23 Free Websites to Learn JavaScript

JavaScript is the language of the web. As a full-stack developer, I can confidently say that JavaScript is an absolutely essential skill for anyone serious about web development. It powers everything from interactive website features to complex web applications, browser-based games, server-side programming with Node.js, and so much more.

According to the Stack Overflow Developer Survey 2021, JavaScript is the most commonly used programming language for the ninth year in a row, with 64.96% of respondents using it. It‘s also the most sought-after programming language among employers, with many job listings for front-end, back-end, and full-stack positions requiring JavaScript skills.

If you‘re looking to break into web development or level up your coding skills, learning JavaScript is a great place to start. And the best part is, you don‘t need to spend any money to begin your JavaScript journey. There are tons of high-quality, free resources available online that can take you from total beginner to JavaScript pro.

To help you navigate the wealth of free learning materials out there, I‘ve curated a list of 23 outstanding websites where you can learn JavaScript in 2022. Whether you prefer guided courses, video tutorials, coding challenges, or project-based learning, you‘ll find the perfect resource on this list to suit your learning style and help you master JavaScript.

1. freeCodeCamp

freeCodeCamp is a non-profit organization that offers a completely free, self-paced coding curriculum, including an extensive JavaScript section. The JavaScript curriculum includes interactive coding lessons that cover everything from basic syntax and data types to advanced concepts like functional programming and algorithm scripting.

As you progress through the curriculum, you‘ll build 5 JavaScript projects to reinforce your skills:

1. Palindrome Checker
2. Roman Numeral Converter
3. Caesar‘s Cipher
4. Telephone Number Validator
5. Cash Register

One of the standout features of freeCodeCamp is its active community. With thousands of volunteers and learners in the freeCodeCamp forums, you can get help, feedback, and support whenever you need it. freeCodeCamp also has a YouTube channel with hundreds of supplemental video tutorials on JavaScript and other programming topics.

As of 2022, freeCodeCamp has helped more than 40,000 people get their first developer job. It‘s an incredible resource for anyone looking to learn JavaScript and break into the tech industry.

2. The Odin Project

The Odin Project is an open-source curriculum for learning full-stack web development, with a heavy emphasis on JavaScript. The curriculum is completely free and project-based, meaning you‘ll be building real websites and applications as you learn.

The JavaScript section of the curriculum is divided into three parts:

1. Organizing your JavaScript code
2. Objects and object constructors
3. Project: Library

Throughout the curriculum, you‘ll also complete several other projects that involve JavaScript, such as a restaurant page, a to-do list, and a weather app. By the end of the curriculum, you‘ll have a strong foundation in JavaScript and a portfolio of projects to showcase your skills.

One unique aspect of The Odin Project is its focus on collaboration and open-source. Many of the projects involve pair programming or contributing to open-source codebases on GitHub. This gives you real-world experience working with other developers and using industry-standard tools and workflows.

3. Codecademy

Codecademy is an online learning platform that offers free and paid courses in various programming languages, including JavaScript. The free JavaScript course is a great starting point for beginners, with interactive lessons that cover the fundamentals of the language.

The course is divided into 11 modules:

1. Introduction
2. Conditionals
3. Functions
4. Scope
5. Arrays
6. Loops
7. Iterators
8. Objects
9. Classes
10. Browser Compatibility and Transpilation
11. Intermediate JavaScript Modules

Each module includes a mix of explanations, examples, and interactive coding exercises. As you go through the course, you‘ll write real JavaScript code in Codecademy‘s online code editor and see the results of your code in real-time.

While the free course provides a solid foundation in JavaScript, Codecademy also offers a paid Pro plan that includes additional projects, quizzes, and personalized learning paths. However, the free course is more than enough to get started with JavaScript and build some basic web pages and applications.

4. MDN Web Docs

MDN Web Docs (previously known as the Mozilla Developer Network) is a comprehensive resource for learning web development technologies, including JavaScript. Maintained by the Mozilla Foundation and a community of developers, MDN offers detailed documentation, tutorials, and guides on all aspects of JavaScript.

Some of the key JavaScript topics covered on MDN include:

• JavaScript basics (variables, data types, operators, control flow)
• Functions (defining and calling functions, parameters, scope)
• Objects (creating objects, properties, methods)
• Asynchronous JavaScript (callbacks, promises, async/await)
• Working with the DOM (selecting and manipulating elements, event handling)
• Client-side web APIs (fetch, storage, web workers)

While MDN isn‘t a structured course, it‘s an invaluable reference for developers of all skill levels. The articles are well-written and include plenty of code examples to illustrate key concepts. MDN also has an active community of contributors who keep the content up-to-date with the latest JavaScript features and best practices.

Whenever I get stuck on a JavaScript problem or need to look up how a particular method or API works, MDN is always my go-to resource. It‘s a must-bookmark site for any JavaScript developer.

5. JavaScript30

JavaScript30 is a free 30-day vanilla JavaScript coding challenge created by Wes Bos, a well-known web developer and educator. Each day, you‘ll build a small project using plain JavaScript, without relying on frameworks or libraries.

