JavaScript: A Beginner's Guide (Paperback)

by John Pollock (Author) "Welcome to Java Script: A Beginner's Guide!..." (more)
Key Phrases: function reallycool, variable mymoney, alert box showing, Netscape Navigator, Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mastery Check (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
This hands-on, step-by-step tutorial is ideal for new programmers and those new to JavaScript. Designed for easy learning, this beginner's guide features:

* Modules-Each programming concept is divided into logical modules (chapters), ideal for individualized learning

* Goals-Each module opens with the specific programming skills you'll have by the end of the module

* Ask the Experts-Q&A sections throughout are filled with extra information and interesting commentary

* 1-Minute Drills-Quick self-assessment sections to check your progress

* Annotated Syntax-Example code annotated with commentary that points to the particular technique illustrated

* Projects-Coding exercises contained in each module show how to apply what you are learning

* Mastery Checks-End-of-module reviews that test your knowledge using short-answer, multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, and simple coding questions

From the Back Cover
Learn to create dynamic and flexible Web pages in JavaScript using this hands-on resource.

Perfect as an introduction to this leading Web development language, this easy-to-follow guide explains everything you need to get started--from choosing the right browser to using script tags, variables, event handlers and much more. Written in a clear, accessible style, this book also contains screen shots and lots of sample code to help you with real-world programming tasks. Begin programming in JavaScript the right way with this step-by-step learning solution.

This Beginner's Guide is Designed for Easy Learning:

• Modules--Each programming concept is divided into logical modules (chapters), ideal for individualized learning
• Goals--Each module opens with the specific programming skills you'll have by the end of the module
• Ask the Experts--Q&A sections throughout are filled with extra information and interesting commentary
• 1-Minute Drills--Quick self-assessment sections to check your progress
• Annotated Syntax--Example code annotated with commentary that points to the particular technique illustrated
• Projects--Coding exercises contained in each module show how to apply what you are learning
• Mastery Checks--End-of-module reviews that test your knowledge using short-answer, multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, and simple coding questions

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 603 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Osborne Media; 1 edition (March 23, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0072131403
• ISBN-13: 978-0072131406
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.3 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #767,991 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You *will* learn Javascript with this book!, December 8, 2001

By	Omar (NJ United States) - See all my reviews

I commend John Pollock for the tremendous job he did with this book. Indeed this is a magnificent book on Javascript. He covers the Javascript language thoroughly taking you from a-z. If you know nothing about Javascript and want to learn it in a clear cut efficient manner, this is the book to buy!

It isn't a book of javascript goodies and silly examples. It teaches you basically all aspects of the language through clear explanations and precise examples so that you will be able to recognize and write your own script. There is an example presented to the reader for almost every detail discussed. John Pollock explains to his readers what javascript is and how to implement their own scripts.

One of the great things I think he does for his readers is that he introduces "Functions" very early in the book and dedicates an entire chapter on just Functions and how to create them. Functions are essential to this language and he doesn't make the mistake of skimming over this important topic. He also saves the discussion of Arrays, Math and Date objects in the latter sections, unlike many other books that just mix and throw all the advanced & basic syntax in the first chapter and move on to advanced examples of code in next chapters before you truly grasp and are comfortable with implementation of the syntax. This methodology is part of what makes the book so powerful and effective to the javascript learner, especially the beginner!

You will be able to really write the script projects at the end of each chapter yourself. He also has a section for advanced topics for folks who want to delve in some more. Expect great coverage of the language and concise explanations. The author really does his job with this book in that he doesn't simply present bits and pieces to you. He will truly teach you how to write Javascript.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Definitely the one to buy, June 20, 2001

By	Kevin Stahnke "kstonk" (Austin, Texas USA) - See all my reviews

If, like me, you want to learn JavaScript but you don't have a solid programming background, then I highly recommend this book. Pollock has done a great job of taking JavaScript and breaking it down into its essential elements then focusing on one element at a time. He begins with elementary information such as how to place JavaScript into a web page then moves into the basics of programming such as defining and calling variables, functions, operators, conditional statements, etc. Once he has introduced these topics, he moves into more complex material that teaches you how to manipulate them.

Where Pollock excels is in his laying out of the topics. As a former teacher I was very pleased with his approach here. At the beginning of each chapter he introduces a topic and he then quizzes you briefly about that topic. This serves to reinforce the material in your mind. He then walks you through some very basic scripts using those elements that progress until you are writing out a more complex script. At the end of the chapter, after you have worked through numerous samples, he has you write a script on your own. He provides you with what the script should do, but you must write the actual code without his aid. This does a great job of giving you an opportunity to test and reinforce your knowledge at this point. If you have problems, you can always refer back to the previous pages as the task is based on previous ones. Finally, he ends each chapter with a series of multiple choice questions that serve to sum up that chapters lesson.

Having worked through this book, I not only have a greater understanding of how to program in JavaScript, I have a greater understanding of programming concepts in general, so this book has also served as an introduction to general programming concepts. This is not to say that this book is the only one you'll ever need--it is only introductory--but having read Pollock's book, I now am prepared to move onto more detailed ones such as JavaScript: The Definitive Guide by David Flanagan.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best teaching methods of any computer book, August 9, 2001

By	rob pinion "Rob Pinion" (Raleigh, NC USA) - See all my reviews

I agree with the first two reviewers: this is one of the BEST TUTORIALS EVER for an introduction to a programming language/script. Here's why. (1) The order of introduction to topics is logical; (2) The English is perfect and understandable; (3) The code is illuminated with the call-outs you need; (4) The variable names chosen are never cryptic or confusing --- Pollock gets an A++ for this accomplishment alone; (5) Screen shots are cropped so you see only what you need to see; (6) The topics covered are truly useful.

I, too, had purchased other JavaScript books and quick guides. I'm not going to criticize them, because they are useful on occasion, but THIS is the book I really learned JavaScript from. Don't let the fact that there isn't a CD keep you from buying this. You can download plenty of JavaScript samples from the Internet, and none of the scripts is so long you will have trouble typing it. Buy this book, start at page 1 and read straight through. You'll be glad you did.