Learn JavaScript – Take These Courses and Certificates

As a young developer, you may be wondering what programming languages you should learn to build a successful developer career. If you have landed on this page, then it’s likely that you’ve heard about JavaScript before, but you might still be wondering whether that would be a good choice for you.

Rest assured, you’re not alone. Choosing the right programming language to master is not always an easy decision to make. For starters, some coding languages are more complex and difficult than others. Then you also have to consider what kind of developer you wish to become. 

Are you a creative kind of person and like building websites? Or do you find solving programming issues more interesting? That’s just scraping the surface, of course, but you know what I’m talking about.

Well, the good news is that when it comes to JS, choosing to learn it is not really an option. There are over 1.8 billion websites globally, and over 1.5 billion of these websites are based on JavaScript. In addition, almost all computing devices that are used today run JavaScript, including Apple Mac OS, Microsoft Windows, and iPhones. 

Most common Q&As on learning JavaScript

Do you really want to call yourself out of this job market? I don’t think so. But just in case you still have some doubts, here’s a list of the most common Q&As on learning JavaScript. I hope it’ll help you make your own decision.

Why learn JavaScript?

JavaScript has been on the market for almost 3 decades and remains the most used programming language among developers. It is almost impossible to think of a development area that does not use JS at some point. And that is across most market areas. 

So, if you are wondering why you should learn JS today, the answer is straightforward: to get a job in programming. Not all job roles as a developer may require JavaScript, of course, but it’s a common prerequisite for many employers.

What can you do with JS?

Most people think that JavaScript is used mainly for web development. That is not so. JS’ capability to create dynamic content on a website has been used for more advanced concepts in web applications. For instance, on Google Maps it enhances the information you see by hovering a cursor.

Javascript is also used in web developments to help programmers add dynamic behavior and special effects, OS applications and games, web applications and even web servers.

What job options for JS developers?

• Front-end developer – Developers who build a user-facing, visual part of a website. It concentrates on the light backend, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
• Web application developer – Developers who create web-based software applications including spreadsheet programs, video & photo editors, file converters, scanning programs, email software, interactive online forms, shopping carts, and word processing.
• UX Designer – Developers who research how people interact with certain websites, and then they make changes to enhance a better interactive experience.
• Web Designer– Their job is in implementing a website and primarily use CSS, HTML, and light JavaScript.

Other jobs are: Full Stack developer, DevOps Engineer, or UI Designer. 

Is JavaScript a hard programming language to learn?

Programming languages are more or less complex to learn and mastering them always requires time and effort. JS is no different in that compared to other coding languages, but if you have previous knowledge of other languages, you’ll probably find JS is initially quite simple. 

The problem with JavaScript is that it has several shortcomings you have to be aware of. On top of that, consider that it is an old language that has had to change and adapt over the course of time. Becoming a master in JS involves a steep learning curve when things get more complicated.

What do I need to know before learning JavaScript?

Nothing much, but it might be helpful if you have HTML basics because, in practice, many JavaScript tutorials are about manipulating HTML. You don’t need to be an expert. You only need to know a couple of hours’ worth.

How long does it take to learn JavaScript from scratch?

With proper motivation and interest, it can take you 6 to 9 months to master. If you already know other back-end languages, it might depend on how well you understand basics such as HTLM and CSS languages.

Where to learn JavaScript

Because JavaScript is versatile, new trends appear every day. Any developer who wants to be in business will have to learn constantly. However, with many JS tutors and certifications, picking the right ones can be challenging. Thus, we have chosen a list of sources with the best JavaScript Courses.

Free online resources

Because of internet developments, we have an entire world of information and resources at our fingertips that we can use to learn JavaScript. Some of the most accredited one are: 

• Coursera – It is one of the best websites to look at when searching for free JavaScript courses
• Codecademy – Codecademy offers free JavaScript courses for beginners where they can master the basics of this programming language
• Java 101-This website also offers free JavaScript courses, which you can access without installing anything
• Codemotion – Yes, that’s us. We too have some cool courses that you might enjoy and use to learn JavaScript.

Downloadable and offline resources for learning JavaScript

Today, the web development industry is growing fast, and web developers are in demand. As a result, downloadable and offline resources for learning are trending among programming language courses. Here are some of the most interesting and useful ones according to our community.

• SoloLearn – It is a mobile app that offers several programming languages, and among them is JavaScript. This app is available for Android and iOS devices, it has a free trial, and then monthly and yearly premium packages
• Encode – Encode is an Android application that offers JavaScript courses. In addition, it has exams at every level, which participants must pass before progressing. It also offers practical examples that participants can learn offline without an internet connection.

