JavaScript is used on more than just make HTML. It can be be used to run websites, make apps, games and the like. It powers websites like Uber’s, apps like Skype and games made by various developers.
These lessons cover JavaScript, away from HTML so you can use it in other fields.
It’s a good idea to do Hacker first to learn how text coding works and how strict computers can be with typing text. JavaScript is even stricter, it’s case sensitive, meaning that you have to type the capitals in the right order or it won’t work.
A Sandbox to Learn In
For most of these tutorials, we will be using Repl.it, which is a website where we can type in code and will run it on our behalf. Think of it as the Scratch editor, but for text coding. You may have used it to make your website back in Hacker, but if you haven’t, it’s a good idea to make an account and make sure you’re logged in.
Once you made one, you can make a JavaScript Repl (don’t use “HTML, CSS, JS” or “Node.js”).
The Repl is made up of three sections. The file window, the editor window and the output window from the left to right.
The file window is where you can download and upload files to Repl.it, we won’t be using it much for now.
The editor window (the white box below the “Invite” and “index.js” text) is where your code lives.
The output window (the dark blue box to the right) is where you can interact with your program and play around with some code.
Hello, World
To make sure the Repl works fine, you can type in the following bit of code and press “Run ▶️” (Ctrl + Enter).
console.log('Hello, world!')
This should make “Hello, world!” show up on the output window on the right like in the image below.
Bonus Challenges
If you want to go the extra mile, you can give the optional Bonus Challenges a try. They are a way to try learn JavaScript by usage and with autonomy. They require knowledge that aren’t included in this course, but is useful practice regardless.
Please note these are entirely optional and don’t affect your badge progress.
Here are some resource to get start with bonus challenges: