The best 29 JavaScript books

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1
JavaScript Books: DOM Enlightenment by Cody Lindley

DOM Enlightenment

Cody Lindley

What's DOM Enlightenment about?

DOM Enlightenment by Cody Lindley is a comprehensive guide that delves into the Document Object Model (DOM) and teaches readers how to manipulate HTML and XML documents using JavaScript. It provides in-depth explanations and examples to help developers understand the intricacies of the DOM and how to use it effectively in web development.

Who should read DOM Enlightenment?

  • Web developers who want to deepen their understanding of the Document Object Model (DOM)

  • Front-end engineers looking to improve their JavaScript skills for manipulating HTML and CSS

  • Those who want to learn how to work with the DOM without relying on libraries or frameworks


2
JavaScript Books: Even Faster Web Sites by Steve Souders

Even Faster Web Sites

Steve Souders

What's Even Faster Web Sites about?

Even Faster Web Sites by Steve Souders is a must-read for web developers and designers. This book provides practical techniques for optimizing website performance, ultimately improving user experience. With real-world examples and case studies, Souders offers valuable insights into web performance optimization.

Who should read Even Faster Web Sites?

  • Web developers who want to optimize their website's performance

  • Tech-savvy individuals interested in understanding the intricacies of web performance

  • Business owners looking to improve user experience and increase conversion rates on their website


3
JavaScript Books: Dom Scripting by Jeremy Keith

Dom Scripting

Jeremy Keith

What's Dom Scripting about?

Dom Scripting by Jeremy Keith is a comprehensive guide to using JavaScript and the Document Object Model (DOM) to create interactive and dynamic web pages. It covers topics such as event handling, manipulating HTML and CSS, and best practices for creating accessible and maintainable code. This book is a valuable resource for web developers looking to enhance their skills in front-end development.

Who should read Dom Scripting?

  • Web developers who want to enhance their skills in JavaScript and DOM scripting

  • Front-end developers looking to create interactive and dynamic web experiences

  • Designers and programmers who want to understand the power of using JavaScript to manipulate web pages


What's Developing Backbone.js Applications about?

Developing Backbone.js Applications by Addy Osmani is a comprehensive guide that helps you master the Backbone.js framework. It covers everything from basic concepts to advanced techniques, providing practical examples and best practices along the way. Whether you're new to Backbone.js or looking to enhance your skills, this book is a valuable resource for building dynamic web applications.

Who should read Developing Backbone.js Applications?

  • Developers who want to build structured and maintainable web applications using Backbone.js

  • Front-end engineers who are looking to enhance their skills in building single-page applications

  • Individuals who have a basic understanding of JavaScript and want to dive deeper into client-side development


5
JavaScript Books: Head First jQuery by Ryan Benedetti, Ronan Cranley

Head First jQuery

Ryan Benedetti, Ronan Cranley

What's Head First jQuery about?

Head First jQuery by Ryan Benedetti and Ronan Cranley is a beginner-friendly book that takes a unique approach to teaching jQuery. Filled with visual aids, puzzles, and real-world examples, it aims to make learning jQuery fun and engaging. Whether you're a web developer or designer, this book will help you master the art of creating interactive and dynamic web pages using jQuery.

Who should read Head First jQuery?

  • Web developers and designers who want to enhance their skills with jQuery

  • Individuals looking to create interactive and dynamic web pages

  • Those who prefer a hands-on, visual approach to learning new technologies


What's Interactive Data Visualization for the Web about?

Interactive Data Visualization for the Web by Scott Murray is an essential guide for anyone looking to create compelling and interactive data visualizations. The book provides a comprehensive introduction to the tools and techniques needed to build stunning visualizations using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. With clear explanations and practical examples, Murray demonstrates how to bring data to life on the web, making it an invaluable resource for beginners and experienced developers alike.

Who should read Interactive Data Visualization for the Web?

