Best way to get started with JavaScript as a total newbie

Hey everyone! I’m brand new to JavaScript programming and honestly don’t know where to begin. There are so many tutorials and courses online that it’s overwhelming. I’m worried about picking the wrong resources and wasting time on stuff that won’t actually help me learn properly.

I’ve tried looking at some YouTube videos but they either go too fast or seem outdated. Some friends mentioned books but I’m not sure if that’s the best approach for someone who learns better with hands-on practice.

What learning path worked best for you when you were starting out? Should I focus on free resources first or invest in a paid course? Also, are there any particular topics I should prioritize when I’m just getting my feet wet with JavaScript? Any advice would be super helpful since I really want to build a solid foundation from the start.

Starting JavaScript can be daunting due to the vast array of available resources. I found that immersing myself in a single, well-structured tutorial made a significant difference. FreeCodeCamp’s curriculum is a solid starting point. It’s free and focuses heavily on practical coding exercises, which is crucial for beginners.

Once you’ve got the basics down, such as variables and loops, apply your skills by creating simple projects like to-do lists or small games. This hands-on work will deepen your understanding far more than passive learning. Avoid jumping into libraries and frameworks until you’re confident with core concepts.