When comparing JavaScript: The Good Parts vs Eloquent JavaScript - A Modern Introduction to Programming, the Slant community recommends JavaScript: The Good Parts for most people. In the question“What are the best resources to learn JavaScript?” JavaScript: The Good Parts is ranked 6th while Eloquent JavaScript - A Modern Introduction to Programming is ranked 9th. The most important reason people chose JavaScript: The Good Parts is:
JS can be a confusing language and often provides difficulty writing good code that uses objects and methods. Crockford explains why that is and how to think about the language to avoid confusion.
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Explains what makes JS confusing and how to go about it
JS can be a confusing language and often provides difficulty writing good code that uses objects and methods. Crockford explains why that is and how to think about the language to avoid confusion.
Pro Good for intermediate programmers
The book requires basic understating of how programming works and even some understanding of JavaScript itself.
Pro Teaches programming fundamentals
This is a book on programming and the fact that programming happens to be in JavaScript is secondary.
Pro Free version available
An online version is available for free here.
Pro Easy to follow, conversational presentation style
The book is written in a friendly, conversational way and progresses in an easy to follow way.
Pro Online version has interactive exercises
Try them out directly in your browser.
Cons
Con Lack of consistency
Where some parts of the book cover very basic concepts, other parts expect at least an intermediate understanding on JavaScript. There is a lack of consistency, causing some confusion as to who the book is aimed at.
Con Overkill for experienced programmers looking to learn JavaScript
This book is less useful to people that already are well versed in programming and just want to pick up another language to add to their portfolio as it covers a lot of fundamentals of programming that can be skipped by experienced programmers.
Con Requires fast learning in order to understand complex topics
From chapters one through five, the reader will find this book easy to follow and the topics and concepts steadily increase in complexity. However, once you enter the later chapters, you will require a more rounded understanding of the language and should certainly complement the book with other learning material.
Con Not a great place to start for those without programming experience
This book is a beneficial supplement to other learning material, or for those who have experience with another programming language. However those new to programming will likely find themselves struggling with the fast pace of Eloquent JavaScript and the difficult-to-follow examples.
