How to Practice JavaScript

If you’re code-curious and wondering, “What is JavaScript, and how can I master it?” You’re in the right place because we’ll break it down for you. JavaScript is a common name in software development and is one of the most demanded skills on the market. Most people who want to learn programming languages start with learning JavaScript as the first coding language.

To become proficient in JavaScript, you must be familiar with the syntax, algorithms, and concepts associated with the language. That’s why practice is very important. Practicing will help you to develop high-quality solutions to problems. Still, many people don’t know where and how to sharpen their JavaScript skills. In the following post, I’ll tell you how to practice JavaScript along with tips for best practice.

What is JavaScript, and why should you learn it?

JavaScript is a client-side scripting language used in front-end development. It’s a small and lightweight language with standard objects such as data, arrays, and math. It also has a set of core language elements, such as statements, control structures, and operators. Although you can use JavaScript to create programs, it’s typically used to design interactive websites and mobile apps.

JavaScript’s appeal comes from its ability to automate processes that users of HTML-only sites would need to perform manually. Also, the program is very intuitive to visitors’ input and has interactive graphics, autocorrect functions, and a slideshow. In addition to its functionality, the program is the best for newbies since it’s easy to learn and use. Growing your technical skills to a qualified front-end developer with JavaScript can take you as little as 3 months.

What do you need to start practicing JavaScript?

You already have some background information on what JavaScript is about. Now, let’s clarify what you need before you can start sharpening your JavaScript skills. Your choice in each step depends on the practice method you’re using.

1. Browser

You will need a good browser with nice developer tools. That way, it’s easy to debug a lot of things using console.log.

2. Code editor

This is a must-have when you want to practice JavaScript online. If you’re practicing on your project, you can set up your code editor, such as Visual Studio Code, which contains a plug-in that enables you to write projects. However, if you don’t want big preparations, find and use any online playground.

3. Community resources

Training your programming skills takes time and collaboration with other programmers. Thus, it’s important to set up an account on platforms that host other JavaScript programmers. You can find communities on Reddit or StackOverflow.

4. Code challenges

You need a good list of JavaScript coding challenges that will help you to hone your web programming skills. If you were learning HTML and CSS first, it’s easy to start on JavaScript. You can get coding challenges for any level online or apps that provide JavaScript learning resources.

How to practice JavaScript to become a pro

Work through Courses and Tutorials

Courses and tutorials are a great way to learn, and it’s easy to find them online. If you would like to start your practice by taking a JS course, you can find good materials on Udemy, LinkedIn, and Codecademy. Also, if you prefer learning through video tutorials, you’ll find great channels on YouTube and JavaScript podcasts that post educational practice content for free.

Build projects

Building a project is the most obvious practice technique in this list but is also the most important. Even as a beginner, you can build simple projects by creating simple pieces of code, such as a function that changes the colors of buttons. What’s important is to know how to create code using JavaScript and how it works.

Complete code challenges

If you’re finding it hard to develop an original idea for a practice project, or maybe you would like to practice on more advanced problems, you can opt to solve JavaScript coding challenges posted on community platforms, websites, blog posts, apps, forums, and articles. If you encounter any issues, place a “do my JavaScript homework” request to sharpen your JavaScript skills with help from real experts. You can even request a professional to use real-life examples from companies such as Amazon and Uber.

Join a coding community

Since JavaScript is a very popular programming language, there are many friendly forms, live meetings, or groups you can join. You’ll learn new things from the community, including interesting programming content and how to solve different programming problems. You’ll also get a chance to share your knowledge, learn new tips, and get advice from other programmers.

Improve existing or previous projects

You can also practice JavaScript by improving on programs you created in previous college assignments. If you’ve learned something new or discovered new ways to improve what you already created, try it and learn how to build high-quality solutions. Another approach is to expand the existing project by adding new functions.

Write articles and contribute to open-source projects

There’re many open-source projects you can earn from and contribute to GitHub. Go through the repository to develop a deeper understanding of JS. You can also write articles to help other people who need it. For example, you can write about arrow functions, parent functions, syntax errors, and object-oriented programming. Sharing knowledge on medium blogs will also give you visibility.

JavaScript best practices

Avoid global variables

Only use global variables such as objects, data types, and functions when you have to. Instead, use local variables and learn to use closures for your coding projects. Global variables can be overwritten by other scripts.

Declare local variables

Always declare all the variables you use in a function as local variables with the var, the let, or the const keyword. Otherwise, they become global variables. Strict code doesn’t accommodate undeclared variables.

Declare on top

Every time you’re conducting a JavaScript exercise, make a habit of putting all declarations at the top of each function. This way, you give cleaner code, avoid unwanted global variables, provide space for local variables, and reduce the chances of unwanted re-declarations.

Declare objects and arrays with const and initialize variables

Declaring objects and arrays with const will prevent unintended changes of type. Similarly, initializing variables gives cleaner code and avoids unidentified values.

Use parameter defaults

When a parameter has a missing argument, set the value of the missing argument to undefined. When you leave values undefined, they can break your code. Hence, when practicing JavaScript, always assign default values to arguments.

Use === comparison

Remember that the == comparison always converts to matching types before making a comparison. Conversely, the === operator forces the program to compare types and values.

Avoid using eval ()

To run text as code, you use the eval () function. Yet, it’s not necessary in almost all cases.  Also, it presents a security problem because it permits arbitrary code to run.

Beware of automatic type conversions

JavaScript is loosely typed, making it easy to add or erase commands. A variable can easily change its data type.

Practicing JavaScript will help you understand what seems complicated in theory!

JavaScript is a powerful programming language and an easy one to master through practice. There are many ways to get started with practicing new and existing JavaScript skills. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert that wants to expand your knowledge, use any of the listed resources in this post to become a better programmer.