JavaScript Full Course - Beginner's Guide to JavaScript on Node.js

This complete 51-part JavaScript tutorial for beginners will teach you everything you need to know to get started with the JavaScript on Node.js.

Learning a new framework or development environment is made even more difficult when you don’t know the programming language. Fortunately, we’re here to help! We’ve created this series of videos to focus on the core concepts of JavaScript.

While we don’t cover every aspect of JavaScript, we will help you build a foundation from which you can continue to grow. By the end of this series, you’ll be able to work through tutorials, quick starts, books, and other resources, continuing to grow on your own.

The video series is designed to be consumed as you see fit. You can watch from start to finish, or you can dive into specific topics. You can always bookmark and come back as you need.

Beginning the Beginner’s JavaScript Series [1 of 51]

JavaScript is an interpreted language. As a result, where it executes has an impact on what resources are available and what you’re able to do. Here we’ll highlight the key differences, and what to expect when you decide to look at client code.

What is JavaScript [2 of 51]

If you’re not familiar with JavaScript this is a perfect place to start. We’ll chat through what JavaScript is, the history, and the types of applications you can create with JavaScript.

Running JavaScript: browser or server [3 of 51]

Building your toolbox [4 of 51]

Every craftsperson needs a toolbox, and this is no different for a developer. You’ll need to have both Node.js installed to run your code, and an editor, such as Visual Studio Code, to create and edit it. We’re going to talk through what you’ll need and where to find it.

Demo: Building your toolbox [5 of 51]

Creating Your First Application [6 of 51]

Hello, world! All applications start somewhere. We’re going to show you how to create your first application. Every application will always start here - with a folder and an editor.

Comments [7 of 51]

Comments are a great way to document your code, both so you and others know what’s going on, but also as a way of taking notes. JavaScript offers a couple of ways to create comments, and we’ll show you both.

Demo: Comments [8 of 51]

Declaring variables [9 of 51]

Variables allow you to store pieces of information and are core to programming. How you declare variables in JavaScript has a large impact on how the variable will work and the changes you are (and aren’t) allowed to make to it. We’ll show you how to declare variables, and the best practices.

Demo:Declaring variables [10 of 51]

Working with strings [11 of 51]

One of the core actions performed in code is working with strings. We’ll show off how to combine and concatenate strings.

Demo: Working with strings [12 of 51]

One of the core actions performed in code is working with strings. We’ll show off how to combine and concatenate strings.

Using template literals to format strings [13 of 51]

Performing more complex operations to bring strings together becomes difficult with a bunch of plus signs. Fortunately, JavaScript offers a great formatting syntax, allowing you to create a template and indicate how strings should be combined.

Demo: Using template literals to format strings [14 of 51]

Data types in JavaScript [15 of 51]

While JavaScript is a weakly typed language, it still stores the variable type (such as number or string). We’ll walk through the concept of what a weakly typed language is, and how the system works in JavaScript.

Demo: Data types in JavaScript [16 of 51]

Math in JavaScript [17 of 51]

It’s hard to imagine an application where there isn’t some level of math involved. Like any programming language, you can do all the math in JavaScript. We’ll show off some of the common operations and options.

Demo: Math in JavaScript [18 of 51]

Converting strings to numbers [19 of 51]

When working with data from outside of your application it may not be automatically read as the data type you expect. This can cause problems when you’re expecting a number but JavaScript treats it as a string. See how you can convert strings to numbers.

Demo: Converting strings to numbers [20 of 51]

Handling errors with try/catch/finally [21 of 51]

Whenever code is executing there’s always a chance something may go wrong. Allowing your application to log the error, and potentially exit gracefully, is important. We’ll show how you can use try/catch/finally to handle errors in JavaScript.

Demo: Handling errors with try/catch/finally [22 of 51]

Dates [23 of 51]

Working with dates and time can be a little tricky. JavaScript offers quite a bit of support for working with and manipulating this type of data. We’re going to highlight how you can create dates and times, work with the various components.

