Picture showing what JavaScript code looks like, next to the yellow official JavaScript logo.

Best Ways to Learn JavaScript (2023)

JavaScript powers most websites on the internet. According to radixweb.com, around 98% of websites use JavaScript for the functionality of their website. While HTML and CSS may be easy languages to learn, JavaScript may be harder to pick up. Here are some beginner-friendly ways to pick up JavaScript in no time.

1. Khan Academy

Using Khan Academy is one of the best ways to learn JavaScript. Khan Academy starts by teaching a simpler version of JavaScript called NodeJS that is easy for kids and beginners. Over time, they get into using JavaScript with the web but give you continuous practice to make it easier to remember. Khan Academy’s JavaScript course is also free, making it a great alternative to expensive competitors. You can access Khan Academy’s intro JavaScript courses here.

Picture showing what Khan Academy JavaScript courses look like (specifically with Winston)

2. JavaScript for Cats

JavaScript for Cats has a simplistic and funnier approach to JavaScript. It gives you a basic intro to JavaScript, advertising it’s “So easy your human companion could do it too” to cats. After you finish the short course, it gives you other ways to learn more advanced JavaScript.

3. JavaScript Books

Websites and courses are sometimes limited in how much they teach about JavaScript. So, it’s good to look for books teaching JavaScript. I recommend Learn JavaScript Quickly and JavaScript: Absolute Beginner’s Guide. These books explain the basics of learning JavaScript and more advanced content as you progress.

4. Learn HTML & CSS first, then JavaScript

HTML and CSS are usually considered the easiest languages to master among developers. I recommend learning HTML and CSS to get them out of the way, and then you can learn JavaScript last. You will have a much easier time learning JavaScript knowing how it works with HTML and CSS.