The 9 Best Books On jQuery and Javascript

JavaScript The Good Parts is written by Douglas Crockford, whom many consider an expert in the field. He offers the best coding techniques and styles to use based on his experience, but it's a bit outdated compared to some of our other picks.

With expert advice on how to write better code, Pro JavaScript Design Patterns is an invaluable resource to those who work with large-scale applications. It lays out all the possibilities that this language has to offer and will take your programming to the next level.

If you want to be a more organized and effective web developer, jQuery in Action is for you. This fast-paced guide walks you through important techniques that you'll have to tackle at one point or another and offers a way to simplify the whole process.

The Definitive Guide 6th Edition is massive in size and lends itself more as a reference book than a front-to-back read. It's perfect if you want a full in-depth understanding of the history of JavaScript, which may come in handy for job interviews.

Learning jQuery Fourth Edition is a great pick if you want to add animation to your design. It covers a lot of ground in over 400 pages and is written in a manner that speaks to all levels by introducing concepts gradually throughout the book.

If you have little to no experience in programming, The Missing Manual is a good read to gain a solid grasp on the basics of jQuery. It provides detailed explanations in an easy to understand format with concise tutorials for a variety of applications.

If you're a visual learner, you'll want to check out Interactive Front-End Web Development. This full-color book is filled with easy-to-follow diagrams and clear examples of syntax that will show you how to make a truly unique website with bounds of creativity.

Head First JavaScript Programming: A Brain-Friendly Guide offers an interactive approach to learning through games, puzzles and other fun exercises. It covers fundamentals to advanced topics, including the power of functions and making use of prototypes.

For a user-friendly guide to jump start your coding career, look to A Smarter Way to Learn JavaScript. As a way to master each chapter, there are free online practice exercises that are extremely useful in helping you retain the information long-term.