When comparing JavaScript & jQuery - Jon Duckett 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 JavaScript & jQuery - Jon Duckett is ranked 13th. 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
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Pros
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.
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 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.
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.