Required Reading for JavaScript Devs

I read a bit of “jQuery in Action” a couple of weeks back.  Actually all I read was the appendix which is aptly titled “JavaScript that you need to know but might not!”  This short chapter very concisely covers JavaScript concepts which should be required learning for all web developers. 

If you are an experienced JavaScript developer (i.e. your JS code does more than trigger alerts, toggle divs and set window locations), you know the language is not particularly easy to get your head around.  In my opinion, most web developers have a poor understanding of JavaScript to the extent that the bulk of their JS code (mine included) is a mere collection of hacked-together, simple statements.  Based on my judgement, the appendix title should read “JavaScript that you need to know but you more than likely do not!” 

Generously, “jQuery in Action” provides a thorough overview of “basic” JS concepts like objects and JSON, functions being first-class objects, controlling what “this” means along with closures.  I’ve really enjoyed jQuery in Action thus far – particularly because the authors ensure that their readers have a firm understanding of core JavaScript concepts which are arguably the necessary foundation to effectively use jQuery.

The next time you find yourself in your local bookstore, sit down in the aisle with a copy of “jQuery in Action” and give the appendix a good read.  It’s 19 pages of pure Javascript goodness.  And who knows?  You might even purchased the copy and read the jQuery parts…