7 Free JavaScript Courses To Learn In 2024
JavaScript is the number one most essential high-income technical skill you can have in your toolkit … [+]
You wouldn’t be a developer without knowing JavaScript. JavaScript is a “hard” or technical skill that is the number one most used programming language among software developers globally, according to a survey carried out by Statista between May and June 2024.
The survey analyzed the answers of more than 60,000 respondents across the software and web development industry, and revealed that 62% of developers use JavaScript regularly as part of their work, and intend to continue doing so in the coming year. This programming language is proceeded by HTML/CSS, Python, SQL, and TypeScript, who together form the top five programming languages for developers in 2024.
What Is JavaScript?
JavaScript is a programming or scripting language that is essential to everyday user interactions on a web page. It enables interaction with a web page from the client side. Say for example, you were completing a job application form, or purchasing a Christmas gift from Amazon. Those types of dynamic interactions are made possible by JavaScript programming.
Why Is JavaScript Essential To Learn?
In reference to its survey, Statista comments, “Thanks to the increased prevalence of, and reliance on, computers and electronic devices in today’s society, these languages (particularly the top five listed above including JavaScript) play a crucial role in the everyday lives of people around the world.”
That’s pretty easy to imagine, especially considering that we are almost always glued to our devices and are completing some sort of dynamic engagement with what’s on our screens.
Take Brian Pontarelli, a software engineer-turned-tech-entrepreneur, as an example. He explains that in his role as founder of FusionAuth, his team uses JavaScript for integrating with single-page applications and providing seamless authentication experiences, which is crucial for user authentication workflows.
Ultimately, if you want to build anything dynamic, from websites to mobile apps, you’ll need to know your way around JavaScript.
How To Learn JavaScript
“Learning JavaScript can be relatively straightforward because of the vast array of resources available, including online tutorials, courses, and community support. For aspiring developers, starting with practical, hands-on projects is key,” Pontarelli is keen to remind aspiring developers.
Panayot Kalinov, a senior software developer at Casinoreviews.net, advises, “For those just starting, the key is to keep things simple at first. Start by learning the basics—things like variables, functions, loops, and conditional statements. Platforms like MDN Web Docs and Codecademy offer solid introductions. But the real learning happens when you get your hands dirty. Write code every day. Platforms like CodePen or JSFiddle are great playgrounds where you can test snippets, see what works, and troubleshoot what doesn’t.”
How Long Does It Take To learn JavaScript?
JavaScript is a high-income skill, in that it forms part of your essential skill set for making money through developing apps and websites, which pays exceptionally well (software developers make around $127,000 on average according to Salary.com). And like many other high-income skills, you can learn it within just a few months.
“Most people can get comfortable with JavaScript basics in about 2-3 months if they code regularly,” says Tharindu Fernando, who works a s a full-stack developer. “I spent roughly six months practicing before I felt confident enough to take on real client work. The language itself isn’t too complex to start with—you can make things happen on a webpage pretty quickly, which feels rewarding,” he says.
7 Free Courses To Learn JavaScript Quickly In 2024
Here are some free courses and resources to get you started learning this essential programming language in 2024:
- freeCodeCamp’s JavaScript Algorithms and Data Structures (currently in beta mode)
- Codecademy’s Learn JavaScript
- JavaScript Basics (part of the JavaScript for Beginners specialization) by University of California, Davis (via Coursera)
- Mozilla Developer Network (MDN)’s JavaScript Guide
- MDN’s JavaScript Basics
- Khan Academy’s Intro to JS: Drawing & Animation
- The Odin Project’s JavaScript course
JavaScript can be learned in just a few months with consistent practice
JavaScript can be learned in just a few months with consistent practice
And of course, there are countless videos on YouTube and courses on LinkedIn Learning (which are free if you have a Premium membership) to help you polish your JavaScript skills. Throw yourself into learning today, and build your technical skill set. Investing in yourself through courses is honestly the best decision you can make for your career.
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