…when you realize you know nothing.
*sigh*
I’m actively working as a “web specialist” for whatever that title is worth. But when I read about things like ajax web development, or PHP image functions, or even just browse through Justin’s blog and see what some people are doing with web design (this site is unreal…transparency, animated background, variable graphics on posts, and all with XHTML and Javascript…no Flash or other plugin necessary. All that is necessary is a standards compliant browser [sorry IE]). I could no more write this stuff than juggle elephants. I feel like I understand it, and I can champion it, even find novel ways to use it and instruct people about it…but I feel like I should learn how to DO it. Any tips on teaching a logical but otherwise underqualified web guy how to learn ajax, or even javascript in general?
5 replies on “The path to learning starts…”
believe you me, i only grok a portion of what i link too, but at least it’s there for when i have the time and need to start poking around. it helps to have a project, i think. anyway, i added another xmlhttprequest-related link that looks like a good tutorial: http://www.xml.com/pub/a/2005/02/09/xml-http-request.html
ha. i was just about to leave a comment with the 11 things… link as another suggestion, but thought, hmm non-round number, what are the chances that was one of things jason linked to in that post of his?
Javascript is the easiest one to start with. A wonderful place to is Javascript Source , which gives you both an idea of the range of programming you can do with JS and sample scripts to tailor to your use. That’s how I did my masters project and Brad’s work when I knew nothing about Javascript for form validation.
And of course there’s WebMonkey for the basics.
Honestly though, unless you truly need to know how to program from scratch, don’t bother. The learning curve is steep unless you’re a programming natural, and there will always be someone who can do it better. That’s why I just use and credit their scripts :).
to start, a wonderful place to start. Too…early…for…grammar.
it’s amazing. i don’t even notice other people’s typos i skim so much. i only notice my own–after it’s too late to change them.