JavaScript: The Complete Reference (Paperback)

~ (Author), Fritz Schneider (Author) "JavaScript is the premier client-side scripting language used today on the Web..." (more)
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Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Develop powerful, full-featured Web pages with JavaScript using this comprehensive resource. Including thorough coverage of object models, XML, server-side JavaScript, and embedded objects--plus details on special browser considerations, this guide is an excellent reference no matter what your level of experience.

From the Back Cover

The most in-depth guide to JavaScript available

Create dynamic and flexible Web pages with JavaScript using this comprehensive resource. Whether you're a new or more experienced developer, you'll find quality coverage of every topic you're looking for--from fundamentals such as language syntax to advanced topics including interaction with browser plug-ins and the emerging W3C DOM standard. You'll learn to create cross-browser scripts for common tasks including form validation, visual effects, navigation systems and much more. In addition to the comprehensive tutorials that make up each chapter, the appendices contain helpful material that's quickly accessible--including object references, a browser compatibility chart, and other key JavaScript syntax charts. For a thorough and authoritative book on the latest version of JavaScript that's geared toward developers at every level--this is the ideal resource for you.

• Get an overview of JavaScript and Web programming
• Find out about core features and functionality--including variables, functions, and objects
• Acquire solid language fundamentals, including the effective use of JavaScript's object-oriented features
• Understand the differences between the standard Document Object Model (DOM) and Browser Object Models (BOM)
• Manipulate images and layout with JavaScript
• Add sophisticated navigation systems using DHTML
• Parse XML with JavaScript and control windows and frames
• Deal with browser incompatibilities and learn tips for debugging

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Product Details

• Paperback: 1079 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill/Osborne Media (September 20, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0072191279
• ISBN-13: 978-0072191271
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.3 x 2.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #379,732 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent primer and reference, November 19, 2001

By	John Quinn "Nodge" (Ireland) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Firstly, this book does a great job of introducing the javascript core language in a thorough and engaging way. The author goes to great lengths on topics that will concern real-world developers and discusses in depth the right and wrong way to write code.

This leads on to a more general reference on the language. It is here that the book really shines. As well as lots of examples, the fundamental principles behind the langauge and any associated technologies are mentioned. All this is done in a very avuncular style and I must admit I enjoyed reading the book, and trying out some of the examples/topics on my PC.

There are some caveats:

This is not a book for pure novices. Previous exposure to other languages is inferred and the author(s) point out similarities with Java and C++.

Netscape is the preferred browser here, but unlike some other tomes, at least IE gets a mention and differences are noted, though the writing does favour the NS browser.

These are small gripes with what is otherwise a much needed and well scripted (sic) resource.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for newbs, Decent for Experienced Programmers. (especially at the price), September 12, 2006

By	T. O'Donovan "Okkmaki" (EIRE) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I wanted to learn JavaScript, up and rearing to go. So I got David Flanagan's book "The Definative Guide". But the concepts flew over my head. Its the best book on JavaScript, without a shadow of a doubt, but simply fearful to the poor old newbie like myself. Don't get me wrong, its well written, but if he had written it the way I needed it to be, it would have taken up 100000 pages. Shipping would be a nightmare!

Anyway, about this book.

It's a good book, great for newbies. I don't know why the other author review mentions that you need to have prior experiance with a programming language. That's rubbish IMO. Sure he mentions Javascript having a simularlity to C/C++/Java, but its not like you gotta learn those languages, its just a mention, thats all.

He explains basics, like what a token is, how if/else/for statements work. You know, basic stuff for a newbie to learn. If you are a programmer already, just skip the first five chapters, and you'll be in the meat of the book about JavaScript, so its just as relevant for experienced programmers too.

Anyhow, once you are finished (and applied the concepts with a mock up webpages) you are no longer a newb. Then move on to that gem which is David Flanagan's Definative Guide. After going through that and applying it, you'll be well on your way to becoming a "good" JavaScript Programmer.

P.S: Becoming actually Good is no mean feat. Take JavaScript seriously folks!

P.P.S: You MUST learn HTML and CSS before reading these books. JavaScript is almost entirely based in the real world on manipulating markup and style sheets. To attempt to learn JavaScript without knowing them properly (I do mean properly) would be a major folly.

1 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book, August 14, 2002

By	Leo Russ "leoruss1" (Wheeling, IL United States) - See all my reviews

Easy to follow, very concise examples, wide variety of topics