  • Individuals with a basic understanding of web development and data visualization

  • Professionals looking to enhance their data presentation and storytelling skills

  • Students or educators interested in creating engaging and interactive visualizations for projects or courses


7
JavaScript Books: jQuery in Action by Bear Bibeault

jQuery in Action

Bear Bibeault

What's jQuery in Action about?

jQuery in Action is a comprehensive guide to jQuery, a popular JavaScript library for simplifying client-side scripting in web development. Written by Bear Bibeault and Yehuda Katz, this book offers practical examples and in-depth explanations to help readers master jQuery's features and use it effectively in their projects. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced developer, this book will enhance your understanding of jQuery and its capabilities.

Who should read jQuery in Action?

  • Web developers who want to learn how to use jQuery to simplify and enhance their JavaScript code

  • Front-end developers who want to create interactive and dynamic web pages

  • Students or professionals looking to expand their knowledge of client-side web development


8
JavaScript Books: Composing Software by Eric Elliott

Composing Software

Eric Elliott

What's Composing Software about?

Composing Software by Eric Elliott is a comprehensive guide that delves into the principles and best practices of software composition. It explores topics such as functional programming, object composition, and modular design, providing valuable insights for both beginner and experienced developers. Through real-world examples and practical advice, the book equips readers with the knowledge and tools to write clean, maintainable, and scalable code.

Who should read Composing Software?

  • Software developers and engineers looking to deepen their understanding of functional programming and object composition

  • Those interested in building scalable and maintainable software systems

  • Individuals who want to learn how to apply compositional techniques to improve code quality and productivity


What's High Performance Web Sites about?

High Performance Web Sites by Steve Souders provides practical tips and techniques for optimizing website performance. From minimizing HTTP requests to utilizing content delivery networks, this book offers valuable insights for web developers and designers looking to improve their site's speed and efficiency.

Who should read High Performance Web Sites?

  • Web developers and engineers looking to optimize the performance of their websites

  • Professionals who want to improve user experience and increase site speed

  • Individuals interested in understanding the technical aspects of web performance and best practices


10
JavaScript Books: HTML and CSS by Jon Duckett

HTML and CSS

Jon Duckett

What's HTML and CSS about?

HTML and CSS by Jon Duckett is a beautifully designed book that introduces the key concepts of HTML and CSS in a visual and easy-to-understand format. With clear explanations and engaging illustrations, this book is perfect for beginners who want to learn how to create and style websites.

Who should read HTML and CSS?

  • Individuals who want to learn the basics of web development

  • Beginners who are interested in creating their own websites

  • Students or professionals looking to enhance their digital skills


11
JavaScript Books: Head First HTML5 Programming by Eric Freeman, Elisabeth Robson

Head First HTML5 Programming

Eric Freeman, Elisabeth Robson

What's Head First HTML5 Programming about?

Head First HTML5 Programming by Eric Freeman and Elisabeth Robson is a comprehensive guide that takes you through the essentials of HTML5 and JavaScript, and how to use them together to create dynamic and interactive web applications. With its unique and engaging format, this book makes learning HTML5 programming fun and accessible for beginners.

Who should read Head First HTML5 Programming?

  • Individuals who want to learn HTML5 programming from scratch

  • Web developers looking to enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest web technologies

  • Students or professionals pursuing a career in web development or programming


12
JavaScript Books: Pro AngularJS by Adam Freeman

Pro AngularJS

Adam Freeman

What's Pro AngularJS about?

Pro AngularJS by Adam Freeman is a comprehensive guide to building dynamic web applications using AngularJS. It covers everything from the basics of AngularJS to advanced topics such as directives, services, and testing. With clear explanations and practical examples, this book is perfect for both beginners and experienced developers looking to master AngularJS.

Who should read Pro AngularJS?

  • Developers who want to learn how to build dynamic web applications with AngularJS

  • Experienced JavaScript developers looking to expand their skills with a popular framework

  • Individuals who prefer a hands-on, practical approach to learning new technologies


13
JavaScript Books: jQuery Pocket Reference by David Flanagan

jQuery Pocket Reference

David Flanagan

What's jQuery Pocket Reference about?

jQuery Pocket Reference by David Flanagan is a handy guide for web developers who want to quickly look up jQuery syntax and usage. It provides concise explanations and examples for jQuery methods and functions, making it easy to find the information you need while coding. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced developer, this book is a valuable resource for mastering jQuery.

