JavaScript: The First Steps
JavaScript is one of the most popular and versatile programming languages when working on the web. It makes for a great first language to learn as you can get started with any web browser and its built-in devtools.
This beginner-focused series will take you through the fundamentals of JavaScript and give you a solid understanding of how the language works. Once the fundamentals are under your belt, you should be comfortable writing JavaScript in your own applications or continue your JavaScript journey by learning new frameworks or technologies that are built on top of it.
Series episodes
Fundamentals (17)
Hello, JavaScript
6m 33sGet started with JavaScript by running code in your browser console. Learn DOM selection, manipulation, and how interactive Laracasts features work.
Variables and Assignment
6m 45sMaster JavaScript variables: learn how to declare them, valid characters, and popular casing styles to write clean, effective code from the start.
JavaScript Types
9m 23sDiscover JavaScript data types—primitive and reference. Learn how to use each type with clear examples to write smarter, bug-free code.
Use a Code Editor and Execute Scripts
11m 7sLearn to use a code editor and run JavaScript in HTML. Discover inline vs external scripts and auto-refresh your browser for faster coding.
JavaScript Types - Strings
12m 3sExplore JavaScript strings: learn how to declare, use, and manipulate text effectively in your apps with clear, easy-to-follow examples.
JavaScript Types - Numbers and BigInts
14m 21sExplore JavaScript Numbers and BigInts—learn math operations, handle special values, and work with large integers for precise, powerful coding.
JavaScript Types - Booleans
8m 45sMaster JavaScript Booleans—learn how to create true/false values, use comparisons, and apply them in conditionals and loops for smarter, cleaner code.
JavaScript Types - Arrays
8m 11sLearn JavaScript arrays—create and use array literals to store diverse data types, understand reference types, and manage collections efficiently in your code.
JavaScript Types - Objects
7m 49sLearn JavaScript objects basics—create object literals with key-value pairs using easy examples to organize data and build dynamic, efficient code.
JavaScript Functions: Built-in and Custom
13m 33sExplore JavaScript functions—learn how to use built-in methods and create custom functions with parameters to write flexible, powerful code with ease.
Alternate Ways to Define JavaScript Functions
13m 29sExplore alternative JavaScript function definitions like expressions, arrow functions, and callbacks to write flexible, clean, and efficient code in various scenarios.
If Statements
14m 15sLearn how to use if statements in PHP to control your code flow. Master conditionals to build dynamic, responsive applications with confidence and clarity.
Use Switch Statements for Multiple Conditions
10mMaster using switch statements in PHP to handle multiple conditions cleanly. Learn when and how to use break for efficient, readable code.
Loops and Iteration
13m 41sMaster JavaScript loops with clear explanations and examples. Learn various loop types and how to use them effectively in this friendly Laracasts lesson!
Understanding Scope
11m 34sExplore JavaScript scope—global, function, and block—and learn how var and let differ. Master scope basics in this clear, friendly Laracasts lesson!
Pass by Value or Pass by Reference
12m 8sUnderstand JavaScript’s pass-by-value vs. pass-by-reference. Learn how primitives and objects differ to avoid bugs in your code in this clear, friendly Laracasts lesson!
Strengthen Your JavaScript Skills With These Exercises
25m 3sBoost your JavaScript skills with practical exercises—convert times, manipulate strings, find max values, and sum positives in arrays in this engaging Laracasts lesson!
Working with the DOM (5)
DOM Manipulation
8m 5sMaster DOM basics and learn how JavaScript manipulates elements to create dynamic, interactive web pages in this friendly, hands-on Laracasts lesson!
Selecting DOM Elements
12m 43sLearn to select DOM elements with JavaScript using querySelector and querySelectorAll. Master versatile methods to manipulate elements in this friendly Laracasts lesson!
Manipulating DOM Elements: Properties and Methods
13m 17sLearn to manipulate DOM elements with properties and methods—update text, styles, classes, attributes, and forms in this hands-on Laracasts lesson!
DOM Traversal
9m 38sMaster DOM traversal with key methods to navigate elements up, down, and sideways. Boost your web skills by selecting elements relative to your position!
Creating DOM Elements
13m 36sLearn how to create and insert DOM elements using essential methods and properties. Enhance your web apps with dynamic, interactive content today!
Events (2)
Events and Event Listeners
18m 47sLearn how to use events and event listeners to handle user actions like clicks and form submissions, making your apps interactive and responsive.
Event Bubbling, Capturing and Delegation
14m 7sMaster JavaScript event bubbling, capturing, and delegation to write efficient, bug-free code. Dive deeper into event handling with this clear, practical lesson.
Exercises and Examples (4)
Simple DOM Exercises
20m 42sPractice JavaScript DOM and event skills with fun, hands-on exercises. Strengthen your real-world coding abilities through engaging, practical challenges.
Todo App Exercise
24m 2sBuild a Todo App from scratch to master adding, removing, and updating DOM elements. Apply your skills in this hands-on, beginner-friendly Laracasts exercise!
Refactor Todo App
18m 56sRefactor your vanilla JavaScript Todo app using object literals to organize code and keep it clean. Learn practical structuring tips in this Laracasts tutorial!
Using External Libraries
15m 54sDiscover how to use popular external JavaScript libraries to boost your projects. Explore practical examples and tap into the vast JS ecosystem in this Laracasts episode!
Wrapping Up (2)
Additional Topics
17m 25sExplore quick examples of key topics not covered in depth in this series. Expand your knowledge with these helpful insights from Laracasts!
Goodbye and Additional Resources
2m 55sWrap up your JavaScript journey with final tips and extra resources to keep learning. Thanks for joining—let’s keep growing your skills together!
