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  3. 10 Best JavaScript Books UK 2024 | Beginner to Advanced With Illustrations and Examples
  • 10 Best JavaScript Books UK 2024 | Beginner to Advanced With Illustrations and Examples 1
  • 10 Best JavaScript Books UK 2024 | Beginner to Advanced With Illustrations and Examples 2
  • 10 Best JavaScript Books UK 2024 | Beginner to Advanced With Illustrations and Examples 3
  • 10 Best JavaScript Books UK 2024 | Beginner to Advanced With Illustrations and Examples 4
  • 10 Best JavaScript Books UK 2024 | Beginner to Advanced With Illustrations and Examples 5

10 Best JavaScript Books UK 2024 | Beginner to Advanced With Illustrations and Examples

If you’re looking to get yourself immersed in the world of programming and computer sciences, you’re going to come across the language JavaScript all the time. JavaScript is a program used to run web browsers, servers, databases, videogames and even when building robots. Yes, we said robots. It can be a daunting task to try and learn JavaScript alone, but with the right book for beginners, you'll be coding in no time. 


When choosing a book to learn JavaScript the options can be endless. It’s really important to make the right choice so that you can learn easily and efficiently. In our buying guide, we’re going to look at some great titles from trusted authors and publishers such as Kyle Simpson, Ivelin Demirov & David Flanagan. We will cover all the levels, from beginner to advanced and hopefully, help you find a title on Amazon that’s perfect for your programming level.

Last updated 01/02/2023
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Table of Contents

How to Choose a JavaScript Book in the UK

Key Points to Consider
  1. Choose a Book According to Your Level: Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced?
  2. Consider a Book With Plenty of Illustrations and Samples
1

Choose a Book According to Your Level: Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced?

Choose a Book According to Your Level: Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced?

If You're a Beginner, Pick a Book That Explains Basics Like Syntax From Scratch

If you are new to programming JavaScript, you are going to need a book that explains the basics thoroughly. Alternatively, if you have tried a book that didn't work for you, starting again when you begin a new book will not only consolidate any previously learnt knowledge but also help you understand the flow of the new author. 


Good options for beginners will explain key elements in a manner that you understand, such as variables, loops, and IF statements. It will also give you tasks to complete like coding a functioning calculator or clock so you can learn while creating working projects.

Select an Intermediate to Advanced Book if You Want to Learn More Sophisticated Skills Such as Constructors and Prototypes

If you’re looking to learn more sophisticated techniques or you’re hoping to become a member of a team of programmers, you’re going to need greater knowledge. With intermediate books, you’ll understand how to incorporate JavaScript in bigger and more complex apps through examples like classes, async/await, and requests.


By learning the subtle nuances of simple code, being able to catch common problems that occur when programming and having the necessary knowledge behind you so that you can lead a team, you’re going to augment your skills and your employability tenfold.


If you're serious about the world of software and technology, why not read up on some more with some books on cryptocurrency?

2

Consider a Book With Plenty of Illustrations and Samples to Better Understand the Operations

Consider a Book With Plenty of Illustrations and Samples to Better Understand the Operations

The worst fear of any learner with earnest enthusiasm is opening a textbook to see pages upon pages of a typewriter-like font. That is why we recommend, for any level, purchasing a book that comes with illustrations and diagrams. This is so that you can see the operation in practice, providing yourself with a point of reference throughout your learning.


Books with samples of codes are also remarkably useful. This is so that you learn whilst performing the tasks. By doing this you will be trying out the code and seeing what functions it performs, hopefully giving you a better understanding of these operations. Just because you know how something is done, doesn’t mean you can do it. With samples, however, you can gain applied knowledge and skills.


Consider picking up another skill with a sign language book!

