Resources for Learning Javascript

Recently I received an email asking me what resources for learning javascript I’d reccomend. I thought there might be other people who would benefit from my reply, so here it is. 
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For Beginners

You’d do well to start with, in order:

• Javascript the Good Parts (@johnkpaul suggests Eloquant Javascript instead)
• Javascript Patterns
• Javascript Web Applications

These books are great resources for beginners.  The best javascript book for beginners is probably Eloquant Javascript or Javascript The Good Parts.  I’ll cover some resources for learning advanced javascript later.  

I would also checkout Codeacademy too as you, like me, might find learning code from a  book quite difficult.  They have great online interactive javascript tutorials that you can take at your own pace, from complete beginner to some quite advance stuff (thanks @vicytnz).

Tools

 JsLint (Super strict) or JsHint (less strict) are great resources as they validate your code. They will pick up syntax errors, but they will also help you learn best practice. I run my code through jsHint for Sublime Text 2 before I deploy it, or as I get unexpected behaviour.  

You’ll need an in-depth knowledge of browser consoles too and Javascript debugging for beginners is a great resource for learning about the debugging tools available in modern browsers.

Learning jQuery

For starting jQuery I’d recommend my workshop (Tweet me to book a place). Or just setting yourself very small UI tasks (a tabs system, a modal window) and learning small UI piece at a time.

Honestly though the best way to learn jQuery is to not rely on pluggins.  It may not always be recommended but it will allow you to learn jQuery.  Besides, often its harder to hack a pluggin into shape than it is to write something from scratch.

Advanced Javascript Resources

Once you are comfortable with Javascript I’d then recommend Javascript Masterclass by Thomas Fuch’s & Amy Hoy, its not cheap but it is great value for money as its an intensive learning resource.  Its allowed me to  safely ignore some of the best practice that I had previously taken for granted and its put into sharp focus a lot of the concepts that were still slightly blurry.  Thank you to Thap for sending me on this workshop.

I’d also recommend Addy Osmani’s blog.  He writes extensively about advanced javascript  and its latest developments, he’s even released a few great free books on Modular Javascript, Patterns for Large Scale Javascript and Learning Javascript Design patterns.  Even if you dont understand his content straight away, learning by osmosis does no harm.