Who should read jQuery Pocket Reference?

  • Web developers who want a quick and handy reference guide for jQuery

  • Programmers who are new to jQuery and need a concise overview of its features

  • Experienced jQuery users who want to deepen their understanding of the library and discover advanced techniques


14
JavaScript Books: You Don't Know JS Yet by Kyle Simpson

You Don't Know JS Yet

Kyle Simpson

What's You Don't Know JS Yet about?

You Don't Know JS Yet by Kyle Simpson is a comprehensive book series that delves into the inner workings of JavaScript. It takes a deep dive into the language, covering topics such as scope, closures, prototypes, and more. With clear explanations and practical examples, this book is perfect for anyone looking to truly understand JavaScript.

Who should read You Don't Know JS Yet?

  • JavaScript developers who want to deepen their understanding of the language

  • Programmers looking to master advanced concepts and best practices in JavaScript

  • Individuals who want to stay updated with the latest features and changes in JavaScript


15
JavaScript Books: You Don't Know JS by Kyle Simpson

You Don't Know JS

Kyle Simpson

What's You Don't Know JS about?

You Don't Know JS by Kyle Simpson is a comprehensive book series that takes a deep dive into the inner workings of JavaScript. It explores the core concepts, challenges misconceptions, and provides valuable insights for both novice and experienced developers. Each book in the series focuses on a specific aspect of JavaScript, making it an essential resource for anyone looking to master the language.

Who should read You Don't Know JS?

  • Developers who want to deepen their understanding of JavaScript

  • Those who are looking to master advanced concepts and best practices in JavaScript

  • Individuals who want to improve their problem-solving skills and write more efficient code


What's A Smarter Way to Learn Python about?

A Smarter Way to Learn Python by Mark Myers is a beginner-friendly guide to learning Python programming language. The book uses a unique approach of breaking down complex concepts into simple, easy-to-understand exercises. With a focus on hands-on learning, it helps readers build a strong foundation in Python programming. Whether you're new to coding or looking to brush up on your skills, this book offers a practical and effective way to master Python.

Who should read A Smarter Way to Learn Python?

  • Beginner programmers who want to learn Python from scratch

  • Individuals looking to improve their problem-solving and analytical skills

  • Professionals in fields such as data science, web development, or automation


17
JavaScript Books: Async JavaScript by Trevor Burnham

Async JavaScript

Trevor Burnham

What's Async JavaScript about?

Async JavaScript by Trevor Burnham is a comprehensive guide that delves into the world of asynchronous programming in JavaScript. It covers topics such as callbacks, promises, async/await, and event loops, providing practical examples and best practices. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced developer, this book will help you master the art of writing efficient and maintainable asynchronous code.

Who should read Async JavaScript?

  • Aspiring web developers who want to master asynchronous programming in JavaScript

  • Experienced developers looking to improve the performance and responsiveness of their web applications

  • Professionals who want to stay updated with the latest best practices and techniques in JavaScript development


18
JavaScript Books: Beginning JavaScript by Jeremy McPeak

Beginning JavaScript

Jeremy McPeak

What's Beginning JavaScript about?

Beginning JavaScript (5th edition) is a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to learn JavaScript from scratch. It covers the basics of the language, such as variables, data types, and control structures, and gradually progresses to more advanced topics like DOM manipulation and event handling. With clear explanations and practical examples, this book is perfect for beginners who want to gain a solid understanding of JavaScript.

Who should read Beginning JavaScript?

  • Individuals looking to learn the fundamentals of JavaScript programming

  • Web developers who want to enhance their skills and understanding of JavaScript

  • Students or professionals seeking a comprehensive and practical guide to JavaScript


19
JavaScript Books: Effective JavaScript by David Herman

Effective JavaScript

David Herman

What's Effective JavaScript about?

