Getting Started with JavaScript: What I Wish I Knew

When I first started learning JavaScript, the sheer number of concepts was overwhelming. However, a few key fundamentals stood out that would have made my journey smoother if I had grasped them earlier.

1. Variables and Scope

Understanding the difference between var, let, and const was tricky at first. Knowing when to use each one is crucial because they impact the scope and behavior of your variables. I quickly learned that using let and const helps avoid common issues with variable hoisting and scoping.

2. Functions and Callbacks

Functions are at the heart of JavaScript, but callbacks were a bit confusing for me. They are functions passed as arguments to other functions, allowing for asynchronous behavior. It took some practice, but understanding how JavaScript handles asynchronous code, especially with callbacks, set the foundation for working with Promises and async/await.

3. The DOM

Manipulating the Document Object Model (DOM) was another challenge. Initially, I struggled with understanding how JavaScript interacts with HTML elements. Through practice and building small projects, I learned how to effectively use document.querySelector and event listeners to dynamically change the content on web pages.

These early challenges shaped my JavaScript learning, and by focusing on these key concepts, I gained a deeper understanding that continues to serve me in my projects today.