Javascript Before jQuery

I get asked all the time how I learned as much as I have about jQuery. And the answer really consists of 2 things:

1. I already knew Javascript
2. I read the documentation

Why Learn JavaScript First?

jQuery is awesome in the fact that it’s easy for beginners to jump into it, yet also has a ton of depth. However, understanding plain JavaScript before learning jQuery gives you:

• A deeper understanding of what jQuery is actually doing
• The ability to write more efficient code
• Better debugging skills
• The foundation to learn any JavaScript framework

Video Resources

Here are some video tutorials on JavaScript fundamentals:

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8G_i615QLCg
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_AO04xlB1c

Going Deeper

This is a situation where the further you want to go to the root, the less resources (and video tutorials) there seems to be on it. If you want to truly understand how things work at a fundamental level, you’ll need to dig deeper into computer science concepts and how the machine works.

I’m also guilty of learning jQuery before plain JavaScript, then picked up JavaScript after-the-fact. But having that JavaScript foundation makes all the difference in becoming a truly skilled developer.