A "Book" of Two Parts
I've got mixed feelings about this book. I bought it as an update to the first edition, and the information between the covers is very useful in itself. However, the information I really need -- the DOM reference -- has been relegated to the CD-ROM. The reason that I buy reference books is so that I don't have to keep toggling between my code and an on-line reference. The DOM material runs to 400 pages - too much for me to print out. Perhaps Sams could have turned the book into a two-volume reference.
nice dead-tree compilation
This book is a good reference for those with a decent know-how of Java, Cobol, C, or C++. The best thing about the tome is that it has a neat dictionary styled reference of methods, objects, properties, and not-real-world-enough example code bits. Those who want advanced stuff should refer the CookBook or the Visual QuickStart guides, and of couse beginners are better off with the Thau book or some such.
The best JavaScript reference for intermediate programmers
As the title of this book indicates, "Pure Javascript" covers everything about JavaScript in depth even better, from my point of view, than O'Reillys JavaScript: The Definite Guide.I like the book also because its index indicates all the JavaScript syntaxis. Hence, when someone is programming and forgets the exact word, it is easy to look for it quickly, instead of wasting time browsing through all the book. Another positive aspect, is that the introduction of the book is pretty well organized (Shows you when to use JavaScript, its origin, operators, variables, fuctions, server-side JavaScrit, etc.) and gives you a concise idea of JavaScrpt capabilites.
However, the downside is that the book is not for amateur programmers since some terms are not explained in detail (the book states that it expects people who has experience with C, C++, Java or Pascal)
Overall: It is a MUST HAVE book for a serious JavaScript programmer, it is worth every penny you invest on it. But I'd recommend easier books first if you are a firt time programmer.
Excellent Resource
I am an experienced Cobol programmer but new to JavaScript. This is an excellent reference for all the items and elements used in JavaScript. The examples of item/element usage are great. There is only one drawback....the reference number of some of the code listings do not match the reference number on the CD. I notified the Publisher about this and have received no response to date.
Patience will pay off handsomely
Wyke et al. offer a great book. The informative tutorial is an absolute must for those with little programming experience, because it explains JavaScript features clearly, accurately, and logically. If the reader diligently studies the tutorial (at least twice), the voluminous examples in the book will come to life. For best results, I suggest the following strategy:1. Diligently study the JavaScript tutorial.
2. Identify an example you would like to play with.
3. Load the example in your browser and interact with the example's functionality.
4. Study the example's source code (as hard copy or in a text editor) until you understand it thoroughly. If you cannot understand the example, then repeat Step 1.
5. To see whether you really understand the source code, modify the code so that it will behave differently, and then test it out in your browser.
In just a few days, Step 1 will become increasingly less necessary and it will be easier to complete Steps 2-5.
Finally, I believe that it is a good overall strategy to invest in more than one book. I would also recommend Goodman's JavaScript Bible and its companion.
