Even though I am using jQuery already and getting my head around JavaScript, from me it is still worthwhile hearing another person explaining the same topic to me again. There are always extras and take-aways. Knowing so many people have good things to say about this book, I can now say the same about JavaScript & jQuery: Interactive Front-end Web Development by Jon Duckett.
These days I prefer to buy an electronic version of the book and perhaps save a tree. When I realised there was non available, a week later it arrived, unexpected quite heavy. Paging through the book it all makes sense. All the explanations are set up in a very easy digestible way, complimented by the most beautiful design and layout.
See for yourself in the video below:
Flipping Through JavaScript & jQuery from UX Magazine on Vimeo.
This book has an easy–to–grasp visual approach to teaching JavaScript & jQuery through the use of inspiring code examples, infographics, and photography. The content start off with assuming you have no previous programming experience, besides how to create a basic web page using HTML & CSS.
The first few chapters introduce core programming concepts such as functions, methods, objects, decisions, loops and the DOM. Then using it in JavaScript and jQuery. Even if you are using JavaScript and/or jQuery already, the diagrams and examples are still inspiring in these chapters.
My favourite part of the book are the chapters on Ajax, JSON and APIs. Using JavaScript to create scripts from scratch, but then also covering using jQuery instead, to simplify the code.
Before moving on to more fun stuff, the book also include a chapter on error handling & debugging. It shows how to find errors in your code and what the errors mean in console. It also covers how to write scripts that deal with potential errors gracefully.
Towards the end of the book, are chapters discussing how to achieve certain content panels seen on many websites, such as accordions, tabbed panels, modal windows / lightboxes, a photo viewer and a responsive slider. These techniques also include adding animation, latest practices in progressive enhancement, cross–browser compatibility, and when you may be better off using CSS3.
The second last chapter goes over dealing with loads of data. Discussing three techniques such as filtering, search and sorting and how to store the data when working with these techniques.
Last, but definitely not least – how to use JavaScript property and methods to enhance each form element. Also how to use HTML5 form elements to offer validation to old and new browsers in a consistent way. It also contains a thorough example, writing a script that validates and enhances a form.
The book also comes with reference files that can be downloaded. This makes it useful to follow and play around with code.
The only caveat I can think of buying this book, would be the actual weight of the book. Carrying this one around in my handbag for a couple of weeks, to read whilst commuting… strong shoulders…
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