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.
For those after a quick look, here is our Top 5:
For a more in-depth look at the comprehensive top 10 selection, make sure to read on to learn more about the different types of JavaScript books available and understand how our ranking was determined.
This article's chosen EC site price listings are reflective of its publishing date.
Image | 1 ![]() Kyle Simpson | 2 ![]() David Flanagan | 3 ![]() Kirupa Chinnathambi | 4 ![]() David Herman | 5 ![]() Mark Myers | 6 ![]() Nick Morgan | 7 ![]() Alex Banks & Eve Porcello | 8 ![]() Jon Duckett | 9 ![]() Reginald Braithwaite | 10 ![]() Marijjn Haverbeke |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | You Don't Know JS | JavaScript - The Definitive Guide | JavaScript Absolute Beginner's Guide | Effective JavaScript | A Smarter Way to Learn JavaScript | JavaScript for Kids | Learning React | JavaScript and JQuery | Javascript Allongé | Eloquent JavaScript |
Features | The First Book in a Six-Part Series With a Lesson for Everyone | The 2020 Definitive Guide to JavaScript | A Great Book With an Even Greater Sense of Humour | A Formal Book for Those Serious About Learning Javascript | A Book for Beginners That Focuses on Retention | A Lighthearted Introduction to Programming for Children | For Those Who Want to Focus on Single Page or Mobile Development | An Invaluable Book for Visual Learners | A Book for Those Already Comfortable With JavaScript | Plenty of Samples to Practice |
Price | £27.38 | £35.99 | £18.99 | £27.60 | £10.15 | £20.39 | £39.99 | £21.51 | £4.99 | £22.99 |
Level | Beginner - Advanced | Beginner to Advanced | Beginner | Intermediate - Advanced | Beginner | Beginner | Beginner | Beginner | Intermediate - Advanced | Intermediate - Advanced |
Samples & Illustrations | Both | Yes | Both | Samples | Samples | Both | Both | Both | Samples | Samples |
Date of Issue | 10/04/15 | 29/5/20 | 04/03/20 | 27/06/14 | 28/11/13 | 14/12/14 | 27/04/17 | 30/06/14 | 2013 | 2018 |
Pages | 88 | 600 | 409 | 116 | 256 | 338 | 324 | 640 | 292 | 472 |
Format | Paperback | Paperback, kindle available | Kindle and paperback | Kindle and paperback | Kindle and paperback | Kindle and paperback | Kindle and paperback | Paperback and hardback | Kindle | Kindle and Paperback |
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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.
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?
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!
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.
Up & Going
£27.38
Level | Beginner - Advanced |
---|---|
Samples & Illustrations | Both |
Date of Issue | 10/04/15 |
Pages | 88 |
Format | Paperback |
Master the World's Most-Used Programming Language
£35.99
Level | Beginner to Advanced |
---|---|
Samples & Illustrations | Yes |
Date of Issue | 29/5/20 |
Pages | 600 |
Format | Paperback, kindle available |
2nd Edition
£18.99
Level | Beginner |
---|---|
Samples & Illustrations | Both |
Date of Issue | 04/03/20 |
Pages | 409 |
Format | Kindle and paperback |
68 Specific Ways to Harness the Power of JavaScript
£27.60
Level | Intermediate - Advanced |
---|---|
Samples & Illustrations | Samples |
Date of Issue | 27/06/14 |
Pages | 116 |
Format | Kindle and paperback |
£10.15
Level | Beginner |
---|---|
Samples & Illustrations | Samples |
Date of Issue | 28/11/13 |
Pages | 256 |
Format | Kindle and paperback |
A Playful Introduction to Programming
£20.39
Level | Beginner |
---|---|
Samples & Illustrations | Both |
Date of Issue | 14/12/14 |
Pages | 338 |
Format | Kindle and paperback |
£39.99
Level | Beginner |
---|---|
Samples & Illustrations | Both |
Date of Issue | 27/04/17 |
Pages | 324 |
Format | Kindle and paperback |
Interactive Front-End Web Development
£21.51
Level | Beginner |
---|---|
Samples & Illustrations | Both |
Date of Issue | 30/06/14 |
Pages | 640 |
Format | Paperback and hardback |
£4.99
Level | Intermediate - Advanced |
---|---|
Samples & Illustrations | Samples |
Date of Issue | 2013 |
Pages | 292 |
Format | Kindle |
£22.99
Level | Intermediate - Advanced |
---|---|
Samples & Illustrations | Samples |
Date of Issue | 2018 |
Pages | 472 |
Format | Kindle and Paperback |
Written and researched by Lewis Clark
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