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1. ISBN13: 9780596515898
2. Condition: New
3. Notes: BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

Editorial Review :

Customer Review :

Perfect for Web Designers

I have just completed JavaScript: The Missing Manual. I am surprised at some of the negative reviews about this book. In my opinion, this is absolutely the best book for web designers who want to learn the basics JavaScript and also want to immediately take advantage of the most popular JavaScript library available.

I actually got interested in this book because of some of the negative reviews. I wanted to learn JavaScript quickly because I wanted to use jQuery on my web sites.

Before I bought this book, I read the introductory pages. In the About This Book section, the author says that the book will teach you the basics of JavaScript and programming, which it does. It will not teach you everything you need to know to build sophisticated, interactive Web pages. Instead the book shows you how to use jQuery and save a lot of time. So, after you learn JavaScript basics, you can start using the very cool jQuery plugins and add interactive functionality such as hiding or showing , creating cool lightbox galleries, inserting interactive google maps on the contact pages, and a lot of other things.

"Think of it this way: You could build a house by cutting down and milling your own lumber, constructing your own windows, doors, and doorframes, manufacturing your own tile, and so on. That 'do-it-yourself' approach is common to a lot of JavaScript books. But who has that kind of time? This book's approach is more like building a house by taking advantage of already built pieces and putting them together using basic skills. The end result will be a beautiful and functional house built in a fraction of the time it would take you to learn every step of the process."

So the question is: How much time do you have to learn JavaScript? If you're a web designer who wants to learn the basics of JavaScript quickly and start using very impressive js scripts, then this book is definitely for you. If you have a couple of years and want to become a JavaScript programmer, then this book is a great starting point. It's a mistake to dismiss this book because the author spends time on jQuery. If you want to be a full-fledge JS programmer, then jQuery can be an enormous help. You can download the uncompressed development version of jQuery and have great examples of sophisticated code to study, code that works and is cross-browser compatible.

You also have to be ready to learn JavaScript. If you don't have strong CSS skills, then you should first learn CSS before tackling JavaScript since CSS selectors are used to select parts of a web page to apply JavaScript (CSS: The Missing Manual is a good way to master CSS.)

One final comment. The author takes great care in clearly explaining Javascript code. The examples all work perfectly. This is a well-written technical book.

Rating :

Painfully informative.

Before you purchase and read this book (like I have) there is one important question you should ask your self: "How do I learn new things?". If it's by simply reading the complicated overview by an expert, than this book might be for you.

However if you're like me and you need to learn, in a hands on way, by performing and piecing the material together for yourself, then I would not recommend this book to you.

McFarland is incredibly knowledgable, but his approach was far too complicated for me to follow, without constantly having to reread every page. The tutorials included with the book were very good however they do tend you baby you a bit and leave you confused about what you have just made. Also they don't cover that much of the material presented.

All in all its not a horrible book if you happen to like his style and don't mind that it is more complicated than most beginners are prepared for. All I can say is that it wasn't for me. It was way more complicated than I found it to be just working with JS for myself and I'm at a loss for almost all of what I read in this book.

Rating :

Also introduces the jQuery JavaScript framework

This book not only introduces JavaScript (its prime focus), but it also introduces the popular open-source JavaScript framework, jQuery, which supports many free open-source plug-ins found on scripting archives. With jQuery plug-ins, you can code at higher levels through the use of reusable code. The jQuery framework also takes care of many incompatibilities across browsers (like for JavaScript event handling) so the user can focus on his own JavaScript applications.

Rating :

Great for the beginner programer

I've been dabbling web design as a hobby for the last 5-7 years. I consider myself pretty versed in HTML and CSS, but I wanted to learn more. I knew to get really fancy with my sites, I'd need to learn JavaScript or Flash. I opted for the former and picket up this book: JavaScript for the World Wide Web, Fifth Edition. Big mistake! It was not written for the beginning programmer and it was more of a "cook book" or Javascript recipes, type this code--get this result, with little explanation of the how's and why's. Frustrated, I quickly put that book back on my shelf. Fast forward about 2 weeks and I'm sitting in the doctor's office waiting room. I brought up the Kindle app on my iPhone and browse through my saved books to pass the time. Lo and behold, I found a sample section I had download several months ago for this book, Javascript, The Missing Manual. The difference between this book and the former was night and day. I immediately bought the whole book and via the Kindle app for PC/Mac, I can call the book up at whatever computer I'm at.