Effective JavaScript by David Herman is a comprehensive guide to mastering the intricacies of JavaScript. Through practical examples and insightful explanations, the book delves into best practices, common pitfalls, and advanced techniques for writing efficient and maintainable JavaScript code. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced developer, this book will help you elevate your skills and become a more effective JavaScript programmer.

Who should read Effective JavaScript?

  • Developers who want to deepen their understanding of JavaScript and improve their coding skills

  • Those who are looking to write more efficient and maintainable JavaScript code

  • Individuals who want to learn best practices and common pitfalls to avoid in JavaScript programming


20
JavaScript Books: High Performance JavaScript by Nicholas C. Zakas

High Performance JavaScript

Nicholas C. Zakas

What's High Performance JavaScript about?

High Performance JavaScript by Nicholas C. Zakas is a comprehensive guide that delves into the inner workings of JavaScript to help you understand how to write high-performance code. It covers topics such as optimization techniques, loading and execution, and best practices for improving the speed and efficiency of your JavaScript applications. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced developer, this book provides valuable insights to help you enhance the performance of your JavaScript code.

Who should read High Performance JavaScript?

  • Software developers and engineers looking to optimize their JavaScript code for better performance

  • Tech professionals who want to understand the inner workings of JavaScript and improve their programming skills

  • Web developers who are interested in creating faster and more efficient web applications


21
JavaScript Books: JavaScript Patterns by Stoyan Stefanov

JavaScript Patterns

Stoyan Stefanov

What's JavaScript Patterns about?

JavaScript Patterns by Stoyan Stefanov is a comprehensive guide to writing clean and maintainable JavaScript code. It covers various design patterns and best practices, helping developers understand how to structure their code effectively. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced developer, this book will enhance your understanding of JavaScript and improve your coding skills.

Who should read JavaScript Patterns?

  • Experienced JavaScript developers who want to improve their coding skills

  • Programmers looking to understand and apply design patterns in JavaScript

  • Those who want to write more efficient and maintainable code in JavaScript


22
JavaScript Books: Javascript Grammar by Greg Sidelnikov

Javascript Grammar

Greg Sidelnikov

What's Javascript Grammar about?

Javascript Grammar by Greg Sidelnikov is a comprehensive guide to understanding the syntax and structure of JavaScript. This book delves into the nuances of the language, providing clear explanations and practical examples to help readers grasp complex concepts. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced developer, this book is a valuable resource for mastering Javascript.

Who should read Javascript Grammar?

  • Web developers who want to deepen their understanding of JavaScript

  • Students and professionals looking to master the language's syntax and features

  • Those who want to stay up-to-date with the latest ECMAScript standards and best practices


23
JavaScript Books: JavaScript for Kids by Nick Morgan

JavaScript for Kids

Nick Morgan

What's JavaScript for Kids about?

JavaScript for Kids by Nick Morgan is a fun and engaging book that introduces children to the world of programming. Through colorful illustrations and easy-to-follow explanations, kids will learn the basics of JavaScript and how to create their own interactive games and animations. It's a great way to spark an interest in coding at a young age!

Who should read JavaScript for Kids?

  • Children and young adults who are interested in learning how to code

  • Parents or educators looking for a fun and engaging way to introduce JavaScript to kids

  • Individuals who want to build a solid foundation in programming and web development from a young age


24
JavaScript Books: Maintainable JavaScript by Nicholas C. Zakas

Maintainable JavaScript

Nicholas C. Zakas

What's Maintainable JavaScript about?

Maintainable JavaScript by Nicholas C. Zakas provides valuable insights and best practices for writing clean, modular, and maintainable JavaScript code. It covers topics such as code organization, testing, performance optimization, and error handling, making it an essential read for any JavaScript developer looking to improve their code quality and development workflow.

Who should read Maintainable JavaScript?

  • Software developers and engineers looking to improve the maintainability of their JavaScript code

  • Tech leads and managers responsible for establishing coding standards and best practices within their teams

  • Anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of JavaScript and enhance their ability to collaborate with other developers


25
JavaScript Books: Object-Oriented JavaScript by Nicholas C. Zakas

Object-Oriented JavaScript

Nicholas C. Zakas

What's Object-Oriented JavaScript about?

