How Difficult is it to Learn JavaScript & jQuery?

Are you curious about learning JavaScript and jQuery but worried that it might be too hard? Of course, the difficulty that comes with learning a new skill is somewhat subjective. The challenges of learning JavaScript and jQuery depend on factors like availability, method of learning, and prior experience. For example, someone who knows HTML and CSS may easily pick up JavaScript and jQuery. No matter your current schedule or comfort level with JavaScript and jQuery, plenty of tools are available to help make learning easier than you might think. 

What is JavaScript & jQuery?

Javascript is a programming language used to create more interactive websites, while jQuery is a framework for JavaScript. In many ways, they function similarly and have been around for several years. However, several critical differences between JavaScript and jQuery exist. JavaScript has broader uses as a programming language. It has many built-in ways to make websites more dynamic, while jQuery–a more targeted framework–has a limited range. John Resig created jQuery to make JavaScript web development faster. 

The features of JavaScript and jQuery are also different since they are designed to be used in contrasting situations. JavaScript is used in server-side applications; jQuery is used just for client-side development. When used together, they can simplify the process of web development. jQuery is quicker and easier to use by simplifying code writing in JavaScript. Its framework allows users to compress JavaScript tasks into fewer lines of code. Individuals can use jQuery to reduce their development time. It is wise to use jQuery to make browser compatibility easier. 

Read more about what JavaScript and jQuery are and why you should learn them. 

What Can You Do with JavaScript & jQuery?

Individuals can use JavaScript and jQuery for many purposes. JavaScript is used on the client side and the server side. It allows individuals to make web pages interactive and is mainly for web applications and web browsers. JavaScript is used for showing or hiding information with a button, changing the color of a button, zooming in or out, playing audio and video, displaying animations, or using a drop-down hamburger menu. It is also used to create browser games and web and mobile apps.

jQuery is not a programming language but a tool to facilitate web development in JavaScript. Individuals can even use any JavaScript editor to write jQuery, such as Notepad, Visual Studio, Eclipse, or Ultra edit. jQuery can be used to develop Ajax-based applications, to make code simple and reusable, to simplify the traversal of HTML DOM tree, and to perform animation and ajax support in web applications. jQuery also helps individuals to make flash-like animated applications. Using jQuery, individuals only need to know JavaScript and HTML to create animations. Web designers can use many impressive effects to make their designs more elegant. 

What Are the Most Challenging Parts of Learning JavaScript & jQuery?

Some of the most challenging parts of learning JavaScript and jQuery include time management, motivation, and code challenges. Individuals with ineffective time management skills may struggle to balance their studies and personal lives. Individuals can take advantage of time management apps that are available for free. Those with trouble with motivation may want to utilize a task-planning app to stay organized. Such apps can provide individuals with reminders, calendars, and bulleted lists to keep organized. 

Beginners may struggle with code challenges, and while figuring out how to conquer challengings can be rewarding, it can be helpful to seek assistance. Individuals just starting out learning JavaScript may want to enroll in live online or in-person courses through which they can seek help and often have a mentor.

How Does Learning JavaScript & jQuery Compare to Other Languages?

Recognizing how unique JavaScript and jQuery are is essential when comparing them to other programming languages. One of the main differences between JavaScript and other languages is that it is a scripting language and does not have to be compiled to be implemented. 

It is said that JavaScript and Java are both simple to learn, but JavaScript may be slightly easier for beginning programmers as they don’t need any tooling to get started. JavaScript is a scripting language, while Java is a network-centric programming language. JavaScript and Java surprisingly have little in common, as JavaScript is used for web and browser-based application development, while Java is used for app development. 

When compared to Python, JavaScript responds to mouse clicks and keystrokes, while Python responds to function calls. JavaScript Developers may use Python on the front end. Learning Python may cost between $3,000 and $5,000, and learning JavaScript may cost between $1,000 and $5,000. It is more expensive to learn JavaScript as part of an undergraduate program than to take comprehensive bootcamps and certificate programs. When comparing JavaScript to C, Javascript is compiled with the just-in-time compiler, while C is compiled in advance. JavaScript is not a markup language, which makes it more challenging to learn than HTML. 

For those wanting to learn jQuery, the more JavaScript they know, the better off they will be. jQuery is a feature-rich JavaScript library, but it cannot replace JavaScript. It is optimized for scripting functions with fewer lines of code and is considered easy to learn. Many experts consider it to be easier than learning JavaScript.

Why Learn JavaScript and jQuery

Even though learning JavaScript and jQuery may seem challenging, sticking with them is worthwhile. Jobs that require knowledge of JavaScript and jQuery are in high demand, and many positions pay exceptionally well. Those searching for a position will find thousands requiring these skills. The programs are beginner-friendly, and JavaScript is highly accessible. Learning JavaScript provides individuals with transferable skills and endless possibilities. 

Make Learning Easier

There are ways that individuals can make learning JavaScript and jQuery easier for themselves. Not letting confidence trick one into moving on and missing important parts of the learning process is essential. Individuals should always review previous concepts multiple times before learning a new skill. They can do this by limiting the amount of information learned in one sitting and practicing writing code. 

It is also vital to approach practice with the right mindset. If individuals dread practicing or see it as boring and repetitive, they may skip sessions or take shortcuts, and shortcuts should not be made when learning jQuery and JavaScript. Individuals should approach learning with a more positive mindset so that practicing feels like playing rather than learning. 

Individuals should also think slower to learn faster. When learning JavaScript and jQuery, individuals should be able to explain everything they are doing thoroughly. It is easier to learn step by step rather than understand it all at once. 

Learn JavaScript with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

Individuals can learn JavaScript with hands-on training from Noble Desktop. Many of their classes provide high-level JavaScript skills. With expert instructors, small classes, and free retake options, Noble’s courses provide the JavaScript instruction necessary to advance in a new career. 

Noble’s JavaScript Development Certificate is the perfect course for anyone who knows HTML/CSS and wants to become a JavaScript Developer. Individuals learn to build web apps with JavaScript and gain the necessary skills to find a career in application development. The course covers building dynamic web applications with React and Node.js, creating APIs with Express.js, and working with databases with MongoDB. 

Another course is their Full Stack Web Development Certificate, which focuses on JavaScript and teaches individuals to work on all aspects of a web application. The program covers HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Git, starting with front-end web development and continuing with back-end programming. Other JavaScript classes and bootcamps include Software Engineering Certificate and Front End Web Development Certificate.