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ENGINEERING Sep 5, 2016 2 min read

How to become a Javascript Ninja

For the past several days, I have been diligently working to enhance my JavaScript (JS) skills, immersing myself in a vast array of online articles. Despite the abundance of well-s

Anup Jambhekar
Anup Jambhekar 3D Web XR Mixed Reality Engineer from Pune 🇮🇳 • He/Him
How to become a Javascript Ninja

For the past several days, I have been diligently working to enhance my JavaScript (JS) skills, immersing myself in a vast array of online articles. Despite the abundance of well-structured tutorials available on the web, I have observed that many fail to provide JS developers with a clear path to mastery, often leaving them to navigate the complexities on their own, merely scratching the surface.

I believe the key to achieving true proficiency lies in a balanced approach that combines both online resources and traditional book reading. The timeline for attaining expertise varies, as it is influenced by individual motivation, comprehension, and real-world programming experience.

Step 1: Begin with the Basics

  • Origins

    Start by reading the first three chapters of Professional JavaScript for Web Developers (3rd Edition) by Nicholas C. Zakas.

  • Refresh your foundational JS knowledge using a one-page cheat sheet.

Step 2: Dive Deeper

  • Immersion

    Explore the MDN guide. While initial comprehension may be challenging, persevere through it. Skip the new ES6 additions for now if you’re unfamiliar with them.

  • Complete the book Professional JavaScript for Web Developers, focusing particularly on the chapters about OOP design patterns and examples (Chapter 6). Take detailed notes.

  • Utilize Hola’s well-curated tutorials and best practices, progressing step by step to understand OOP practical implementation.

  • Read this article on Javascript.

  • Bookmark overapi.com and thoroughly review each function, including details about DOM, BOM, and RegEx.

Step 3: Mastery

  • Advanced Features

    Revisit the MDN guide, now focusing on the ES6 additions.

  • While I don’t condone downloading unauthorized content, consider purchasing these books online:

    Effective JavaScript: 68 Specific Ways to Harness the Power of JavaScript by David Herman

  • High Performance JavaScript: Build Faster Web Application Interfaces by Nicholas C. Zakas

  • Secrets of the JavaScript Ninja by John Resig

  • JavaScript Patterns by Stoyan Stefanov

I acknowledge that this process is demanding and requires countless hours of dedication. However, by persevering, you will become a proficient JavaScript developer. The sky’s the limit—go forth and apply your newfound knowledge to make the world a better place.