No comments about JavaScript: A Programmer's Companion from Basics through DHTML.

No comments about An Introduction to HTML and JavaScript: for Scientists and Engineers.

4 comments about JavaScript: The Complete Reference.

1. Firstly, this book does a great job of introducing the javascript core language in a thorough and engaging way. The author goes to great lengths on topics that will concern real-world developers and discusses in depth the right and wrong way to write code.

   This leads on to a more general reference on the language. It is here that the book really shines. As well as lots of examples, the fundamental principles behind the langauge and any associated technologies are mentioned. All this is done in a very avuncular style and I must admit I enjoyed reading the book, and trying out some of the examples/topics on my PC.

   There are some caveats:

   This is not a book for pure novices. Previous exposure to other languages is inferred and the author(s) point out similarities with Java and C++.

   Netscape is the preferred browser here, but unlike some other tomes, at least IE gets a mention and differences are noted, though the writing does favour the NS browser.

   These are small gripes with what is otherwise a much needed and well scripted (sic) resource.




2. This review is based only on a quick glimpse of the book, so read this with some reservation. I might follow up with a more thorough review later.

   This book looks very comprehensive, and seem to be very much up-to-date with latest browsers and W3C standards, including DOM 1 and DOM 2.

   But more than a 1000 pages probably makes it very difficult to read in bed ! ;-)

   Giving 5 stars might seem a bit optimistic without further investigation, but I'm pretty sure it is a at least a 4-star book.




3. Easy to follow, very concise examples, wide variety of topics



4. I wanted to learn JavaScript, up and rearing to go. So I got David Flanagan's book "The Definative Guide". But the concepts flew over my head. Its the best book on JavaScript, without a shadow of a doubt, but simply fearful to the poor old newbie like myself. Don't get me wrong, its well written, but if he had written it the way I needed it to be, it would have taken up 100000 pages. Shipping would be a nightmare!
   
   Anyway, about this book.
   
   It's a good book, great for newbies. I don't know why the other author review mentions that you need to have prior experiance with a programming language. That's rubbish IMO. Sure he mentions Javascript having a simularlity to C/C++/Java, but its not like you gotta learn those languages, its just a mention, thats all.
   
   He explains basics, like what a token is, how if/else/for statements work. You know, basic stuff for a newbie to learn. If you are a programmer already, just skip the first five chapters, and you'll be in the meat of the book about JavaScript, so its just as relevant for experienced programmers too.
   
   Anyhow, once you are finished (and applied the concepts with a mock up webpages) you are no longer a newb. Then move on to that gem which is David Flanagan's Definative Guide. After going through that and applying it, you'll be well on your way to becoming a "good" JavaScript Programmer.
   
   P.S: Becoming actually Good is no mean feat. Take JavaScript seriously folks!
   
   P.P.S: You MUST learn HTML and CSS before reading these books. JavaScript is almost entirely based in the real world on manipulating markup and style sheets. To attempt to learn JavaScript without knowing them properly (I do mean properly) would be a major folly.

5 comments about How To Do Everything with JavaScript.

1. I went through several JavaScript books to find one that covered everything I needed. This book was by far the best out there. It's simple enough for the beginner, but still has useful information for someone who has written HTML & JavaScript before. It's just generally a good guide to have around.



2. It describes appropriately the JavaScript language. It is well written with almost no typos. It also has some introduction to the new JavaScript version 2.0. However, it is not clear when it describes DOM, JavaScript, and browser objects, methods and attributes, what it is fundamental for web applications development.



3. The "How to do it with everything s..." is one of the best series of its kind, I have found. Covering many subjects, as it does, I am particularly pleased with the way it deals with Web, or should I say Internet, related topics and still remain quite current. Not an easy thing, what with the speed of changes as fast as they are on-line.
   JaveScript, which is a far more important facility than people give credit for, is quite difficult to explain, especially in a small book. Nevertheless, it is done very well here. Not explained "ad nauseum" but with tight facts and easy to follow examples.
   Amazon sells this book at a great price, which is made even better if you buy say, two books and get the delivery for free. Saves me a fortune, I know that...
   Learn and Enjoy.....
   PulpKult...



