JavaScript is the behavior, the third pillar in today's paradigm that looks at web pages as something that consists of clearly distinguishable parts: content (HTML), presentation (CSS) and behavior (JavaScript). Using JavaScript, you can create not only web pages but also desktop widgets, browser and application extensions, and other pieces of software. It's a pretty good deal: you learn one language and then code all kinds of different applications. While there's one chapter specifically dedicated to the web browser environment including DOM, Events and AJAX tutorials, the rest is applicable to the other environments

Many web developers have tried coding or adopting some bits of JavaScript, but it is time to "man up" and learn the language properly because it is the language of the browser and is, virtually, everywhere. This book starts from zero, not assuming any prior JavaScript programming knowledge and takes you through all the in-depth and exciting futures hidden behind the facade.

Once listed in the "nice to have" sections of job postings, these days the knowledge of JavaScript is a deciding factor when it comes to hiring web developers. After reading this book you'll be prepared to ace your JavaScript job interview and even impress with some bits that the interviewer maybe didn't know. You should read this book if you want to be able to take your JavaScript skills to a new level of sophistication.

What you will learn from this book

• The basics of object-oriented programming, and how to apply it in the JavaScript environment
• How to set up and use your training environment (Firebug)
• In depth discussion of data types, operators, and flow control statements in JavaScript
• In depth discussion of functions, function usage patterns, and variable scope
• Understand how prototypes work
• Reuse code with common patterns for inheritance
• Make your programs cleaner, faster and compatible with other programs and libraries
• Use object-oriented JavaScript for improving script performance
• Achieve missing object-oriented features in JavaScript

Approach

You will first be introduced to object-oriented programming, then to the basics of objects in JavaScript. This book takes a do-it-yourself approach when it comes to writing code, because the best way to really learn a programming language is by writing code. You are encouraged to type code into Firebug's console, see how it works and then tweak it and play around with it. There are practice questions at the end of each chapter to help you review what you have learned.

Who this book is written for

For new to intermediate JavaScript developer who wants to prepare themselves for web development problems solved by smart JavaScript!