The 9 Best Books On jQuery and Javascript
We spent 26 hours on research, videography, and editing, to review the top choices for this wiki. Whether you are a newbie and don't know where to begin or a seasoned programmer looking to enhance your skills, you've come to the right place. With so many jQuery and JavaScript books on the market today, it's hard to know which ones are worth your time. We've compiled a list that will get you up to speed on basic and advanced techniques with everything in-between.
When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to support our work.
Skip to the best books on jquery and javascript on Amazon.
9. JavaScript The Good Parts
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 He offers the best coding techniques and styles to use based on his experience, but it's a bit outdated compared to some of our other picks.
- good overview of the essentials
- very informative appendices
- doesn't touch on jquery
| Publisher | Yahoo Press |
|---|---|
| Model | n/a |
| Weight | 11.2 ounces |
| Rating | 4.0 / 5.0 |
8. Pro JavaScript Design Patterns
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.
- teaches efficient code writing
- examples of module patterns
- concepts may be hard to understand
| Publisher | Pro JavaScript Design P |
|---|---|
| Model | n/a |
| Weight | 1.3 pounds |
| Rating | 3.8 / 5.0 |
7. jQuery in Action
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.
- tips for coding animated pages
- good framework reference
- not intended for beginners
| Publisher | jQuery in Action |
|---|---|
| Model | n/a |
| Weight | 2 pounds |
| Rating | 4.1 / 5.0 |
6. The Definitive Guide 6th Edition
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.
- best for intermediates or experts
- contains 125 downloadable examples
- terminology may be confusing
| Publisher | O'Reilly Media |
|---|---|
| Model | n/a |
| Weight | 3.9 pounds |
| Rating | 4.4 / 5.0 |
5. Learning jQuery Fourth Edition
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.
- versatile code samples
- teaches simplified code writing
- no previous knowledge needed
| Publisher | Learning jQuery Fourth |
|---|---|
| Model | n/a |
| Weight | pending |
| Rating | 4.0 / 5.0 |
4. The Missing Manual
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.
- shows how to make interactive pages
- good practical reference book
- provides step-by-step examples
| Publisher | The Missing Manual |
|---|---|
| Model | n/a |
| Weight | 2.4 pounds |
| Rating | 4.5 / 5.0 |
3. Interactive Front-End Web Development
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.
- in-depth breakdown of subjects
- tips on customizing script
- walks through thousands of plug-ins
| Publisher | Interactive Front-End W |
|---|---|
| Model | n/a |
| Weight | 3.2 pounds |
| Rating | 4.9 / 5.0 |
2. Head First JavaScript Programming: A Brain-Friendly Guide
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.
- written in a conversational style
- contains engaging visuals
- answers frequently asked questions
| Publisher | Head First JavaScript P |
|---|---|
| Model | n/a |
| Weight | 2.7 pounds |
| Rating | 4.5 / 5.0 |
1. A Smarter Way to Learn JavaScript
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.
- well-organized layout
- chapters are short and to the point
- so easy even non-coders can use it
| Publisher | A Smarter Way to Learn |
|---|---|
| Model | n/a |
| Weight | 1.3 pounds |
| Rating | 4.8 / 5.0 |
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Last updated on February 21, 2017 by Brett Dvoretz
A wandering writer who spends as much time on the road as behind the computer screen, Brett can either be found hacking furiously away at the keyboard or perhaps enjoying a whiskey and coke on some exotic beach, sometimes both simultaneously, usually with a four-legged companion by his side. He hopes to one day become a modern day renaissance man.
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