If you would like to look at a specific answer to the question, how long does it take to learn the JavaScript language, then the answer is around a month to a year. Of course, that’s an extensive range, but it all depends on how much time you can devote to learning. For example, new developers can learn the absolute basics within a couple of hours – but to become a JavaScript developer, you’re certainly looking at longer.
These numbers can change according to circumstances such as the approach one takes to learn this language, what tips they follow during the process and from which sources they learn it. It depends on the number of hours you’re willing to dedicate to the process.
What Is JavaScript?
JavaScript is an interesting language used in developing web pages, and it often works along HyperText Markup Language (HTML) and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS). It is used for programming and adding specific features to a web page. You can identify by looking at the information and the style in which a web page is developed that JavaScript was used to create it.
JavaScript is one of the most popular programming languages that exist, and it attracts learners’ attention. Features like graphics, videos, content-related updates etc., are all created with the help of JavaScript. If developers didn’t use JavaScript in creating web pages, then most webpages wouldn’t attract you because they would not contain these innovative features above.
Data Types
JavaScript consists of different types of data types. Data types can be defined by their specific values and the type of operations performed on them. There are different types of data types supported by JavaScript, and some basic types are as follows:
- Numbers on which arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication or division can be performed. For example, 5,6,7,8,9 etc.
- Boolean is a type of data that consists of not more than two values. For example, right or wrong.
- A string is a type of sentence that is long or a paragraph that is short in length. These long sentences can be identified by noticing the fact that they are found between quotes, whether single or double and even backticks.
- An array is data that consists of a group that is separated from each other with the help of a comma. For example, pencil, eraser, sharpener, school bag, etc.
- An object is a type where you will find a group of data but in the form of ‘key: value’ where the key is a string and the value includes an object.
- Null refers to the scenario where there is no value. It might hold value, but it is not known that it would be real.
How Long Does It Take To Learn JavaScript?
The question here is, how long does it take to learn JavaScript? JavaScript is a language that is not very easy to learn but requires your time and attention to pick it up well. Once you’re happy to devote both time and attention, then this is something that can absolutely be learned.
There are a lot of areas to cover to learn the entire concept of JavaScript. At the beginner level, there are topics related to coding, creating frameworks, and learning the fundamentals of language, including variables, functions, objects, etc.
We already laid down a broad timeline in which you can grasp JavaScript, but certain features might affect the duration you will learn the language. The features are as follows:
Are You Familiar With Other Computer Languages?
You will have the upper hand if you have read or learnt another language before learning JavaScript because you might be familiar with the tone of the language used in JavaScript. You would also know something about the concepts related to computer programming.
It might also help if you are familiar with HTML or CSS because they go along with JavaScript well. However, not everyone is very well informed about the concepts related to coding and programming. If that is the case, then learning JavaScript as one of the first programming languages can be an interesting challenge.
If you were interested in the computer subject while at school or opted to learn any programming language at school, then even the slightest information you grasped from there would help you learn JavaScript better.
Why Are You Learning JavaScript?
The duration you will spend learning the language is directly related to why you are learning the language. If you are learning it to be used in a professional setting and you must know it thoroughly for specific job requirements, then the pressure on you will increase, and you will tend to spend more hours learning and practising it.
If you are learning it just because you want to increase your knowledge and take advantage of the free time you have, then even not rushing the learning process would help you. You can practise it and learn it in the time duration that you set for yourself, and once you are sure of the fact that you know the language well, then you will be ready to go.
Many jobs also require you to learn JavaScript, and different jobs will have different criteria for what you must know specific to JavaScript. If you apply for a job requiring advanced knowledge of the language, then the duration of your learning might increase.
How Will You Learn JavaScript?
The style you adopt in this journey is also a major factor that will affect the duration you can learn the JavaScript language. You can learn JavaScript from various sources, such as books, online courses, videos, visiting coaching centres, etc. However, you must go for the option that you think is the best for you and where you will be able to grasp faster.
Also, the fact that you learn the programming language on your own or go for the option where you are being taught by a professional will majorly affect the question of how long to learn JavaScript. For example, if you learn it on your own via books and videos, you might take more time learning it than learning it from a professional who can guide you.
