Eloquent JavaScript - A Modern Introduction to Programming vs Professional JavaScript for Web Developers, 3rd Edition
When comparing Eloquent JavaScript - A Modern Introduction to Programming vs Professional JavaScript for Web Developers, 3rd Edition, the Slant community recommends Eloquent JavaScript - A Modern Introduction to Programming for most people. In the question“What are the best resources to learn JavaScript?” Eloquent JavaScript - A Modern Introduction to Programming is ranked 9th while Professional JavaScript for Web Developers, 3rd Edition is ranked 18th. The most important reason people chose Eloquent JavaScript - A Modern Introduction to Programming is:
This is a book on programming and the fact that programming happens to be in JavaScript is secondary.
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 Best book to learn Javascript
Without any hesitation, this is the best book on Javascript with clear-cut and in-depth explanation and coverage. It will make you a top-notch JavaScript developer if you use it properly. Just be patient and you will end up with total understanding. Then you will find yourself as a js programmer. Covers everything that you might need to know about JavaScript.
Pro Explains what makes JS confusing and how to go about it
JS can be a confusing language especially for people coming in from other C-based languages. It often provides difficulty writing good code that uses objects and methods. The book explains why that is and how to think about the language to avoid confusion.
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 Material can be too dense for some
This is not a good starting place for those who can't absorb dense material. It evolves from basic to advanced concepts, but you have to want to stick with it and pay attention.
Con The book requires knowledge of general programming concepts
If your programming experience is currently limited to only HTML and CSS, this book will likely be too advanced to follow. It's great for someone with programming experience in another language who's looking to learn JavaScript. Beginners will have to be willing to simultaneously pick up general programming concepts (like data types, variables).