The Missing Manual starts from the ground up, introducing basic Javascript concepts like functions, arguments, and variables. It provides lots of simple codes samples (tutorial files available free online!) so you can practice what you're learning. I'm about 33% through the book and I feel like I've got a more solid foundation for learning javascript. The book has just introduced JQuery, something I've been needing to learn for work for some time. Speaking as someone with no programming language experience (outside of HTML and CSS), I highly recommend this book for those in similar circumstances that want to learn javascript. You won't be disappointed. My only problem is that I want to buy a Kindle now so I can take this book with me everywhere to finish reading it. The code samples are a little hard to read on the iPhone's small screen.

Rating :

Jquery

It's funny, when I first came and read these reviews I had no idea what Jquery was. But I learned. I gave it three stars because the book does not follow what it says...Javascript. Rather, it follows Jquery, a great javascript library. Now you may say, "Hey, Jquery lets you do everything you need to but even quicker and more efficient". That is true, but guess what, HTML5 is coming around the corner and it relies on Javascript coding...REAL javascript coding, and guess what? I don't know enough javascript for it because I learned the 'calculator' way of doing things without learning how to write out the math beforehand...and in HTML5, there are no calculators allowed.

Rating :

More reviews...

Editorial Review :

JavaScript is essential for creating modern, interactive Web sites. But, unlike HTML and CSS, JavaScript is a true programming language with complex rules that are challenging for most Web designers to learn. In JavaScript: The Missing Manual, bestselling author David McFarland teaches you how to use JavaScript in sophisticated ways -- even if you have little or no programming experience.In a clear, entertaining way, the book starts out by teaching you how to build a basic JavaScript program. Then, once you've mastered the structure and terminology, you'll learn how to use advanced JavaScript tools to add useful interactivity to your sites quickly and painlessly, rather than scripting everything from scratch.To jump-start your progress, the book offers several "living examples" -- step-by-step tutorials for building Web site components with JavaScript using raw materials, such as graphics and half-completed Web pages, that you can download from the book's companion Web site.In this book, you will learn:How to get started. The book introduces the building blocks of JavaScript, and general tips on computer programming. Learn to add scripts to a Web page; store and manipulate information; communicate with the browser window; respond to events like mouse clicks and form submissions; and identify and modify HTML.How to build Web Page Features. McFarland provides real-world examples of JavaScript in action. Learn to create pop-up navigation bars, enhance HTML tables, build an interactive photo gallery, and make Web forms more usable. Create interesting user interfaces with tabbed panels, accordion panels and pop-up dialog boxes.How to troubleshoot and debug. The book will teach you how to avoid the ten most common errors new programmers make, and how to find and fix bugs.How to communicate with the Web server. In addition to basic JavaScript, this manual covers Ajax, the approach that made JavaScript glamorous. Learn to use JavaScript to communicate with a server so that your Web pages can receive information without having to reload.If you want to put JavaScript to work right away without getting tangled up in code, JavaScript: The Missing Manual is the best book available.

Customer Review :

Perfect for Web Designers

I have just completed JavaScript: The Missing Manual. I am surprised at some of the negative reviews about this book. In my opinion, this is absolutely the best book for web designers who want to learn the basics JavaScript and also want to immediately take advantage of the most popular JavaScript library available.

I actually got interested in this book because of some of the negative reviews. I wanted to learn JavaScript quickly because I wanted to use jQuery on my web sites.

Before I bought this book, I read the introductory pages. In the About This Book section, the author says that the book will teach you the basics of JavaScript and programming, which it does. It will not teach you everything you need to know to build sophisticated, interactive Web pages. Instead the book shows you how to use jQuery and save a lot of time. So, after you learn JavaScript basics, you can start using the very cool jQuery plugins and add interactive functionality such as hiding or showing , creating cool lightbox galleries, inserting interactive google maps on the contact pages, and a lot of other things.

"Think of it this way: You could build a house by cutting down and milling your own lumber, constructing your own windows, doors, and doorframes, manufacturing your own tile, and so on. That 'do-it-yourself' approach is common to a lot of JavaScript books. But who has that kind of time? This book's approach is more like building a house by taking advantage of already built pieces and putting them together using basic skills. The end result will be a beautiful and functional house built in a fraction of the time it would take you to learn every step of the process."