How Dedicated Are You to Learning the Language?
Last but not least, how dedicated you are during the process and how much hard work you put in to learn JavaScript will also determine the timeline in which you will be able to learn JavaScript efficiently. The more hours you spend learning and practising the concepts, the better it is. JavaScript is a language where learning is not enough, but practising is also required.
What Is the Best Way of Learning JavaScript?
JavaScript is one of the most popular languages to learn in the world of programming, and there are quite some sources from which you can learn the language, but we have laid down some of the best ways of learning JavaScript that will help you.
Online Coding Courses/Bootcamps
People who find it difficult to go with the self-taught path can go for online coding courses or boot camps that are easily accessible. The teaching programs they design can help you learn the skills in less time but efficiently. This also saves you from visiting coaching centres, and you can learn JavaScript from your home or workplace.
A lot of institutions offer these online coding courses, and you can search online about them to get yourself enrolled. One such coding boot camp is Code Institute‘s 5 Day Coding Challenge, where you will learn the basic concepts of programming languages such as HTML, CSS and JavaScript. So you can enrol yourself through the form at the bottom of this article and get started!
Self Help Books
When have books never helped? The answer is rarely! Books are guides that can help us explain concepts through short paragraphs and give examples to learn the concept better. Also, books are easy to carry, and you can carry them wherever you go and read them whenever you have time. This helps us keep concepts fresh in our minds and gives us a chance to revise them repeatedly.
Some of the books that you can refer to if you want to learn JavaScript are listed below:
- A Smarter Way to Learn JavaScript written by Mark Myers.
- JavaScript: The Good Parts by Douglas Crockford
- You Don’t Know JS by Kyle Simpson
- JavaScript: The Definitive Guide by David Flanagan
- Eloquent JavaScript by Marijn Haverbeke
Watch Videos
Videos are a great alternative to books to understand concepts that are not understood by just reading mere words repeatedly. Videos help you to understand concepts better without boring you and making you feel sleepy. There are videos all over the internet related to the fundamentals of JavaScript, whether on Youtube, produced by individual institutes or on various other websites.
There are various pages on Youtube that upload content related to JavaScript that you can subscribe to. They are as follows:
- Free Code Camp
- Traversy Media
- Amigoscode
- LearnWebCode
- Academind
- SimpliLearn
- JavaScript Mastery
- Clever Programmer
- Codevolution
- Great Learning
How Can You Learn JavaScript Faster?
We have given you information on how you can pick up the JavaScript language and where you can learn it from. Now we have some tips for you that you can follow to learn JavaScript faster. The tips are as follows:
- JavaScript consists of a lot of topics to cover and spreads across various techs. Before starting, you need to identify what areas you want to cover while learning the language so that you don’t confuse yourself and get lost in the process.
- Irrespective of what route of learning you have adopted to learn JavaScript, whether it is learning through books, videos or boot camps, you must attend online courses that are of short duration side by side. The courses can be found on websites such as CodeInstitute, LinkedIn, etc.
- Implementing what you’re learning is a very important part of the process of understanding JavaScript. Just watching tutorials and learning the concept will not be enough. You will have to implement your knowledge and skills to check whether you can understand it or not. You can create projects with your knowledge and add additions as you learn more.
- You must try writing down codes after understanding them. You must dedicate at least half an hour to writing down these codes that you have learnt. This will help you to keep the codes fresh in your mind for quite some time. The more you write the codes, the later you will forget them.
- Learning JavaScript can be very tiring, and one of the most important things that one must follow is to take breaks in between. Don’t push yourself too much so that your brain gets saturated and stops taking in information. Start with a fresh mind before learning difficult concepts.
Wrapping Up
JavaScript, which is versatile, easy to understand and a popular language, can be an asset to you if you decide to learn it. There are many uses of JavaScript. The main sectors where JavaScript is used are in developing Web applications, games, mobile applications, web servers, etc. The fact that you are fluent with JavaScript can add value to your resumes and can help you in getting jobs that are looking for applicants who know JavaScript. So, start learning JavaScript and register for our free coding challenge through the form below.
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