When comparing Eloquent JavaScript - A Modern Introduction to Programming vs JavaScript & jQuery - Jon Duckett, 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 6th while JavaScript & jQuery - Jon Duckett is ranked 12th. 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 Easy to follow with well explained concepts
This book won't confuse you with jargon - Everything is introduced with a clear explanation.
Pro Excellent examples
The examples throughout this book are well explained and easy to follow. In order to complete the examples on your own, you must have a clear understanding of the material covered in that chapter. This is a great way for you to understand what you should go back and review before moving on.
Pro Visually appealing book
The content is laid out in a visually appealing way, while utilizing plenty of images to help the reader grasp the concepts being taught.
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 jQuery is a bit out of date as of 2018
Most of what jQuery did for the web can now be done with pure ES6.
Con Errors throughout the book
There are plenty of errors through the book including typos and errors in the code. Many of these errors are listed on their errata page.
Con Issues with binding/quality issues
Many people have noted that the physical quality of the book is quite poor, resulting in the binding falling apart.
