Did you know that whenever you interact with a website or online game, JavaScript is helping out? This is the programming language that makes the Web interactive & engaging!
In order to build great interactivity into their own games, apps, and web pages, a coder should be comfortable using various JavaScript tools, libraries, and so on. In today’s tutorial, we’ll provide an intro to JavaScript programming.
Ready to discover more about JavaScript? Let’s go!
Why learn JavaScript?
JavaScript code is found on nearly every web browser in the world, including Chrome and Safari. From mobile app to web page to online game, JavaScript (JS) helps make it run!
JavaScript for kids is a great way to explore computer programming. Working hand in hand with HTML and CSS—more on these other programming languages later—JS helps to enhance interactivity and the overall user experience.
Offering a streamlined syntax, JS makes it easy for a beginning programmer to dive into game design, web development, and more. It also helps prepare young people for a host of future careers, including ones in computer science.
In search of more resources on JavaScript coding? Take a look at the following:
Best JavaScript Projects for Kids
How to Code Your Own Website (beginner 12+)
JavaScript Course (fist class free, Age 12-18)
Another great resource is JavaScript for Kids: A Playful Introduction by Nick Morgan (found on Amazon and other book retailers). No Starch Press also offers an assortment of JavaScript programming books and guides.
From creative expression to computational thinking, learning JavaScript can benefit any child's educational and personal growth journey. This coding language, when paired with HTML and CSS, forms the backbone of the Internet!
How to Get Kids to Learn JavaScript
JavaScript, and programming languages in general, can seem boring or even intimidating at first for kids. But once they discover all the exciting things that JavaScript can do, it's pretty easy to get them on board!
Whether a coder wants to build their own games or animate graphics—JS helps out a lot with the control of animation—JavaScript is the magic that makes it all responsive!
Without JavaScript, we wouldn't be able to interact with web pages or control game characters like we do.
Want to encourage a kid to get into JavaScript? Simply show them all the amazing web content and online games that are powered by JS! Then explain about the programming language that helps make it all interactive & engaging.
Need another way to get kids interested in JavaScript? Using clean syntax, JS is simple for kids to learn! It's actually easier than C++ and Python, making it one of the best coding languages to instill a solid foundation and confidence in a child.
Considering all the real-world applications, from popular websites to snake games to mobile apps, there are endless reasons to learn and use JavaScript. The key is to make it approachable, relatable, and fun!
JavaScript vs. HTML vs. CSS
As mentioned before, JavaScript works in concert with two other coding languages to make the Internet go round: HTML and CSS. Each one has an important role. Here's a quick look at each language.
HTML
HyperText Markup Language (HTML) helps define the structure of a web page, online game or app. Another way to look at HTML is as a person. This person represents the overall content of a website or Internet project.
CSS
If HTML can be viewed as a person, CSS represents the clothing. This language adds style characteristics, including fonts, page layouts, and colors. It allows the person—in this case, HTML—to have a suit, accessories, and even a new hairstyle!
JavaScript
Last but not least, we have JavaScript. While HTML creates structure and CSS provides style, JavaScript adds interactivity and visual appeal. Without JS, you wouldn't have updates, interactive elements, animated graphics, and more!
JavaScript Terms
Not sure what any of these terms really mean yet? Don't worry! We've included these definitions to help you get familiar with main concepts while you start your journey. Feel free to refer to this list as a quick reference point while learning JavaScript.
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Array: A single variable that stores different elements.
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Data types: Represent data. Types include string, number, boolean, null, and more.
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DOM: The Document Object Model is an interface for web documents.
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Else statement: Executes code if the state is false.
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For loop: A loop where the number of iterations is known.
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Function: Group of statements that can be reused to perform a task.
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Game mechanic: A player action or event inside a game.
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If statement: Runs code if a statement is true.
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jQuery: A JavaScript library that helps add extra functionality to a project.
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Loop: Checks for a condition and then runs a block of code.
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Parameters: Info that affects how a function runs.
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Pop-up boxes: Inform the user of a message.
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Script: A set of steps that a coder writes for a computer to follow.
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Variable: A container that holds information.
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While loop: This repeats a block of code as long as the condition is true.
JavaScript Frameworks
Having to begin from scratch is a lot of work and completely unnecessary. That's why there are JavaScript frameworks. With these frameworks, JS developers can get a project going much faster! Here are the top 5 Javascript frameworks.
AngularJS
Maintained by Google and a group of individuals, AngularJS is ideal for creating Single-Page Applications (SPAs). This framework offers the advantage of functionality similar to a mobile app, with the main benefit of not having to be reloaded every time.
Meteor
Great for mobile, desktop, and web applications, Meteor is a free and open-source JS framework used by the likes of Qualcomm and IKEA. One of the main advantages of Meteor is that it’s pretty easy to understand, making it ideal for beginners!
Node.js
Technically, Node.js is a runtime environment and not a framework. It runs Javascript code outside of a browser. Fast and highly scalable, Node.js runs on Chrome's V8 engine. It's also an open-source and cross-platform environment.
React
Developed by Facebook, React makes it easier to build a User Interface (UI). It's much more intuitive since it uses a one-way data flow (as opposed to bi-directional data flow). Hot reload, a popular feature, allows users to see changes in real time.
Vue.js
If you're looking to create topnotch Single-Page Applications (SPAs) and User Interfaces (UIs), Vue.js is the framework for you! This highly reliable cross-platform framework excels at both desktop and mobile app development.
And there it is! We hope you enjoyed this overview of all things JavaScript. Once a young coder has learned the fundamentals, they can confidently move on to more advanced JavaScript programming.
The key is to build a solid foundation. This comes from proper practice and instruction. At Juni Learning, we make coding accessible & fun!
Now Keep Learning!
Without JavaScript, interactivity on the Web would be pretty dull. A kid coder, with the right guidance & practice, can take full advantage of this highly useful programming language. And Juni Learning is ready to help with our tailored coding courses!
From Scratch to Java to JavaScript, we offer the right fit for young programmers.
Explore more of our online coding classes for kids, or contact our Advisors by emailing advisors@learnwithjuni.com to learn which courses are best for your student’s coding journey.
Juni Learning offers award-winning online courses for kids ages 8-18. Explore private courses in real world skills like coding, investing, communications and much more. We strive to empower students everywhere with passion, creativity, and excitement for hands-on learning.
