Beginner’s Javascript Course Notes

Introduction

• Instructor: Beau Carnes, freeCodeCamp.org
• Course Overview:
  • Comprehensive coverage of Javascript for beginners.
  • Includes basic syntax and ES6 features.
  • Links to project tutorials and freeCodeCamp curriculum provided in the description.
• Key Learning Method: Create projects independently post-course for practical learning.

Setting Up Javascript

• Installation: Typically, no installation required since all web browsers can run Javascript.
• Writing Options:
  • Code editors: Sublime Text, Visual Studio Code, Atom.
  • FreeCodeCamp's built-in JavaScript editor.
  • Online platforms: CodePen, Scrimba.

Running Javascript Code

• Use <script> tags in HTML files to include Javascript.
• Use console.log() to output text to the console.

Comments in Javascript

• Single-line Comments: // comment
• Multi-line Comments: /* comment */

Data Types and Variables

• Seven Data Types:
  1. Undefined
  2. Null
  3. Boolean
  4. String
  5. Symbol
  6. Number
  7. Object
• Variable Declaration:
  • Use var, let, or const.
  • var is function-scoped; let is block-scoped; const is read-only.

Variable Assignment

• Use = to assign values to variables.
• You can change a variable's value after declaring it, except for const variables.

Basic Operations

• Arithmetic:
  • Addition: +
  • Subtraction: -
  • Multiplication: *
  • Division: /
  • Increment: ++ (e.g., myVar++)
  • Decrement: -- (e.g., myVar--)

Strings

• Creating Strings: Use single quotes, double quotes, or backticks.
• Escaping Characters: Use backslash \ for special characters.
• Concatenation: Use + or += to join strings.

Arrays

• Creating Arrays: Use brackets [] to define arrays.
• Accessing Elements: Use bracket notation array[index].
• Methods: Use .push(), .pop(), .shift(), and .unshift() to manipulate arrays.

Functions

• Function Declaration: Use the function keyword.
• Return Values: Use the return statement to return a value.
• Arrow Functions: Provide a concise syntax for functions.

Control Flow

• If/Else Statements: Handle conditional logic.
• Switch Statements: Provide an alternative to multiple if/else statements.

Objects

• Defining Objects: Use curly braces {} to create an object.
• Accessing Properties: Use dot notation obj.prop or bracket notation obj['prop'].
• Updating Properties: Use dot notation or bracket notation to change values.
• Deleting Properties: Use delete obj.prop.

ES6 Features

• Destructuring: Extract values from arrays and objects into distinct variables.
• Template Literals: Allow multi-line strings and embedded expressions.
• Classes: Provide a new syntax for creating constructor functions.

Modules

• Import/Export: Use import and export to manage dependencies between files.
• Default Exports: Simplify importing a single export from a module.

Conclusion

• Final Notes: Encourage exploring the provided resources and practicing coding.
• Call to Action: Subscribe to freeCodeCamp.org for more programming tutorials.