4. Experience programmers learning Javascript as a new language will enjoy reading this book. It is clear and concise with simple examples. Novice programmers would also find this book useful. It is organized in a traditional way in which programming is taught. As you go through the chapters, the content becomes a bit more advanced.
   
   This book would also be good for beginners, but it is not as good as Javascript: A Beginner's Guide.
   
   However, this book is not a comprehensive presentation of Javascript and the DOM. You will need a companion book that is more of a complete reference. I am currently leaning toward JavaScript Bible, but have not yet made my decision. You may also want to consider a book that is directed toward specific applications. Javascript & DHTML Cookbook falls more into this category.



5. The book supposes that readers don't know anything about HTML and JavaScript so it introduces HTML and JavaScript at the same time. Also, it covers most JavaScript features and gives you some simple examples. If you are new to HTML and JavaScript, this is the right book for you. You can know the basics of JavaScript
   very quickly.
   
   Since this book only introdcues "how to do some things with JavaScript". And if you really want to know "how to do everything with JavaScript", " JavaScript & DHTML Cookbook" might be the book you should buy.

5 comments about JavaScript for Dummies Quick Reference.

1. This book is practically indispensible. It is a fairly complete reference on core JavaScript. There is no banter, no unrelated quips or anecdotes... just the answers to my questions.

   The sections are organized well: Overview, Objects, Functions, Methods, and Properties. In each section, all related functions, objects, etc. are listed alphabetically, with a concise explanation of its use and syntax, and an example.

   I always keep this book within my reach when I need to verify syntax or usage of JavaScript.

   The only drawback to the book is that the material is somewhat dated. It doesn't include any information on layers, mouse or keyboard events, or other DHTML features. However, everything in this book is fully cross-browser compliant, and well organized.




2. I have found this to be my favorite Javascript reference book. It is organized and indexed far better than my larger and heavier tomes and seems to have more USEFUL information in it as well! An excellent book.



3. Note that this book is not THE JavaScript for Dummies book, but is instead the Quick Reference version of the book. Like a dummy, I accidently ordered this one for a novice friend when I meant to be ordering the original! After browsing the Quick Reference, I decided to keep it for myself, as it appears to be a qood reference work for a more experienced JavaScript programmer.



4. Pain has a new name.

   After looking at the rating for this book I had to look not twice but three times to make sure I was seeing the correct one; I did my best to get through this book but gave up after the author promised to go step by step and then dived into code and terminology without explanation; she would introduce an example, then surround it with code she did not explain or even refer to for the rest of the book! She tries to insert a bizarre sort of humor at strange times that makes you wince, again without explanation. Her explanations are hackneyed and incomplete; after giving up and reading Javascript Goodies, then several chapters of The Javascript Bible, I went back just to see if I could understand some of the code she laid out; I did, but with no thanks to the author; it only made it more clear that she did not adequately explain how the code worked and how it is used. Worse, the chapters do not build in any sense at all on previous chapters. Interesting that the worst reviews for this book seem to have disappeared in the last several months, raising the rating considerably. It was one of the lowest rated. (I thought all reviews were supposed to remain on this website...?) Avoid, or you too may give up learning JS for a year like I did.




5. I'm never disappointed with Dummies books and this one is no exception. Great read, easy to learn.

3 comments about Adobe Integrated Runtime (AIR) for JavaScript Developers Pocket Guide (Adobe Developer Library).

1. 'Adobe Integrated Runtime (AIR) for JavaScript Developers Pocket Guide' is your typical pocket book with ~150 pages of content discussing AIR with a Javascript focus. Usually pocket guides are alright at being a quick reference for a technology. Something quick that enables the user to be able to get a small bit of information without having to open a books hundreds of pages long. In this case I feel that the pocket guide is not the way to go. AIR is a unique technology that requires a book full of color and content and going the short route I feel isn't worth the time or effort for the reader. Topics about setting up AIR and how to use it simply don't belong in a mini-reference and I feel that the publication of this book wasn't the best decision made.
   
   Content is fine but lackluster and not worth the time, find a bigger AIR reference instead.
   
