How to Learn About JavaScript

JavaScript is an Internet language that allows you to create pop-up boxes, forms and other nifty site additions using scripts. It can be learned in a classroom, on the Web or through a book.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet Access

1. Contact community colleges or universities in your area. Many offer multimedia Internet education packages that include HTML, and come with a certificate and/or credits.

2. Conduct a Web search for "JavaScript." Many sites provide premade JavaScripts for you to copy and use for free.

3. Purchase a JavaScript tutorial and reference manual. These books are invaluable when you are creating JavaScript code.

4. Brush up on your math skills. JavaScript requires the use of variables and other mathematical skills.

5. Log on to the HTML Writer's Guild. You can sign up for inexpensive and convenient online classes in JavaScript and advanced JavaScript.

6. Invest in a private tutor. Many computer science students offer hands-on learning at a lower rate than a professional consultant.

Tips & Warnings

• You can view and even copy JavaScripts by selecting View and then Source or Page Source from your browser's menu bar.
• JavaScript, created by Netscape, is actually not related to Java, the programming language created by Sun Microsystems. JavaScript is an "interpreted" language; it's not "compiled," like Java. JavaScripts can either be interpreted by the Web browser or by a Web server. JavaScript is easier to learn but less powerful than Java.
• While it is generally acceptable to copy simple codes, other more complex and copyrighted codes require you to obtain the author's permission. When in doubt, ask.