Downloadable PDFs and JavaScript books

eBooks are another excellent way to acquire JavaScript knowledge offline. Actually, we have made a list of the top 7 JavaScript books for all levels, but the following ones are related to JavaScript courses.

1. Eloquent JavaScript
2. Speaking JavaScript
3. JavaScript The Right Way

Top 5 online JavaScript courses with certificates

If you decide to learn JavaScript online, I advise you to choose at least a couple that grant you a completion certificate. Thi is a list of the best JavaScript courses as voted by our community.

Paid Resources for Learning JavaScript

#1. HTML, CSS, and Javascript for Web Developers by Coursera

This course will help you build modern web pages from the ground up and learn front-end web development for free from Johns Hopkins University.

This course has been enrolled by over 545.000 participants at the time of writing and is rated 4.8 by over 11k participants. In addition, participants will get JavaScript certifications at the end of this course.

Participants will get JavaScript certifications at the end of this course.

This Javascript course includes:

• Introduction to HTML5 – At this stage, participants will cover the basics of HTML5. This module will include instructional videos on setting up your development environment, go over HTML5 basics like proper document structure, incorporate elements inside other elements, and discuss the meaning and usefulness of HTML5 semantic, and other essential HTML5 tags
• Introduction to CSS3 – In this module, participants will be able to learn the basics of CSS3 and some pretty advanced concepts like CSS rule conflict resolution, box model, background property. The module ultimately teaches responsive design using CSS code and introduces Twitter Bootstrap with its essential grid system
• Coding the Static Restaurant Site – This module covers the basics of interacting with a client when managing a website project; visiting an actual client and helping the owner figure out what s/he wants on a site; getting acquainted with the business. Eventually, you will build an actual website for this business from scratch, and you’ll get to know how a website comes together
• Introduction to JavaScript – Many experienced coders tinker with JS without actually understanding how it fundamentally works. This session focuses on teaching you the fundamentals of the JavaScript programming language. That is why you will concentrate on how and why, so you are empowered by the language features and not confused by them. It covers everything, from common language constructs and JavaScript types, objects, functions, arrays, closures, and scope isolation
• Using Javascript to build web applications – This module will teach you how to apply all of your newly gained JS language skills to the context of a web page. You’ll start by learning how to use the Javascript Document Object Model API to control web page components correctly. Then study Ajax, one of the most popular methods for delivering data to a website. Next, you’ll learn how to use HTTP as the web’s language, how to set up and handle Ajax requests and responses, and how to work with JSON data. You will finally finish the module by connecting our restaurant website from Module 3 to a genuine back-end service that will dynamically pull the data for the restaurant menu from the server without having to reload the entire page.

Skill level required to enroll: A basic understanding of HTML and CSS is a plus, but not a must.

Pros

• A knowledgeable tutor teaches this course from a reputable university
• It uses interactive assignments and a real-world approach in teaching by having you build an actual website
• It combines web development technologies and provides a well-rounded introduction to HTML, CSS, and JavaScript

Cons

• This course teaches the old version of Bootstrap
• It occasionally uses complex concepts that are difficult to comprehend for beginners
• Some learners may find the fast pacing of this course overwhelming

#2. Interactivity with JavaScript by Coursera

This JS course is offered by the University of Michigan. It teaches JavaScript fundamentals and is for an audience with HTML and CSS knowledge. At just 3.5 of video content, it provides a basic understanding of the programming language with a minimal investment of your time required.

Participants will get JavaScript certifications at the end of this course.

This JS course will include:

• Introduction to JavaScript – If you don’t have any traditional programming language, this introduction is vital as it will cover why to use JavaScript. You’ll see that it is very smooth for JavaScript to work with the DOM. And ‘smooth’ is always a great way to start. After traditional programming, you will learn the basics of how a computer uses data
• Reacting to your audience – In this module, participants will cover the rules of writing clean code: the reasoning and importance of these codes and how to manipulate the different components of your web page. In particular, you will learn about JavaScript Mouse Events and Touch Events. Finally, this module’s materials will end with a photo gallery example you can create along with your tutor
• Arrays and looping – In this module, participants will study more advanced programming concepts such as arrays and looping. You will learn how an array can represent groups of linked data and, with looping, to make your programs more efficient and flexible. Using both, you will expand upon the photo gallery example
• Validating form data – Finally, you’ll apply what you’ve learned in this course to solve problems, such as creating and validating input into an HTML5 form. Forms are very common web elements that are used to input and convey data. You’ll learn how to use JavaScript to add options to your forms, pre-fill data based on prior input, and verify that passwords are consistent

Skill level required to enroll: No prior JavaScript knowledge is required for this course.