   ***



2. I was trying to learn Adobe AIR and was looking for some good set of learning resources. I found the book "Adobe AIR for Javascript Developers" from Oreilly by and started reading it online. A cool book, the authors have done great job on presenting the topics as an easilit readable pocket guide. Soon after reading this book, i felt i got the right resource i want for now.
   
   * I found this book a bit more than a usual pocket guide.
   * If you are a beginner and don't know anything about AIR, then this book is the best bet.
   * The chapters were well organized to take you from novice stage to advanced stage in AIR.
   * Covers ADOBE AIR 1.0
   * Chapter I and II of this book teaches you many information and technical details about the AIR which might lots of time if you have to get it from Internet.
   * The authors have given lots of code snippets while explaining a topic instead of lots of theoretical text. Some thing that programmers always look for.
   * This book also gives an insight about Webkit engine, architecture of AIR and the security model of AIR
   The most interesting part in this book is the "Mini cookbook".
   * The mini cookbook chapter contains worked out samples with complete code explanation. It includes samples that can help you understand (from AIR perspective) Application Chrome, Windowing, File API, File Pickers, Service and Server Monitoring, Online/Offline, Drag-and-Drop, Embedded Database, Command-Line Arguments, Networking, Sound.
   * This book is worth buying for its content coverage and its also very cheap.



3. What makes a JavaScript desktop AIR application different from a Browser AJAX application? That is what this book is about. It doesn't waste all the pages in chatter or prolonged examples but has a nice mini-cookbook to show things off also.
   
   I would have liked just a tip or two on doing this in Aptana or Flex Builder, but to be fair... it's a pocket guide not a larger 'everything you want to know'. It covers the core concepts of what I wanted to know and gives good references where to get more information on each topic. OH... don't forget it does have a browser capability built in. The discussion abut the security themes is great.

5 comments about JavaScript Application Cookbook.

1. After working through the first chapter (site search engine) I felt that this was a book work reading. It isn't a beginner's book, but anyone with intermediate javascript skills and an interest in using client-side processing will pick up a good amount of useful techniques and some needed perspective on how client-side scripting can be a powerful asset.

   The code could be better (as could anyone's). There is a strong focus on using local variables instead of global and the naming conventions make following the logic from one function to the next a little difficult. This, however, does not diminish the value of the concepts presented.

   To use the book, you "MUST" download the files. Not only are they a lot easier to read, you can comment them extensively as you go and pick up logic bits.

   An inportant suggestion is to not blow through the example application too quickly. If you take the time to take them apart, modify them and reassemble, you will pick up much more than just running them reading the code and moving on.

   I wish there were more books that presented the business functionality of javascript and how it can be used to handle many of the things that are being passed to server-side processing.

   I bought it, used it and would buy it again...




2. The text is focused on providing ready built constructs that can be applied to any website. In summary this book contains 11 application constructs. 3 are possibly applicable in todays world, albeit their relevancy is questioned, the other 9 topics such as text ciphers in JavaScript and Shopping Carts in JavaScript, etc. are completely unacceptable in today's world. Adding text cipher or Shopping cart logic in the browser completely exposes that logic to the hacking public leaving your site completely vulnerable to attack. Even in 1999, when this book was written, this would have been a ridiculous way of implementing these things. I must say I gathered no useful information from this text. And as for the author, anyone who had their site implemented by this person should hire a professional to correct the security holes he has most likely left behind.



3. This book fills a very nice gap in the world of JavaScript books. Most of the books either are basic "how to" learning guides or exhaustive reference manuals. Both of those types of books are necessary for a good developer, but there comes a time when you want to cross over from the theoretical to the practical. As in, "how would I do a function like this in JavaScript?"

   The "cookbook" approach is designed to take a common web site feature, like a search engine, and code a common JavaScript routine that would do that. You can then take the code in the book and use it with very little modification. In most cases, you would learn from the code as you are implementing it, and from there you can enhance the function to better suit your particular needs. You get the best of both worlds... You are quickly able to implement a function you are getting paid to build, and you are learning at the same time.

   I liked the piece on context-sensitive help files. Nothing is really complex or visually impressive. But it's core functionality that you can implement quickly, it's useful for the end user, and you can build on that technique both in your current and future applications.

