A term I always hear from rookies while trying to learn JavaScript is " JavaScript is hard!!" it makes learning JavaScript sound impossible, honestly after attempting JavaScript for the first time I said the same thing too. After the rollercoaster of learning HTML & CSS, aspiring web developers tend to get limited to UI/UX design because of the constant bumper in JavaScript.
After learning with a different approach, I got to understand that JavaScript is not hard!! you just have to learn it the right way!!
Well, I'm not saying JavaScript is not hard at all or it won't be a challenge to learn it. in the end, no programming language is easy to learn, but with the right approach and guide, you can learn faster and avoid pitfalls that might slow you down or make you not learn at all.
Pre-requisite
- Basic knowledge of the web
- HTML & CSS
What is JavaScript?
JavaScript is a high-level programming language, it is a scripting language for webpages, that allows developers to create functionalities for a webpage.
Although the language was written in a short period of time and it's a bit unstable, it is still not impossible to learn. JavaScript is the core language of the web it's in charge of every interactivity that happens on a website as well as any data-driven web application.
This article is geared towards motivating those who are new to JavaScript (JS) and setting them up with the right mood of operation while learning JS, to avoid bottle-necks or pitfalls, one thing is to be inspired to learn and the other is to learn with the right mindset and proper guide in order not to get stuck or quit.
Key takeaway
- A better approach to learning JavaScript.
The Journey
Learning the right way can speed up your learning curve and these are some tips to fast-pace your JavaScript journey, understand that these points are from my own journey so there is no formula that says "these key points are the compulsory methods to learn JS" whereas, as you embark on the journey you will find better ways to achieve your goals.
Read a JS book first
Besides watching videos and coding the most reliable way to learn to code is by reading coding materials. A good number of vlogs don't tell you why they just show you how. they provide a structured solution and solve your problems but then when provided with a blank screen you might not be able to think on your own and create solutions.
Reading first opens your mind and lets you get more logical when reasoning, you know how, why, and every other nook and cranny, it gives you a solid foundation in the language including, exercises to help you build thinking muscles, after getting a solid foundation its okay to start watching videos.
Have a Road Map
One of the major barricades while learning JS is having no road map. Most people just learn JavaScript the way they see fit. Starting out after taking a course, I go online to search for a JS beginner practice project, then end up getting confused because the projects seem to have advanced concepts or dive deeper it just won't connect and I have probably just learned the basics.
Having a roadmap includes having a mentor, someone who has walked that road before. this person will help you connect the dot. An online instructor, a book, or a physical mentor will do.
Take a course that builds a product
You can take a course with mini examples and exercises e.g calculator, fizz buzz e.tc. when you try to put it all together and build a bigger project it seems overwhelming because the knowledge gap is evident.
The best type, of course, to take so far are courses that build little components and then add them up to build a larger product at the end of the course. this gives you a first-hand feel of how a real web project is built.
By the end, you must have built re-usable patterns and components to approach a real-life project
Hard Code it!!
Coding this out is the most efficient way to retain coding knowledge, Be it a book or video whichever material you are using to take a JavaScript tutorial do not copy and paste codes.
It is tiring but yeah, the more you hard code it the more it sinks into your head. Just as while studying whatever you write out sticks to your brain, the same thing happens when you type out your code.
Loop through whatever you learn
Do things repeatedly, when starting out you may have to re-write codes over and again to make them stick unless you have a very retentive memory.
One way to gain mastery of anything is to do it repeatedly, by the time you write a function a hundred times you will write with your eyes closed. Re-rewrite variables, re-write functions, and declare an array repeatedly, just to understand it instead of cramming the syntax.
Get a study buddy!!
Getting a companion is very important, it could be a community, a course-mate, or a friend. The essence of a study buddy is to discuss and share ideas together.
Explaining concepts vocally, helps the information stick. somethings you hear from a person you know will surely stay actively in your mind compared to an online video.
Because we all learn from different perspectives discussing with your buddy makes you understand a concept from different views.
Be patient with yourself
Sometimes you might be tempted to skip processes or hasten things up, probably because you are trying to learn the skill fast and get a high-paying job or you just can't want to gain mastery.
The thing is the process is just as important as your destination. learning to code takes time and every step is important.
Conclusion
As you delve in deeper you will discover better ways to learn the language, everyone is wired differently, therefore we all have our unique ways of learning based on our strengths.
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