Demo: Dates [24 of 51]

Boolean logic with if statements [25 of 51]

Applications make decisions. The core to any decision making is branching using an if statement. We’re going to talk through how Boolean values work, and the core syntax for if statements.

Demo: Boolean logic with if statements [26 of 51]

Applications make decisions. The core to any decision making is branching using an if statement. We’re going to talk through how Boolean values work, and the core syntax for if statements.

Boolean logic with switch and other syntax [27 of 51]

Beyond the core syntax for if statements, JavaScript offers a couple of different ways to write it, and provide multiple branches using a concise form of syntax known as a switch statement. We’ll show off the different options available to you.

Demo: Boolean logic with switch and other syntax [28 of 51]

Creating arrays [29 of 51]

Arrays allow you to store multiple items in one variable. We’ll start this video set by showing how you can create an array.

Demo: Creating arrays [30 of 51]

Arrays allow you to store multiple items in one variable. We’ll start this video set by showing how you can create an array.

Populating arrays [31 of 51]

Once an array is created it needs data. And we need to be able to retrieve the data. We’ll show off how to add data to an array, and how indexes work to find specific values.

Demo: Populating arrays [32 of 51]

Once an array is created it needs data. And we need to be able to retrieve the data. We’ll show off how to add data to an array, and how indexes work to find specific values.

Array methods [33 of 51]

There are numerous methods to use with arrays which allow you to manipulate the data or the entire array. We’ll highlight some of the most common operations.

Demo: Array methods [34 of 51]

There are numerous methods to use with arrays which allow you to manipulate the data or the entire array. We’ll highlight some of the most common operations.

Loops [35 of 51]

The ability to perform an operation multiple times in an application is an important one. JavaScript offers a few different ways to do this, with the three most common being for, for of, and while. We’ll walk you through each one and highlight when to use each.

Demo: Loops [36 of 51]

Functions [37 of 51]

Functions are probably the most powerful tool in the developer’s toolbox. They allow you to take a block of code, put a name on it to make it clear what it does, and then call it as often as you need. We’ll show off how you can create functions using the classic JavaScript syntax.

Demo: Functions [38 of 51]

Arrow and anonymous functions [39 of 51]

JavaScript offers the ability to pass functions into functions for callbacks and other purposes. While this can be done by using the classic syntax, it can be a little verbose. We’ll highlight how you can create arrow (sometimes called “fat arrow”) functions to help make your code a little terser.

Demo: Arrow and anonymous functions [40 of 51]

JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) [41 of 51]

The flexibility of JavaScript allows you to create objects on the fly to suit your needs. One common way to do this is through JavaScript Object Notation or JSON - so common in fact it’s become a common standard. We’ll show off how you can use JSON to create and manipulate objects in JavaScript.

Demo: JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) [42 of 51]

Objects in JavaScript [43 of 51]

JavaScript allows you to do more with objects than simply create data structures. You can create fully functional objects with methods and state. This allows you to better represent information and operations in your code. We’ll see how you can use objects in JavaScript.

Demo: Objects in JavaScript [44 of 51]

Promises for long running operations [45 of 51]

Calls to databases and other external services can take a while. We need to ensure the application doesn’t cease all operations while those complete. By using promises we can allow for better thread management and ensure our application stays responsive and has better performance.

Demo: Promises for long running operations [46 of 51]

Async/await for managing promises [47 of 51]

A new pattern of using async/await syntax for managing promises is increasing in popularity. We’ll show off how you can use async/await to make your code appear synchronous while performing asynchronous operations.

Demo: async/await for managing promises [48 of 51]

Package management [49 of 51]

Applications frequently have the same set of core requirements. Rather than creating your own solutions, you can instead bring in packages created by others. See how you can add, manage and access packages in your applications.

Demo: Package management [50 of 51]

Next steps [51 of 51]

Now that you’ve watched all the videos (or maybe skipped to the end) you’re probably wondering where to go from here. We’ve put together some great resources for you to peruse, and some links to tutorials you can use to help grow your skills. You’ve made it this far; we’re going to point you in the right direction for your future path.

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