Review: Effective JavaScript

I just wrapped up "Effective JavaScript" by David Herman. Subtitled, "68 Specific Ways to Harness the Power of JavaScript", the book covers nearly seventy different very specific tips focusing on:

*Language basics
*Variable scope
*Functions
*Objects and prototypes
*Arrays and dictionaries
*Library and API design
*Concurrency

Each tip is pretty intense in terms of detail, but the author wraps things up with a few bullet points to help you really get the point. This is not another framework book, but instead focuses on core language concepts. Frankly, it is a bit overwhelming, but it really works well if you read a few tips at a time. It also makes it easier to come back to later for review. I plan on keeping this one nearby. I can definitely recommend it, but for folks still new to the language, expect to take it a bit slowly at first.

Archived Comments

Comment 1 by Simon MacDonald posted on 8/26/2013 at 6:08 AM

The book is worth it even if you only ever read the "Concurrency" chapter. I wish I could hand it out to folks.

Comment 2 by Raymond Camden posted on 8/26/2013 at 6:22 AM

It is a small thing - but I liked how he described an async call as not an instruction but as an intent for an instruction. Or some such. I can't find it now. ;)

Comment 3 by Giacomo Balli posted on 8/27/2013 at 3:03 AM

Looks good, I'll pick up a copy ASAP.

Comment 4 by Ben Dalton posted on 8/27/2013 at 3:11 AM

I found this book to be a great overview of the language and not explicitly client- or server-side. It was great to review some of the language features I use every day but never fully understood at a fundamental level. I fully endorse it!

Comment 5 by Phillip Senn posted on 9/16/2013 at 6:51 PM

Ordered mine just now.

I wonder how long it will be before we start seeing "buy the paper copy, get the electronic copy for free". I know that when I bought a DVD for someone as a gift, I received a coupon for streaming the same movie from Amazon instant video.

I think Packt publishing gives you an option to have both the paper and the ebook.
They each have their own advantages.

Comment 6 by Phillip Senn posted on 9/26/2013 at 6:54 PM

Speaking of online editions, now that I have the book in my hands, I see that you get 45 days free access to the online edition by going to informit.com/safarifree and entering the coupon code.

Comment 7 by Raymond Camden posted on 9/26/2013 at 6:56 PM

You got it *already*?

Comment 8 by Raymond Camden posted on 9/26/2013 at 6:56 PM

Oh duh - I'm sorry - I thought this comment was on my blog post about the update to my JQM book. Ignore!