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10 Best JavaScript Books in the UK

This ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

Kyle Simpson

You Don't Know JSUp & Going

Kyle Simpson You Don't Know JS 1

£27.38

Mid

The First Book in a Six-Part Series With a Lesson for Everyone

2

David Flanagan

JavaScript - The Definitive GuideMaster the World's Most-Used Programming Language

David Flanagan JavaScript - The Definitive Guide 1

£35.99

High Mid

The 2020 Definitive Guide to JavaScript

3

Kirupa Chinnathambi

JavaScript Absolute Beginner's Guide2nd Edition

Kirupa Chinnathambi JavaScript Absolute Beginner's Guide 1

£18.99

Mid

A Great Book With an Even Greater Sense of Humour

4

David Herman

Effective JavaScript68 Specific Ways to Harness the Power of JavaScript

David Herman Effective JavaScript 1

£27.60

Mid

A Formal Book for Those Serious About Learning Javascript

5

Mark Myers

A Smarter Way to Learn JavaScript

Mark Myers A Smarter Way to Learn JavaScript 1

£10.15

Low Mid

A Book for Beginners That Focuses on Retention

6

Nick Morgan

JavaScript for KidsA Playful Introduction to Programming

Nick Morgan JavaScript for Kids 1

£20.39

Mid

A Lighthearted Introduction to Programming for Children

7

Alex Banks & Eve Porcello

Learning React

Alex Banks & Eve Porcello Learning React 1

£39.99

High

For Those Who Want to Focus on Single Page or Mobile Development

8

Jon Duckett

JavaScript and JQueryInteractive Front-End Web Development

Jon Duckett JavaScript and JQuery 1

£21.51

Mid

An Invaluable Book for Visual Learners

9

Reginald Braithwaite

Javascript Allongé

Reginald Braithwaite Javascript Allongé 1

£4.99

Low

A Book for Those Already Comfortable With JavaScript

10

Marijjn Haverbeke

Eloquent JavaScript

Marijjn Haverbeke Eloquent JavaScript 1

£22.99

Mid

Plenty of Samples to Practice

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Kyle SimpsonYou Don't Know JSUp & Going

You Don't Know JS 1
Source:ebay.co.uk
Reference price
£27.38
Mid
Reference price
£27.38
Mid

The First Book in a Six-Part Series With a Lesson for Everyone

This first book from Kyle Simpson generally provides the necessary background of all things JavaScript. It's for those with a limited understanding of the general building blocks of programming. So if you're new, start here. Though, the magnificent thing is that in this series there is a book for everyone. If you have a solid foundation with which to build, then you can also check out the later titles.


These books come in a small and concise format and are written in a coherent manner, which gives you a much needed psychological boost when taking on something as gargantuan and complex as learning a new coding language. Taking all this into account, this title and those that follow have to take the top spot!

Was this Ranking helpful?
No.2

David FlanaganJavaScript - The Definitive GuideMaster the World's Most-Used Programming Language

JavaScript - The Definitive Guide 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£35.99
High Mid
Reference price
£35.99
High Mid

The 2020 Definitive Guide to JavaScript

At over 600 pages, this definitive guide to JavaScript is sure to appeal to those who love to know everything about everything. With a focus on getting you truly up to scratch and a publication date of mid-2020, this is an encyclopedic tomb of knowledge.


Inside you are treated to countless examples of code and even new, additional chapters ranging from classes to async/await. This book will help you go from complete beginner to master - a complete second spot worthy choice.

No.3

Kirupa ChinnathambiJavaScript Absolute Beginner's Guide2nd Edition

JavaScript Absolute Beginner's Guide 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
JavaScript Absolute Beginner's Guide 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£18.99
Mid
Reference price
£18.99
Mid

A Great Book With an Even Greater Sense of Humour

Before you pick up this book I urge you to go on Amazon and check out the reviews. What you'll soon find is that people love this book. Like really, love it. Someone even wants to marry it. This is all down to the way it's written, simplifying things when it can and outlining principles efficiently.


It's a great book for beginners because it is for those who have never programmed before, but it will soon have you learn what you want to, the way you want to. All with a couple of hearty laughs along the way! 

No.4

David HermanEffective JavaScript68 Specific Ways to Harness the Power of JavaScript

Effective JavaScript 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Effective JavaScript 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£27.60
Mid
Reference price
£27.60
Mid

A Formal Book for Those Serious About Learning Javascript

If you are looking for an academic yet highly readable book, have we got a treat for you. For the intermediates, this book will provide you with a treasure trove of knowledge. For the more advanced readers, there is plenty of stuff in here that will have you questioning why you've been doing it the hard way for so long! 


This book is going to provide you with a deep and practical understanding of the language, there are to be no shortcuts here! But once you come out the other side you will have felt like you have studied with a master of the craft. 

