When comparing Eloquent JavaScript - A Modern Introduction to Programming vs Code School, the Slant community recommends Code School for most people. In the question“What are the best resources to learn JavaScript?” Code School is ranked 8th while Eloquent JavaScript - A Modern Introduction to Programming is ranked 9th. The most important reason people chose Code School is:
After each video, there are a series of challenges that give you a chance to apply what you just learned. The great thing about these challenges are that they force you to think through a problem, and use the new skills to solve it. It's not just regurgitating facts; it requires some effort.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
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.
Pro Practice the code after each video
After each video, there are a series of challenges that give you a chance to apply what you just learned. The great thing about these challenges are that they force you to think through a problem, and use the new skills to solve it. It's not just regurgitating facts; it requires some effort.
Pro Paths for learning different skills
While you can jump into any video you like, there is also the option to follow a path for what you are wanting to learn. These give a nice direction if you are wanting to improve on a particular area and guide you into what to do next. They currently offer Ruby, Javascript, HTML/CSS, and iOS.
Pro Videos show how to build an app in real time
Soup to Bits is a series of videos that shows a developer creating an app from scratch in real time. It's easy to pause a video and follow along with the developer.
Pro Video tutorials
Videos give an overview of the course/lesson plan before a single line of code is written. This gives context and a general understanding of what is possible and how teaching will be approached.
Pro Fun and engaging teaching style
The instructors often use humour throughout the videos while letting their passion for the topic show.
Pro In-depth courses
Code School is not just for beginners to programming, but provides plenty of intermediate and advanced courses for students as their skills grow.
Cons
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.
Con Acquired by Pluralsight
Con Videos are of a tone that some people cannot stand
Con Requires paying to complete courses
Although the beginning of each course is free and you can see if you are interested in pursuing it, to complete the course you must pay.
Con A bit too basic
There is not a lot of advanced content.