Some of the projects you‘ll build include:

• A JavaScript drum kit
• A CSS variable updater
• A flex panel photo gallery
• A fun countdown timer
• A whack-a-mole game

By working through these projects, you‘ll gain hands-on experience with DOM manipulation, event handling, HTTP requests, and other core JavaScript concepts. You‘ll also learn how to write clean, efficient JavaScript code and solve common programming problems.

One of the great things about JavaScript30 is that it‘s completely self-paced. You can go through the projects as quickly or as slowly as you like, and there‘s no pressure to complete them in 30 consecutive days. Wes Bos also provides video walkthroughs of each project, so you can follow along and see how he approaches each challenge.

With over 300,000 people signed up, JavaScript30 has become a hugely popular resource for learning and practicing vanilla JavaScript skills. It‘s a fun, engaging way to level up your JavaScript game and build a collection of impressive web projects.

6. You Don‘t Know JS (Book Series)

You Don‘t Know JS is a series of free online books that dive deep into the core mechanisms of the JavaScript language. Written by Kyle Simpson, a prolific JavaScript educator and speaker, these books are designed for intermediate to advanced JavaScript developers who want to gain a more thorough understanding of how the language works under the hood.

The series includes six books:

1. Up & Going
2. Scope & Closures
3. this & Object Prototypes
4. Types & Grammar
5. Async & Performance
6. ES6 & Beyond

Each book tackles a specific aspect of JavaScript in great detail, with clear explanations and plenty of code examples. The books are available to read online for free, or you can purchase them in print or e-book format.

What sets You Don‘t Know JS apart from other JavaScript resources is its focus on the language itself, rather than on web development or frameworks. By gaining a deep understanding of JavaScript‘s core concepts and quirks, you‘ll be better equipped to write robust, efficient code and tackle complex programming challenges.

As a full-stack developer, I highly recommend the You Don‘t Know JS series to any JavaScript developer looking to take their skills to the next level. It‘s not the easiest read, but it‘s well worth the effort for the insights and aha moments you‘ll gain along the way.

7. Eloquent JavaScript (Book)

Eloquent JavaScript is a free online book that teaches you JavaScript programming from the ground up. Written by Marijn Haverbeke, a seasoned programmer and author, the book is designed for beginners with little to no programming experience.

The book is divided into three parts:

1. Language basics (values, variables, control flow, functions, data structures)
2. Browser programming (DOM manipulation, events, HTTP requests)
3. Node.js (server-side programming, file I/O, modules)

Each chapter includes in-depth explanations of key concepts, along with plenty of code examples and exercises to reinforce your learning. The book also includes several project chapters where you‘ll build small applications like a robot delivery simulation and a pixel art editor.

One unique feature of Eloquent JavaScript is its interactive code sandbox. As you read through the book, you can edit and run the code examples directly in your browser, making it easy to experiment with the concepts you‘re learning.

The book strikes a great balance between theory and practice, giving you a solid foundation in JavaScript fundamentals while also providing opportunities to apply your skills to real-world problems. Whether you‘re a complete beginner or an experienced programmer looking to learn JavaScript, Eloquent JavaScript is an excellent resource.

Wrapping Up

These are just a few of the many excellent free resources available for learning JavaScript in 2022. Whether you prefer interactive courses, in-depth tutorials, coding challenges, or project-based learning, there‘s a resource on this list that can help you achieve your JavaScript learning goals.

As a full-stack developer, I can attest to the importance of having a strong foundation in JavaScript. It‘s a versatile language that powers so much of the modern web, from front-end interactivity to back-end server logic. By investing time in learning JavaScript thoroughly, you‘ll be well-positioned for a successful career in web development.

Of course, learning JavaScript is just the beginning. To become a well-rounded developer, you‘ll also need to learn complementary technologies like HTML, CSS, Git, and web frameworks. Many of the resources on this list, like freeCodeCamp and The Odin Project, include curriculum on these topics as well.

Remember, the key to learning JavaScript (or any programming skill) is consistent practice. Don‘t just read tutorials and watch videos passively – write code, build projects, and solve problems on your own. The more you practice, the more comfortable and confident you‘ll become with the language.

I also recommend joining a community of fellow learners, whether online or in-person. Having a support network of people who are learning alongside you can make a huge difference in your motivation and progress. Many of the resources on this list, like freeCodeCamp and Codecademy, have active learner communities where you can ask questions, get feedback on your code, and collaborate on projects.

Finally, don‘t be afraid to make mistakes and get stuck. Debugging and problem-solving are essential skills for any developer, and the only way to develop them is through trial and error. Embrace the challenges and learn from your mistakes, and you‘ll be well on your way to JavaScript mastery.

So what are you waiting for? Pick a resource from this list and start your JavaScript learning journey today. With dedication, practice, and a growth mindset, you can gain the skills and knowledge you need to build incredible things on the web. Happy coding!