Object-Oriented JavaScript by Nicholas C. Zakas is a comprehensive guide that delves into the principles and best practices of using object-oriented programming in JavaScript. It covers topics such as creating and using objects, inheritance, polymorphism, and encapsulation, providing real-world examples and practical techniques to help you write more efficient and maintainable code.

Who should read Object-Oriented JavaScript?

  • Developers who want to deepen their understanding of JavaScript's object-oriented features

  • Programmers who aim to write more maintainable and scalable code using object-oriented principles

  • Individuals looking to improve their skills in designing and implementing complex JavaScript applications


What's Pro JavaScript Techniques about?

Pro JavaScript Techniques by John Resig is a comprehensive guide that delves into advanced JavaScript concepts and best practices. It covers topics such as object-oriented programming, closures, design patterns, and performance optimization. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced developer, this book will help you elevate your JavaScript skills and write more efficient and maintainable code.

Who should read Pro JavaScript Techniques?

  • Web developers who want to master advanced JavaScript techniques

  • Programmers looking to enhance their understanding of object-oriented programming in JavaScript

  • Individuals interested in leveraging the full potential of modern JavaScript libraries and frameworks


What's Professional JavaScript for Web Developers about?

Professional JavaScript for Web Developers by Nicholas C. Zakas is a comprehensive guide to understanding and mastering JavaScript. It covers advanced topics such as object-oriented programming, regular expressions, and error handling, making it a valuable resource for experienced developers. With practical examples and in-depth explanations, this book equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to write efficient and professional JavaScript code for web development.

Who should read Professional JavaScript for Web Developers?

  • Web developers looking to deepen their understanding of JavaScript

  • Experienced programmers seeking to learn JavaScript best practices and advanced techniques

  • Individuals who want to stay updated with the latest features and updates in JavaScript


What's Programming JavaScript Applications about?

Programming JavaScript Applications by Eric Elliott is a comprehensive guide that teaches you how to build robust and maintainable JavaScript applications. It covers topics such as functional programming, design patterns, and best practices for building scalable and efficient applications. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced developer, this book will help you take your JavaScript skills to the next level.

Who should read Programming JavaScript Applications?

  • Experienced JavaScript developers seeking to improve their coding skills

  • Web developers looking to build robust and scalable applications with JavaScript

  • Programmers interested in learning about design patterns and best practices for JavaScript applications


29
JavaScript Books: Testable JavaScript by Mark Trostler

Testable JavaScript

Mark Trostler

What's Testable JavaScript about?

Testable JavaScript by Mark Trostler provides a comprehensive guide to writing testable code in JavaScript. The book covers various testing techniques, tools, and best practices to help developers create reliable and maintainable JavaScript applications. It is a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve the quality of their JavaScript code through testing.

Who should read Testable JavaScript?

  • JavaScript developers who want to improve the testability of their code

  • Software engineers looking to adopt test-driven development practices

  • Those interested in learning about testing frameworks and tools for JavaScript


Related Topics

JavaScript Books
 FAQs 

What's the best JavaScript book to read?

While choosing just one book about a topic is always tough, many people regard DOM Enlightenment as the ultimate read on JavaScript.

What are the Top 10 JavaScript books?

Blinkist curators have picked the following:
  • DOM Enlightenment by Cody Lindley
  • Even Faster Web Sites by Steve Souders
  • Dom Scripting by Jeremy Keith
  • Developing Backbone.js Applications by Addy Osmani
  • Head First jQuery by Ryan Benedetti, Ronan Cranley
  • Interactive Data Visualization for the Web by Scott Murray
  • jQuery in Action by Bear Bibeault
  • Composing Software by Eric Elliott
  • High Performance Web Sites by Steve Souders
  • HTML and CSS by Jon Duckett

Who are the top JavaScript book authors?

When it comes to JavaScript, these are the authors who stand out as some of the most influential:
  • Cody Lindley
  • Steve Souders
  • Jeremy Keith
  • Addy Osmani
  • Ryan Benedetti, Ronan Cranley