   For Notes/Domino developers, you'll find a lot you can use here. Being that Domino functionality often translates to the web, you may find that a pure JavaScript implementation of a feature may not be the fastest or easiest way to build something for your application. You'll need to examine the functionality you need for your application and determine the best way to do it. But even if you choose to use Domino to accomplish some task, seeing the way to do it in JavaScript can help you expand your horizons and consider different approaches.

   Conclusion
   I would recommend this book as a practical supplement to a good "how to" and a good reference book. If you're just starting to learn JavaScript, you may want to leave this one alone for awhile.




4. As a javascript, I started using this book after studying Goodman's "The Javascript Bible", hoping to study some real-life applications. The code is nicely written and fully commented. But most of the examples do not work on today's browsers (IE6 and Firefox 1.0 when this review was written), so in this respect, the book is useless.



5. You do not want this book. Both the examples chosen and the style of programming used are ... nothing you want to emulate.
   
   In partial defense of the author, most (practically all) Javascript books are pretty awful, and at the time this book was written, there were few or no better examples.
   
   I was looking as an exercise to offer well-written rewrites of older poorly written examples. After scanning through my copy, realized that even the examples were not worth redeeming.
   
   The best Javascript book I have found so far is:
   JavaScript: The Definitive Guide
   (even in this book the examples are not often less than excellent.)

1 comments about JavaScript and Ajax Wrox Box: Professional JavaScript for Web Developers, Professional Ajax, Pro Web 2.0, Pro Rich Internet Applications.

1. The Wrox Box set is really good. I've found it very helpful in begining to learn AJAX. My only complaint is that they reference a legacy version of the Dojo Toolkit which is very old. I think version 0.3.6 and versions 0.4.8, 0.9, and 1.0.1 release have come out since then. Otherwise, awesome books.

No comments about Professional JavaScript Frameworks: Prototype, jQuery, YUI, ExtJS, Dojo and MooTools.

5 comments about Professional JavaScript with DHTML, ASP, CGI, FESI, Netscape Enterprise Server, Windows Script Host, LiveConnect and Java.

1. If you are a beginner, think twice about this one. This is for the Pros. This book is seriously packed with improvements and deep explanations that you won't find anywhere else. With tons of pages and code samples to download covering everything you every wanted to know about web scripting with JavaScript. This is a definate keeper in your library!!...



2. Including the discussion on JScript.NET. Excellent coverage on JavaScript, providing practical solutions. A must to have book for every Web developer.



3. This book is terrible - it's incredibly frustating to use. It's worthless as a reference and I doubt that anyone has ever read it cover to cover (including the army of authors that wrote it). I have over 10 years of experience in software development in a wide variety of languages: C++, VB, Pascal, and others. What I need to know about JavaScript could probably fit in a book half this size. This book is over 1000 pages, it's poorly organized, the index is bad, and it doesn't focus on relevant facts about the language. If I want lots of prose I'll pick up a novel, not a JavaScript book.



4. And yes, another WROX. No formal organization, no definte goal, but a whole bunch of high class authors. The result: an excellent book if you're looking for examples of that little twist of class, a dash of luster code.

   There are excellent case studies that make this a good addition to your bookshelf and there are valuable hints scattered everywhere: but the total lack of organization and tutorial direction leaves the book like a box full of sharp tools hidden in a dusty attic.

   There is no attempt to teach Javascript (perhaps Paul Wilton's excellent Beginner Javascript is intended for that). The section on Good coding Practice is laughable: why does a book entitled *Profesional" Javascript have 2 chapters on programming practices? The Core javascript section is just a bare scratch on the surface of language itself and does not do Javascript any justice. The Jscript.Net seems to have been thrown in as an after thought.

   I like WROX for the "from the field" examples for which they are famous: and I found the case studies ( a third of the book) very interesting. However, sorry, Wrox, it's not worth paying that much for just the last chapters. I'll wait till it hits my library or wait for the 3rd edition.




5. I have version 2 of the book and it is fantastic! Seems each of the experts wrote about his/her field and the result is very in-depth study. The book's coding is still actual though it dealt with IE 4 and 5. What I want is to find version 3 that deals deal the more current IE 6 release - but they probably never published it.