Get Good at Javascript

Years ago when I first started doing web development, I hated Javascript. It was extremely problematic across multiple browsers, due to bugs and incompatibilities. We generally avoided it.

Fast forward to now and things have radically changed.

• Javascript is now essential
• Frameworks like jQuery have removed much of the pain from JavaScript programming, and have arguably made it FUN! This has resulted in a an explosion in the popularity of JavaScript.
• All web developers need to be proficient at JavaScript now.

So, if you are like me, you may know a bit about JavaScript - "enough to be dangerous," as they say - but you want to become properly proficient. After all, there's no point pasting bits of code from samples and hoping they'll work.

It's much safer for your clients, and more satisfying for you, if you understand the real intention behind Javascript, and the best ways to use it.

In such a fast-evolving area, the best thing to do is to follow the pace-setters. So here are a few recommended resources for helping you program JavaScript (and jQuery) in the best practice and modern way:

JavaScript:

• Start here: http://javascript.crockford.com/
• Book: JavaScript: The Good Parts by Douglas Crockford
  
• Many fantastic videos here (including videos to match the above book): Javascript videos @ Yahoo
• Big list of JavaScript tools 

jQuery:

• 25 tips to improve your jQuery
• 10 things I learned from the jQuery Source by Paul Irish

(More links to come - subscribe to the RSS feed to get them)