So the question is: How much time do you have to learn JavaScript? If you're a web designer who wants to learn the basics of JavaScript quickly and start using very impressive js scripts, then this book is definitely for you. If you have a couple of years and want to become a JavaScript programmer, then this book is a great starting point. It's a mistake to dismiss this book because the author spends time on jQuery. If you want to be a full-fledge JS programmer, then jQuery can be an enormous help. You can download the uncompressed development version of jQuery and have great examples of sophisticated code to study, code that works and is cross-browser compatible.

You also have to be ready to learn JavaScript. If you don't have strong CSS skills, then you should first learn CSS before tackling JavaScript since CSS selectors are used to select parts of a web page to apply JavaScript (CSS: The Missing Manual is a good way to master CSS.)

One final comment. The author takes great care in clearly explaining Javascript code. The examples all work perfectly. This is a well-written technical book.

Rating :

Jquery

It's funny, when I first came and read these reviews I had no idea what Jquery was. But I learned. I gave it three stars because the book does not follow what it says...Javascript. Rather, it follows Jquery, a great javascript library. Now you may say, "Hey, Jquery lets you do everything you need to but even quicker and more efficient". That is true, but guess what, HTML5 is coming around the corner and it relies on Javascript coding...REAL javascript coding, and guess what? I don't know enough javascript for it because I learned the 'calculator' way of doing things without learning how to write out the math beforehand...and in HTML5, there are no calculators allowed.

Rating :

Also introduces the jQuery JavaScript framework

This book not only introduces JavaScript (its prime focus), but it also introduces the popular open-source JavaScript framework, jQuery, which supports many free open-source plug-ins found on scripting archives. With jQuery plug-ins, you can code at higher levels through the use of reusable code. The jQuery framework also takes care of many incompatibilities across browsers (like for JavaScript event handling) so the user can focus on his own JavaScript applications.

Rating :

Painfully informative.

Before you purchase and read this book (like I have) there is one important question you should ask your self: "How do I learn new things?". If it's by simply reading the complicated overview by an expert, than this book might be for you.

However if you're like me and you need to learn, in a hands on way, by performing and piecing the material together for yourself, then I would not recommend this book to you.

McFarland is incredibly knowledgable, but his approach was far too complicated for me to follow, without constantly having to reread every page. The tutorials included with the book were very good however they do tend you baby you a bit and leave you confused about what you have just made. Also they don't cover that much of the material presented.

All in all its not a horrible book if you happen to like his style and don't mind that it is more complicated than most beginners are prepared for. All I can say is that it wasn't for me. It was way more complicated than I found it to be just working with JS for myself and I'm at a loss for almost all of what I read in this book.

Rating :

Great for the beginner programer

I've been dabbling web design as a hobby for the last 5-7 years. I consider myself pretty versed in HTML and CSS, but I wanted to learn more. I knew to get really fancy with my sites, I'd need to learn JavaScript or Flash. I opted for the former and picket up this book: JavaScript for the World Wide Web, Fifth Edition. Big mistake! It was not written for the beginning programmer and it was more of a "cook book" or Javascript recipes, type this code--get this result, with little explanation of the how's and why's. Frustrated, I quickly put that book back on my shelf. Fast forward about 2 weeks and I'm sitting in the doctor's office waiting room. I brought up the Kindle app on my iPhone and browse through my saved books to pass the time. Lo and behold, I found a sample section I had download several months ago for this book, Javascript, The Missing Manual. The difference between this book and the former was night and day. I immediately bought the whole book and via the Kindle app for PC/Mac, I can call the book up at whatever computer I'm at.

The Missing Manual starts from the ground up, introducing basic Javascript concepts like functions, arguments, and variables. It provides lots of simple codes samples (tutorial files available free online!) so you can practice what you're learning. I'm about 33% through the book and I feel like I've got a more solid foundation for learning javascript. The book has just introduced JQuery, something I've been needing to learn for work for some time. Speaking as someone with no programming language experience (outside of HTML and CSS), I highly recommend this book for those in similar circumstances that want to learn javascript. You won't be disappointed. My only problem is that I want to buy a Kindle now so I can take this book with me everywhere to finish reading it. The code samples are a little hard to read on the iPhone's small screen.