Pros

• Concise introductory course perfect for complete beginners
• Fun and valuable quizzes and peer-reviewed assignments that encourage interactivity
• The instructor uses a problem-solving-oriented approach great for facilitating deep learning

Cons

• This course lacks content. Further reading and practicing beyond this course is necessary to grasp JS fundamentals
• This course has very few practical assignments

#3. The complete JavaScript course: From zero to expert by Udemy

This course is my personal favorite and probably the best JavaScript course in Udemy. It is best-selling, comprehensive, and covers modern JS syntax that will help you build three real-world applications using Ajax and webpage.

This course has more than 400.000 participants with an average rating of 4.7 from more than 100.000 participants, making it a high-quality study.Their support team is friendly and fast to the course questions.

What you’ll learn:

• By the end of this course, participants will have advanced JavaScript skills, and through the course, they will develop at least three apps using both Es6+ and Es5. It will teach you about the basics of programming, JavaScript foundations and help you understand how JS operates using new features in ES6. In addition, you will learn how to organize and structure your code using JavaScript patterns like modules. 

Skill level required to enroll: Participants will need primary computer skills. Basic knowledge of HTML and CSS is an added advantage but not a must. Participants will not need any coding knowledge to take this course. Instead, it will take you from scratch to an expert: you will gain HTML skills, JavaScript, CSS Frameworks, and Cascading Style Sheets (CCS). In addition, you will get JavaScript certifications after completion.

#4 .JavaScript – The Complete Guide (Beginner + Advanced) by Udemy

This course will train you in JavaScript from scratch to an advanced level and educate you on all the core features and concepts you need to become a JavaScript expert and apply them in modern development. It deep dives into prototypes, JavaScript engines, and how it works behind the scenes.

Project-driven learning is included with plenty of examples to help you learn all about variables, functions, objects, and arrays.

Participants will be able to manipulate web pages, asynchronous coding, and HTTP requests , meta-programming, performance optimization, memory leak busting testing, security, and deployment at the end of this course.

Participants will get JavaScript certifications at the end of this course.

Skill level required to enroll: Basic web development knowledge. Basic understanding of HTML and CSS and JavaScript basic knowledge is a plus but not a must.

Pros

• It teaches modern JavaScript from the beginning
• You will learn the new JavaScript syntax.
• You’ll also get an introduction to automated testing

Cons

• It Occasionally uses complex concepts that are difficult to comprehend for beginners
• It may not be suitable for absolute beginners 
• Explanations are not the easiest to follow 

#5. JavaScript: The Advanced Concepts

This lesson has the best JavaScript tutorials. The teacher is Andrei Neagoie. He has worked in Silicon Valley and Toronto as a senior developer and is the author of the complete Web Developer in 2021: Zero to Mastery courses, trusted by thousands of web developers. It is among the best JavaScript courses with an average of 4.8 ratings, and more than 45.000 students have joined it, making it among the highest-rated advanced JavaScript courses on Udemy.

You won’t just learn patterns and techniques but also comprehend the “why” of the most challenging aspect of the language to the point that, if you’re asked about JS in an interview or a meeting, you’ll be able to articulate concepts that will show that you’re a senior JavaScript programmer.

Participants will get JavaScript certifications at the end of this course.

Skill level required to enroll: Any computer will work: Windows, macOS, or Linux. Basic/Minimal understanding of JavaScript.

Pros

• This course has the best instructor with the highest-rated programming and technical courses online; and is the founder of ZTM academy
• Suitable for beginners and advanced-level programmers who want to learn a deep understanding of JavaScript

Cons

• Participants don’t always get answered in the Q&A section, probably because it is overclouded. Follow this link to subscribe

Conclusion

Learning a coding language may look daunting, but when a language is so commonly used finding learning resources is not difficult. In fact, looking for and choosing the best course may even become tedious and confusing.

This is a common feeling among programmers of all levels. How to find and choose the most suitable coding course for my level and needs? I hope that you have found this small guide somehow useful in easing your quest for the best JavaScrip courses.

If you want, you can also get access to our learning paths dedicated to JS: From Web Pages to (Progressive) Web Apps with Service Workers, where you’ll learn what service worker technology provides, how to approach Progressive Web App development, and how to effectively use service workers in Progressive Web App development.