Is 'Eloquent JavaScript' Suitable for Beginners?

If you're just starting with JavaScript, 'Eloquent JavaScript' might not be the best choice.

It is too hard for beginners. The author knows a lot, but it's tough for him to explain things in a way that's easy to understand.

The examples in the book, like the one about squirrels, are too complicated. It gets into some pretty complicated math formulas that have nothing to do with Javascript. It becomes hard for beginners, especially if you don't know much about math or coding.

The exercises in the book are another challenge. The instructions are confusing, and it's not always clear what you're supposed to do. This can make you feel even more frustrated.

If you're new to JavaScript, it's a good idea to begin with The Odin Project or FreeCodeCamp. They'll teach you the basics, let you do practical projects, and help you build a strong foundation.

Once you're comfortable, you can explore this book for a deeper understanding of JavaScript. With some more experience, you will be able to finish the exercises, and you might feel really good about what you learned. The challenging content will make you think and solve problems better.

Get my free, weekly JavaScript tutorials

Want to improve your JavaScript fluency?

Every week, I send a new full-length JavaScript article to thousands of developers. Learn about asynchronous programming, closures, and best practices — as well as general tips for software engineers.

Join today, and level up your JavaScript every Sunday!

Thank you, Taha, for your amazing newsletter. I’m really benefiting from the valuable insights and tips you share.

- Remi Egwuda