How to learn JavaScript: These are the best online courses

Want to add new skills to your résumé but don't want to leave your couch? Perfect.
By Nicole Bonaccorso  on 
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After learning HTML and CSS, JavaScript is often the next step. It’s beginner-friendly, and it’s installed in every modern browser, so you don’t even have to spend time downloading any additional consoles. Learning JavaScript could open up a whole slew of opportunities on the job market too.

Is it hard to learn JavaScript?

JavaScript, often abbreviated as js, is one of the world’s most popular programming languages. The script is used to create automated and animated features on websites and apps, like animated graphics, slideshows, autocomplete text fields, and interactive forms. Anytime something updates or changes on your screen without a manual click or refresh, JavaScript is most likely doing it.

Learning JavaScript doesn't require you to get accepted to any special programs, though it's not necessarily something you can teach yourself. You'll have to set aside some real time to learn the ropes, but a dedicated and motivated student should be able to grasp the concepts with some moderate effort.

When learning a new coding language, class exercises and projects will be invaluable to becoming a good programmer. That’s where you’ll really get to learn what works and how to troubleshoot your own code. Code is something you have to practice to learn well. Watching video tutorials and taking detailed notes is great, but it doesn’t compare to writing code on your own and experimenting with different scripts.

What is the best way to learn JavaScript?

We recommend that you learn JavaScript programming via online courses, that way you don't ever have to leave the comfort of your home. You’ll be able to take classes at your own pace, with the ability to go back to review sections as necessary. As school and the workplace becomes increasingly hosted online, remote and online courses are getting better and better.

To make the most out of online schooling, you’ll want to take advantage of the resources offered in each class. Many education platforms offer community features, where you’ll be able to form teams, talk to mentors, generate ideas, and ask for help and advice with your code.

Whether you’re well on your way to becoming a JavaScript developer, or you’re brand new to programming, the list below will detail some of the best classes to learn JavaScript online.

If you haven’t yet had the experience in HTML and CSS, this class from Coursera and Duke University is for you. You’ll learn the foundational programming concepts, and how to think and solve problems like a programmer.

The class focuses on core concepts, and you’ll create an interactive webpage by the end of the class where others will be able to upload their own images and apply image filters that you create. The class focuses on writing JavaScript programs using functions for loops and conditional statements, as well as how to use HTML to create a webpage with paragraphs, divs, images, links, and lists. Using CSS, you’ll learn to use IDs and classes. You’ll also learn JavaScript commands like alert, onClick, and onChange, as well as learn to add input features like an image canvas, button, and slider.

This class is a great way to learn how these three languages, often referred to as the backbone of web development, work together to create webpages. If you’re interested in deepening your knowledge after the class, Programming Foundations with JavaScript, HTML, and CSS is part of a larger Coursera specialization called Java Programming and Software Engineering Fundamentals Specialization. 

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In this five-and-a-half hour JavaScript tutorial, you’ll learn what the language is, focusing on real-world examples and mini projects. The course focuses on core JavaScript principles like variables, data types, conditionals, and functions, as well as advanced topics such as loops, closures, and DOM scripting. You’ll gain an understanding of ES6, as well as the basics of JavaScript libraries. 

You’ll love working through the short, digestible modules at your own pace. A shareable certificate of completion awaits each student at the end of the class.

LinkedIn Learning offers more than 15,000 expert-led courses, and students will love that the modules and activities can be accessed anytime via computer or phone. One of the most helpful aspects of LinkedIn Learning is that it will create a learning path for you, suggesting the best classes to take next. 

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With guided learning paths, interactive quizzes and challenges, and real-world projects, this class may be a game-changer for your career. You’ll complete projects to add to your portfolio that will impress hiring managers and help you get a full understanding of JavaScript programming. 

You should reserve a minimum of three months for this course, but it’s adaptable to your lifestyle, as you’ll be able to pause the class at any time. There are no hard deadlines, so you’ll be working at your own pace. 

Over the course, you’ll complete nine to 12 projects that will be reviewed and graded by industry professionals and advanced Treehouse students. You’ll get access to the Treehouse community, where you can share ideas, receive mentoring, and get live support as you complete the course. 

Whether you’re a true beginner or looking to deepen your knowledge of web development, this class will launch your résumé to new heights, and put you on the path to begin a career in programming.

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If you want to receive the shareable certificate of completion, you’ll have to pay $199. But if you’re just looking to learn some JavaScript fundamentals for free, this class will certainly do it. 

Taught by University Côte d'Azur professor Michel Buffa, this class is designed to help students think like a JavaScript developer. You’ll learn how to add JavaScript code to your website or mobile app, how to make interactive web sites through the DOM API, and much more.

By the course’s completion, you should be able to read the source code of any JavaScript code on the web, learn from it, tweak it, and start contributing to open-source JavaScript projects. This is part of a larger certificate track, and you’ll have the option to continue education or to stick to the one course. 

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Taught by one of Udemy’s highest rated instructors, this class goes beyond what traditional JavaScript courses cover. You’ll learn the JavaScript language, but the class also focuses on problem solving, theory, and practical usage. 

Starting with JavaScript fundamentals, such as variables, loops, functions, and arrays, the class will move on into intermediate and advanced territory, where real-world examples and projects will help new coders understand the code application. 

The group’s Q&A sessions will offer you a place for help and deeper understanding, and downloadable lectures, code, and design assets for all projects allow you to access the material in the future for refreshers. The class is 28 hours long, and you’ll earn a certificate of completion at the end. 

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This three-week, intermediate class focuses on JavaScript's object-oriented features. You’ll learn how to create dynamic websites and apps through interactive challenges and quizzes. The class is taught by industry professionals, and you’ll be able to attend the lessons at your own pace.

You'll learn how to create classes to build objects encapsulating both data and functionality, how to pass behaviors down to objects using prototypal inheritance to maintain DRY code, and much, much more.

The class is free, but is part of one of Udacity’s nanodegree programs, which means you’ll be able to continue your web development education if you choose. When you opt for a nanodegree, Udacity offers stellar community support, including career coaching and mentor support. 

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Don’t want to spend weeks or months learning the ins and outs of JavaScript? This seven-hour Skillshare class moves from basics to intermediate concepts quickly, led by a self-taught instructor. 

If you wanted, you could finish this class in a week. The class is organized into short modules, where you’ll learn to use variables, functions, casses, inheritance, and more. 

Students upload their projects to the site, so you’ll be able to see what others are working on. The discussion board is a great place to ask questions and brainstorm as you start learning more advanced JavaScript. The instructor also advises what classes will be most helpful after you complete the course so you'll know what to do next if you're looking to deepen your knowledge.

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