book for beginners.
It explains JavaScript programming concepts like you would a toddler which in my opinion is the only way to explain any programming concepts.
Best book for beginners.
July 13, 2020
buen libro para principiantes
September 25, 2020
Excellent! Clearly written, fun to follow. Started with no knowledge of the topic and it took me to understanding many aspects of JavaScript. Highly recommended for beginners like myself.
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