Tim Wright - Learning JavaScript: A Hands-On Guide to the Fundamentals of Modern JavaScript

A Hands-On Guide to the Fundamentals of Modern JavaScript

Tim Wright

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication data

Wright, Tim, 1982
Learning JavaScript : a hands-on guide to the fundamentals of modern JavaScript /
Tim Wright.
pages cm
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 978-0-321-83274-0 (pbk. : alk. paper) -- ISBN 0-321-83274-4 (pbk. : alk. paper)
1. JavaScript (Computer program language)--Handbooks, manuals, etc. I. Title.
QA76.73.J38W755 2013
005.2762--dc23
2012019351

Copyright 2013 Pearson Education, Inc.

All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. This publication is protected by copyright, and permission must be obtained from the publisher prior to any prohibited reproduction, storage in a retrieval system, or transmission in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or likewise. To obtain permission to use material from this work, please submit a written request to Pearson Education, Inc., Permissions Department, One Lake Street, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458, or you may fax your request to (201) 236-3290.

ISBN-13: 978-0-321-83274-0
ISBN-10: 0-321-83274-4

Text printed in the United States on recycled paper at Edwards Brothers in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

First printing, August 2012

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Technical Reviewers
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Between modern web interfaces, server side technologies, and HTML5 games, JavaScript has never been a more important or versatile tool. To anyone just starting out with JavaScript or looking to deepen their knowledge of the practical core of the language, I would highly recommend Learning JavaScript.

Evan Burchard, Independent Web Developer

Although Ive read a couple of books about JavaScript before, as a backend developer, I was thrilled to see Tim Wrights Learning JavaScript. The nuances of progressive enhancement versus graceful degradation are finally explained in a manner that someone new to front-end coding can understand. Bravo, Tim.

Joe Devon, Cofounder, StartupDevs.com

Tim Wright has written a delightfully practical book for the novice front-end developer who wants to learn JavaScript. This books strength is in providing a good introduction to JavaScript while also illustrating the context of when and where it should be used.

R. S. Doiel, Senior Software Engineer, USC Web Services

Learning JavaScript is a great introduction into modern JavaScript development. From covering the history to its exciting future, Learning JavaScript equips the novice developer to practical application in the workforce. I wish this book came along when I was a novice!

Hillisha Haygood, Senior Web Developer, Sporting News

Tim presents invaluable techniques for writing JavaScript with progressive enhancement at the forefront. If you are new to JavaScript then this book will prove to be a great asset in your learning. Covering all the basics and then right through to touch events, AJAX, and HTML5 APIs, the examples are clear and easy to follow. Using this book, you will learn when and how to use JavaScript to great effect.

Tom Leadbetter, Freelance Web Designer

Learning JavaScript is valuable for both new and veteran developers. It is great for new developers because it is easy to read and provides a step-by-step process to becoming great at JavaScript. Veteran developers will be reminded of many of the best practices they have already forgotten.

Christopher Swenor, Manager of Technology, zMags

For Ma.

There are a lot of people who contributed in some way to the completion of this book. First of all, I want to thank the folks at Pearson for giving me the opportunity to not only write this book, but structure it in a way that truly reflects how I believe the topic should be taught. The book would not have stayed on track without them. My technical editors were also instrumental to the process in pointing out any missteps, giving praise when needed, and making sure every detail of the book was written with accuracy and precision; I could not have done it without you (Evan Burchard and Alex Moffat). I would also like to give special thanks to my parents, friends, and family for the continued support, encouragement, and patience throughout this long process and for pulling me out of my writing cave for fresh air every once in a while. Without you all, nothing would have been possible.

Tim Wright has been a Web designer and front-end developer since 2004, primarily focusing on CSS, HTML5, accessibility, user experience, and building applications with the capability to scale seamlessly from desktop to mobile device. He has worked at various universities nationwide and fostered the advancement of Web standards at each stop along the way. Tim has written many articles for popular Web design online publications, such as Smashing Magazine, SitePoint, and Web Designer Depot, on all facets of front-end development from HTML5 and CSS3 to user experience and advanced JavaScript techniques. He also writes many articles via his personal blog at csskarma.com. Tim holds a Bachelors Degree in Marketing Management from Virginia Tech, with a specialization in Graphic Design.