When comparing Speaking JavaScript vs Eloquent JavaScript - A Modern Introduction to Programming, 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 Speaking JavaScript is ranked 21st. 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 Well written and very thorough
A mostly complete reference to the language, its history, its powers and its weaknesses.
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 Assumes some programming knowledge
This book is not for beginners. It's targeted towards people who already have programming experience, though not necessarily in JavaScript.
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.