No.5

Mark MyersA Smarter Way to Learn JavaScript

A Smarter Way to Learn JavaScript 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£10.15
Low Mid
Reference price
£10.15
Low Mid

A Book for Beginners That Focuses on Retention

What's the most difficult part about learning something? Remembering it! That's where this book sets itself apart. Once you have read one of the swift chapters (approximately 10-15 mins long) you log on to the website and use the many exercises provided that make sure you remember and understand what you have just been taught!


If you're looking for a way to retain the knowledge you've learned from other books and sources, this is a great way to supplement your learning with refresher content. A very unique way to learn, but an effective one.

No.6

Nick MorganJavaScript for KidsA Playful Introduction to Programming

JavaScript for Kids 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
JavaScript for Kids 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£20.39
Mid
Reference price
£20.39
Mid

A Lighthearted Introduction to Programming for Children

This book teaches the essentials before working its way up to the more complicated aspects, although its target audience is still very much beginners. It will patiently walk you through the programming essentials providing you with step-by-step examples as well as illustrations. 


Creating functions like simple bouncing balls and animated racing cars you will learn the basics, but it is to be noted that this book has a starting age range of 9+ so be warned that some aspects may seem a little childish. 

No.7

Alex Banks & Eve PorcelloLearning React

Learning React 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£39.99
High
Reference price
£39.99
High

For Those Who Want to Focus on Single Page or Mobile Development

If you are looking to build your own social media empire or create websites with efficient user interfaces then you are no doubt going to use ReactJS. This book is not too long, swiftly teaching you the fundamentals and core concepts with many examples to test them out for yourself. 


The downside is that this book focuses solely on one aspect, so if you were looking for something that gives you an overall insight into how the whole language of JavaScript works this is not the place to get it. 

No.8

Jon DuckettJavaScript and JQueryInteractive Front-End Web Development

JavaScript and JQuery 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
JavaScript and JQuery 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£21.51
Mid
Reference price
£21.51
Mid

An Invaluable Book for Visual Learners

This book from Jon Duckett is simply a treat for the eyes. It is beautifully designed, concisely laid out, and is jam-packed with illustrations and samples. This book will take you on a journey from beginner to leading-edge in an organised, yet attractive and engaging way. 


But, coming in at over 600+ pages this is our biggest book on the list, therefore, you may struggle to get through a couple of pages on your morning commute but is perfect for those looking for something more thorough!

No.9

Reginald BraithwaiteJavascript Allongé

Javascript Allongé 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£4.99
Low
Reference price
£4.99
Low

A Book for Those Already Comfortable With JavaScript

This book is all about functionality. Which makes sense, because JavaScript is a programme that runs on dynamic and flexible functions. In this book, you will learn, exactly, how things work so that when problems arise you will know why they are happening and what you have to do to solve them. 


Unfortunately, this book is only available for those of you who have a kindle or are comfortable reading an ebook on a tablet as it hasn't been published in either paperback or hardback. Secondly, it is the oldest book on our list.

No.10

Marijjn HaverbekeEloquent JavaScript

Eloquent JavaScript 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Eloquent JavaScript 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Eloquent JavaScript 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£22.99
Mid
Reference price
£22.99
Mid

Plenty of Samples to Practice

By far the standout feature of this book is its heavy use of samples. It is going to provide you with so many opportunities to learn via a hands-on approach, which will hopefully help you retain the knowledge in the long run. 


However, you will require at least a small understanding of JavaScript before you even start this book as the concepts can be quite difficult to understand. Also, many reviewers have commented on how the book has been known to fall apart relatively quickly so it may be worth purchasing the kindle version if that is an option for you. 

Written and researched by Lewis Clark

Top 5 JavaScript Books

No. 1: Kyle SimpsonYou Don't Know JSUp & Going

No. 2: David FlanaganJavaScript - The Definitive GuideMaster the World's Most-Used Programming Language

No. 3: Kirupa ChinnathambiJavaScript Absolute Beginner's Guide2nd Edition

No. 4: David HermanEffective JavaScript68 Specific Ways to Harness the Power of JavaScript

No. 5: Mark MyersA Smarter Way to Learn JavaScript

View Full Ranking
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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