Rating :

More reviews...

1. ISBN13: 9780596802448
2. Condition: New
3. Notes: BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

Editorial Review :

Customer Review :

Almost perfect technical book

I've read thousands of technical texts in my life and this is by far one of the best I've ever seen. You can tell David was pumped about writing this book. You can't really put a price on the information that is delivered via straight-up advice and training from a top notch professional web developer.

I did not like or use the tutorials while reading the book though. I had several websites that needed brought out of table hell so I redeveloped those sites in the course of this study. I used Notepad++ as a development environment and Firefox as my test & debug browser with Firebug Addon. That setup allowed smooth development though I'm looking forward to Dreamweaver.

Tons of clear information on XHTML, CSS and real world development issues.

Rating :

Still have not received book after 32 days.

Book still has not arrived after 32 days!!! My class starts tomorrow and now I will have to order a second book from another book seller!!

Rating :

CSS LIVES

I've researched quite a few books on CSS throughmy local Library. I basically flagged (postie notes) my Library volume. Then I went shopping on Amazon and discovered a "LIKE NEW" edition for about third of the cost of a new book.
I jumped on the deal. If you were to buy one book to learn and use CSS styles - this would be it. It is as comprehensive as the information on CSS info web sites. The tutorials never lead you astray.

Rating :

Something For Both the CSS Beginner and Those With Experience

I discovered the Missing Manual series of books a number of years ago and have now made them a standard purchase whenever I purchase new software. They are all helpful, easy to read, and easy to understand.

I began designing web sites over 10 years ago when I planned my own ([...]). Since then I've worked on a couple others, and have always used Microsoft FrontPage. Several years ago I became aware of a new method of designing web sites that involved CSS. At the time, I didn't need it because FrontPage took care of all of my needs.

However, I have now switched to a macbook and have migrated everything off of Windows with the exception of FrontPage. In my search for a new web site design tool, I came across Dreamweaver. While searching for a Missing Manual for Dreamweaver CS5, I ran across CSS The Missing Manual.

I love reading, and frequently read magazines, fiction, biographies, and, yes, manuals. With most Missing Manuals, I search the Contents or Index for what I need, read, and go on about my business. However, since CSS is completely new to me, I decided to start reading CSS The Missing Manual from page xiii. I'm having troubles putting this book down!

The book is well organized into five parts, including the appendices. Part 1 gives you the basics of CSS, and quite frankly, you could easily begin working on basic styling without reading any farther, but you'd be missing a lot. Part 2 begins the detail of various components of CSS, while Part 3 talks about page layout, and part 4 covers some advanced CSS techniques. Part 5 is the appendices.

Every chapter includes CSS examples, multiple diagrams, references to outside resources, and ends with a multi-page tutorial with step-by-step instructions to accomplish the chapter's topics. Chapter 7 includes a wonderful diagram depicting the differences between margins, borders, padding, and content. There are even references to later portions of the book where you can read more detail about topics that are being introduced earlier in the book. A common thread is here's enough to get you started, and then later, if you're interested, here's a lot more detail on how to use this particular CSS component.

I use yellow stickies (aka post-it notes) to mark points in books that I feel will be important reference points for me. This book is plastered with yellow stickies!

I would highly recommend this book to both the beginner and the experienced. I truly believe everyone interested in CSS can find something valuable in CSS The Missing Manual.

Rating :

Kindle Version Has Problems

As my title says, I bought the Kindle version.

For some reason the formatting is very lame and distracting. Here's an example:

nested inside (as in
Figure 3-6
), you can use

There's no obvious reason why this can't fit onto one line, but all the hyperlinks seem to be on an independent line. Then there's

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONMaking List Look
Great

Well, that sure doesn't look great.

I like my Kindle DX, but some of the books that I've purchased have formatting problems that remind me of bad scans that a weak program tried to convert into text that won't reformat for a different page size. Now sometimes, this isn't a big deal,but when it's a consistent issue, you have to wonder how professional the publisher is. In this case, the problem seems to be Kindle/Amazon, not the original publisher.

Also, I found this a slow moving explanation. Maybe on paper it would have made more sense.

Rating :

More reviews...