JavaScript Basics

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/javascript-basics

Introduction

# Course Review: JavaScript Basics on Coursera In today's digital age, proficiency in programming languages is a valuable asset, and **JavaScript** stands out as one of the most essential languages for web development. If you're looking to dive into the world of coding, the **JavaScript Basics** course on Coursera is an excellent starting point. Here’s a detailed look at what to expect from the course, along with a personal review and recommendation. ## Course Overview The **JavaScript Basics** course offers a comprehensive introduction to one of the most widely used programming languages in web development. The course aims to equip learners with a foundational understanding of JavaScript, enabling them to create interactive elements on websites, understand the language's historical context, and write their first scripts. ### Key Learning Objectives: - Understand the history and evolution of JavaScript. - Identify websites that use JavaScript for dynamic interactions. - Write basic JavaScript programs utilizing variables, arrays, and control structures. - Manipulate HTML and CSS through JavaScript. - Create functional applications, such as a distance converter and a vacation destination list. ## Course Syllabus Breakdown ### 1. Getting Started, Introduction to JavaScript, Variables, and Arrays This module sets the stage for your coding journey. It offers insights into JavaScript's role in web development, its historical significance, and fundamental concepts like variables and arrays. **Key Takeaways:** - Learn to identify websites that exemplify JavaScript's capabilities. - Assess and improve your HTML and CSS skills if necessary. - Write your first JavaScript statements directly in the web browser console. ### 2. Controlling Logical Flow in JavaScript In the second module, you'll explore control structures that guide program logic. You’ll learn about selection control, loop structures, and how to integrate them into functional scripts. **Key Takeaways:** - Gain proficiency in writing and troubleshooting scripts. - Utilize logical flow control to create basic JavaScript applications. - Develop custom functions to enhance code organization and reusability. ### 3. Using JavaScript in the Web Browser This module delves into manipulating Document Object Model (DOM) elements through JavaScript. You'll learn how to capture user events and execute changes dynamically on webpages. **Key Takeaways:** - Understand DOM manipulation techniques. - Implement best practices for variable scope in your code. - Create a practical project, such as a simple slideshow, to reinforce learned skills. ### 4. Basic JavaScript Application Projects In the final module, you'll get hands-on experience by creating JavaScript applications. You'll apply the skills acquired throughout the course to build a basic distance converter and a vacation destination list application. **Key Takeaways:** - Strengthen your coding skills through practical application. - Showcase your final projects, demonstrating your knowledge and creativity. ## Personal Review and Recommendation As someone who has navigated the intricacies of web development, I highly recommend the **JavaScript Basics** course on Coursera for several reasons: 1. **Structured Learning Path:** The course is meticulously structured, guiding you from foundational concepts to practical applications seamlessly. Each module builds on the previous one, allowing for a smooth learning experience. 2. **Interactive Learning:** The emphasis on hands-on projects fosters an engaging learning atmosphere. You won’t just passively absorb information; you’ll actively practice what you learn. 3. **Supportive Resources:** The course provides ample resources for learners struggling with HTML and CSS, ensuring everyone has a solid foundation before delving deeper into JavaScript. 4. **Practical Application:** By the end of the course, you will have developed concrete projects that can serve as a portfolio to showcase your newfound skills. 5. **Historical Context:** Understanding JavaScript's history alongside its practical use enhances comprehension, giving context to why certain practices and methodologies exist. In conclusion, whether you're an absolute beginner looking to kickstart your coding journey or someone seeking to polish existing skills, the **JavaScript Basics** course on Coursera is a fantastic choice. It offers a perfect blend of theory, practical application, and historical insight, making it a well-rounded introduction to the world of JavaScript. Happy coding!

Syllabus

Getting Started, Introduction to JavaScript, Variables, and Arrays

In this module, you will be introduced to JavaScript and what it can do. You will be able to identify websites that include the types of interactions you will be able to produce at the end of the entire Specialization. You will also be able to discuss the history of JavaScript and explore why this history impacts how we write JavaScript. On the web, JavaScript is used to manipulate the HTML and CSS of a webpage, after it has loaded from the server. You will be able to assess your understanding of HTML and CSS and have the opportunity through resources and recommendations for improving your skills in this area, if necessary. You will write simple JavaScript statements in the web browser console and be able to create variables and arrays. You will be able to assign values to these variables and arrays and be able to read values from them.

In this module, you will be able to download, install and use of a code editor as a tool for writing code, and properly save and manage their files. You will be introduced to the selection control structure. This basic control structure allows programs to follow a path based on conditions, and is one of the three major logic and flow control structures found in any modern programming language. You will be able to identify, write, and trouble shoot scripts using this basic control structure. You will be able to correctly identify loop structures and practice using some of the syntax available in JavaScript to create loops. You will then be able to put all three logical flow control structures (sequence, selection, and loop) together to create basic JavaScript programs that can be tested. Finally you will be able to combine sets of program instructions into named functions and create custom functions that can be called to complete the instructions they contain.

In this module, you will be introduced to the methods built into JavaScript for accessing and manipulating DOM elements in the web browser. You will be able to capture user events with JavaScript and use those events to trigger changes to the DOM using the document methods and element properties. You will be able to identify how scope works in JavaScript and be introduced to best practices for working with variables in JavaScript so that scope does not become a problem. You will be able to practice all the skills and techniques learned so far in the course by putting together a simple slideshow on a web page.

In this module, you will be able to apply and practice the skills and techniques you have learned in the course by building a basic and a more advanced distance converter. You will be able to further apply and practice to extend your skills and techniques by building a simple vacation destination list application.