Learning Javascript: The road to becoming a javascript ninja

The road to becoming a Javascript ninja is a long one. While it may take only a few weeks to get familiar, or for some comfortable with the language, it's a programming language that isn't quickly mastered. This is in part to the Libraries that come out somewhat frequently like jQuery, Angular.js, Backbone.js, React.js, Velocity.js, etc.

Before I get started I just want to mention that I do have some knowledge of Javascript. However, that knowledge is very limited and not formal by any stretch of the imagination (not that this will be particularly formal). This will serve as my Javascript learning experience. Hopefully my experience learning this language will help others who want to learn Javascript but were intimidated at first like me.

The Goal

My personal goal is to become comfortable with the language in a month and an "expert" (*cough* *cough* Javascript ninja) in just a few months. I don't want to set too specific of a goal out of fear that I don't know what I am getting myself into. Once I start to really dive into learning and can get an idea of what lies ahead then I will come up with more specific goals.

I will know I have gotten somewhere when I can understand what Tiffany Rayside, Gregor Adams, Gerard Ferrandez, and others do so well.

How will I learn Javascript?

As of now the plan will be to use the book, JavaScript and JQuery: Interactive Front-End Web Development by Jon Duckett, as my main source of information at first. Why that specific book? Basically because it was the best seller for Javascript books on Amazon and my interest is in front-end development. I would already consider myself an expert in HTML and CSS which is why I think this book will be more beneficial.

Why not use online programs? I tried the free online approach with sites like Codecademy, but I found that they really don't go in depth and I ended up forgetting what I learned days after. I would love to try Lynda.com but money is tight right now. If you have the spare $35 a month (or $30 if you pay upfront for an annual subscription) for a premium account, then go for it. I have only heard good things about it.

I will stick to books for now and post code examples on my Codepen, as well as on here along the way. I think posting examples as I learn will help out a lot during the learning experience.

Time to start

I have no excuses to start immediately (except that my book doesn't arrive until tomorrow) because I have waited way to long to learn Javascript. Hopefully all goes well. We shall see.

If you have any suggestions or tips for me please don't hesitate to drop a comment below.