JavaScript For Dummies [Paperback]

Emily A. Vander Veer (Author), Emily A. Vander Veer (Author), Emily A Vander (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0764500716 | ISBN-13: 978-0764500718 | Publication Date: October 29, 1996 | Edition: 1

This is a down-to-earth practical guide for would-be Web page builders who want to use JavaScript to create dynamic Web pages without having to find out how to use a difficult programming language. The book starts by explaining what JavaScript is and how it can be used. In just a few hours users will be able to grasp Java basics and write code.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

JavaScript For Dummies, 3rd edition:

Explains JavaScript and how it differs from java, HTML, and other Web programming tools

Describes what users can do with JavaScript that they can't do with HTML

Outlines how JavaScript, the platform-independent scripting language, works with the latest versions of Netscape Navigator 5 and Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5

Includes an important overview of Object-Oriented Concepts and the JavaScript language

Shows users how to "team up" JavaScript with Java, C++, OpenDoc, and Common Gateway Interface (CGI) to create powerful multimedia applications

Describes how to build a quickie Web page using HTML tags

Shows users how to create a Java applet and run the applet from the Web page

Covers JavaScript's forms so users can easily enter data and receive feedback

Guides users as they write and debug their own JavaScript programs

BONUS CD-ROM INCLUDES:

Hot utility and sample programs, including Dreamweaver demo version, SurfMap JavaScript, Joust, NetObjects ScriptBuilder 3 trial version, Allaire HomeSite 4.5 trial version, Ant Tools Demo 3, ArtBeats Web Tools, BBEdit 4.5.1, HTML WebWeaver Lite, Paint Shop Pro 5 demo, and more! --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Back Cover

Everybody is creating Web pages for fun and profit -- now you can get in on the action with JavaScript For Dummies! JavaScript is a mini-Web-page programming language for programmers and non-programmers alike. This easy-to-use reference take the mystery out of creating attractive, interactive Web pages by using JavaScript. Use the design tips and real-life sample JavaScript code to spice up your Web pages and make them easy for users to interact with.

Inside, find helpful advice on how to:

• Create truly interactive Web pages that give your users instant feedback -- without using complex CGI scripting
• Use your JavaScripts with existing HTML code to create easy-to-use and easy-to-follow forms for users to fill out
• Deploy your Web pages easily by installing your JavaScript code within a savvy browser like Netscape Navigator 3.0 or Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0
• Use other programming languages, including C++ and Java, with JavaScript to create powerful multimedia applications
• Test and debug your scripts with ease
• Use JavaScript's object technology to create effective buttons and text objects so users can maneuver your pages with ease
• Explore options for creating full-blown client-server applications with JavaScript

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; 1 edition (October 29, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764500716
• ISBN-13: 978-0764500718
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 2.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (79 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,155,388 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

57 of 58 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Javascript Professionals learn by doing, not reading!, April 13, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: JavaScript for Dummies, 2nd Edition (Paperback)

I, as well was not too impressed with the book. Fortunately, I know some Java so that JS was not too difficult. But, if you are a total novice and know nothing about object-oriented or object-based programming, then you are going to be totally lost. I think that the author dives into functions and object methods way too early. There are some useful scripts in the book, especially for client-side form validation. But, if you are not familiar with Javascript you're going to be lost. My suggestion to the author is that she also have exercises to test the reader's knowledge - you can only learn this stuff by doing. If any novice is reading this review, my suggestion would be to first visit Joe Burns' javagoodies (http://www.javagoodies.com)site and go through the 30 javascript primers that are there. The best thing about them is that they're free! Also, if Joe's new book on Javascript (Javascript Goodies) is anything like his web tutorials or his HTML Goodies book, then I would save your money and wait for that one to come out.

34 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars OK, it's not me after all...it's the book that sucks, March 2, 2001

By 

D. F. Utz "got_rice" (Daly City, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: JavaScript For Dummies (Paperback)

I tried to get through this book several times and kept giving up. I couldn't figure out why I was having such a hard time with learning JavaScript. I've learned other languages on my own. Therefore, why was it so hard to get a handle on the concepts of Javascript? I mean, this book is supposed to be for dummies like me, right? However, after my latest attempt to read this book and after reading some of the reviews on this site, I realize it's not me, it's the book. First off, the author fails to provide a context for JavaScript. She just launches into coding. There's no answer to the question "why?" A better approach would be to show a sample web page that uses JavaScript and then explain how the JavaScript accomplishes the end result. Then, explain the advantages of JavaScript over other possible solutions. Also, the author tries much to hard to make cutesy little jokes and puns and they get really annoying really fast. I don't think it's much of an exaggeration to say that she tries to make a joke in every other paragraph. I believe another review on this site recommends Thau's "Book of JavaScript." And, I agree with that recommendation. His book is just about everything this one isn't. It provides sample and context for the explanation of JavaScript. There is a light-hearted tone to the writing, which makes the reading of a technical topic easier. But, he doesn't go overboard with the cutesy puns and quips. So, if you want a beginner's guide to JavaScript, avoid this book. Try "Book of JavaScript" by Thau instead.

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Don't be a dummy. Don't buy this book!, December 7, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: JavaScript For Dummies (Paperback)

Ok. I may not be a techno geek, but I am not an idiot either. After reading this book, I was still in the "fog" about JavaScript. This is not a book for beginners of JavaScript, as the author does not teach the subject well.

It was recommended to me that I look at:

The Book of JavaScript by David Thau

Guess what. It is a great book. The examples make sense. The reasons why things happen are explained in a way that a non programmer can understand!

The entire book is like taking a class with an excellent teacher. The chapters are like assignments. In four chapters, I already know more than I did after finishing the "Dummies" book.

If you want to have a book that you can just cut and paste code with a vague idea how it works, then Dummies book may work for you. However, if you want to have understanding of what you are doing, purchase:

The Book of JavaScript by David Thau!

Amazon.com won't mind. They sell both