693 skills found · Page 4 of 24
Apress / Building Javascript GamesSource code for 'Building JavaScript Games' by Arjan Egges
Apress / Pro Html5 Games 17Source code for 'Pro HTML5 Games' by Aditya Ravi Shankar
Janani-Balasooriya / Java Beginner ProjectsExplore a variety of simple, hands-on Java projects ideal for beginners. Sharpen your coding skills while creating command-line applications, games, and practical tools in Java. Perfect for those new to programming or looking to learn Java.
DaedalicEntertainment / Ue4 Replication GraphSample code of the talk "Using Replication Graph For Optimizing Real-Time Strategy Games" at Unreal Fest Europe 2019.
TheTurkeyDev / Discord GamesCode for my various games made using a discord bot!
IIIStatusIII / Roblox Uncopylocked GamesA repository with more than 400 popular Roblox games with their source code.
defunkt / QuakeThe source code to Quake, one of the best games ever.
EngineersNeedArt / SoftDorothy SharewareProjectsDisk images (intended for emulators) containing code and tools for building Soft Dorothy Software games. Primarily vintage Pascal and C calling the vintage Macintosh Toolbox.
gibbed / Gibbed.DisruptTools & code for use with Disrupt engine-based games (Watch Dogs, Watch Dogs 2, Watch Dogs: Legion). Disrupt engine is based on the Dunia engine.
sanusanth / C Basic ProgramsWhat is C#? C# is pronounced "C-Sharp". It is an object-oriented programming language created by Microsoft that runs on the .NET Framework. C# has roots from the C family, and the language is close to other popular languages like C++ and Java. The first version was released in year 2002. The latest version, C# 8, was released in September 2019. C# is a modern object-oriented programming language developed in 2000 by Anders Hejlsberg, the principal designer and lead architect at Microsoft. It is pronounced as "C-Sharp," inspired by the musical notation “♯” which stands for a note with a slightly higher pitch. As it’s considered an incremental compilation of the C++ language, the name C “sharp” seemed most appropriate. The sharp symbol, however, has been replaced by the keyboard friendly “#” as a suffix to “C” for purposes of programming. Although the code is very similar to C++, C# is newer and has grown fast with extensive support from Microsoft. The fact that it’s so similar to Java syntactically helps explain why it has emerged as one of the most popular programming languages today. C# is pronounced "C-Sharp". It is an object-oriented programming language created by Microsoft that runs on the .NET Framework. C# has roots from the C family, and the language is close to other popular languages like C++ and Java. The first version was released in year 2002. The latest version, C# 8, was released in September 2019. C# is used for: Mobile applications Desktop applications Web applications Web services Web sites Games VR Database applications And much, much more! An Introduction to C# Programming C# is a general-purpose, object-oriented programming language that is structured and easy to learn. It runs on Microsoft’s .Net Framework and can be compiled on a variety of computer platforms. As the syntax is simple and easy to learn, developers familiar with C, C++, or Java have found a comfort zone within C#. C# is a boon for developers who want to build a wide range of applications on the .NET Framework—Windows applications, Web applications, and Web services—in addition to building mobile apps, Windows Store apps, and enterprise software. It is thus considered a powerful programming language and features in every developer’s cache of tools. Although first released in 2002, when it was introduced with .NET Framework 1.0, the C# language has evolved a great deal since then. The most recent version is C# 8.0, available in preview as part of Visual Studio. To get access to all of the new language features, you would need to install the latest preview version of .NET Core 3.0. C# is used for: Mobile applications Desktop applications Web applications Web services Web sites Games VR Database applications And much, much more! Why Use C#? It is one of the most popular programming language in the world It is easy to learn and simple to use It has a huge community support C# is an object oriented language which gives a clear structure to programs and allows code to be reused, lowering development costs. As C# is close to C, C++ and Java, it makes it easy for programmers to switch to C# or vice versa. The C# Environment You need the .NET Framework and an IDE (integrated development environment) to work with the C# language. The .NET Framework The .NET Framework platform of the Windows OS is required to write web and desktop-based applications using not only C# but also Visual Basic and Jscript, as the platform provides language interoperability. Besides, the .Net Framework allows C# to communicate with any of the other common languages, such as C++, Jscript, COBOL, and so on. IDEs Microsoft provides various IDEs for C# programming: Visual Studio 2010 (VS) Visual Studio Express Visual Web Developer Visual Studio Code (VSC) The C# source code files can be written using a basic text editor, like Notepad, and compiled using the command-line compiler of the .NET Framework. Alternative open-source versions of the .Net Framework can work on other operating systems as well. For instance, the Mono has a C# compiler and runs on several operating systems, including Linux, Mac, Android, BSD, iOS, Windows, Solaris, and UNIX. This brings enhanced development tools to the developer. As C# is part of the .Net Framework platform, it has access to its enormous library of codes and components, such as Common Language Runtime (CLR), the .Net Framework Class Library, Common Language Specification, Common Type System, Metadata and Assemblies, Windows Forms, ASP.Net and ASP.Net AJAX, Windows Workflow Foundation (WF), Windows Communication Foundation (WCF), and LINQ. C# and Java C# and Java are high-level programming languages that share several similarities (as well as many differences). They are both object-oriented languages much influenced by C++. But while C# is suitable for application development in the Microsoft ecosystem from the front, Java is considered best for client-side web applications. Also, while C# has many tools for programming, Java has a larger arsenal of tools to choose from in IDEs and Text Editors. C# is used for virtual reality projects like games, mobile, and web applications. It is built specifically for Microsoft platforms and several non-Microsoft-based operating systems, like the Mono Project that works with Linux and OS X. Java is used for creating messaging applications and developing web-based and enterprise-based applications in open-source ecosystems. Both C# and Java support arrays. However, each language uses them differently. In C#, arrays are a specialization of the system; in Java, they are a direct specialization of the object. The C# programming language executes on the CLR. The source code is interpreted into bytecode, which is further compiled by the CLR. Java runs on any platform with the assistance of JRE (Java Runtime Environment). The written source code is first compiled into bytecode and then converted into machine code to be executed on a JRE. C# and C++ Although C# and C++ are both C-based languages with similar code, there are some differences. For one, C# is considered a component-oriented programming language, while C++ is a partial object-oriented language. Also, while both languages are compiled languages, C# compiles to CLR and is interpreted by.NET, but C++ compiles to machine code. The size of binaries in C# is much larger than in C++. Other differences between the two include the following: C# gives compiler errors and warnings, but C++ doesn’t support warnings, which may cause damage to the OS. C# runs in a virtual machine for automatic memory management. C++ requires you to manage memory manually. C# can create Windows, .NET, web, desktop, and mobile applications, but not stand-alone apps. C++ can create server-side, stand-alone, and console applications as it can work directly with the hardware. C++ can be used on any platform, while C# is targeted toward Windows OS. Generally, C++ being faster than C#, the former is preferred for applications where performance is essential. Features of C# The C# programming language has many features that make it more useful and unique when compared to other languages, including: Object-oriented language Being object-oriented, C# allows the creation of modular applications and reusable codes, an advantage over C++. As an object-oriented language, C# makes development and maintenance easier when project size grows. It supports all three object-oriented features: data encapsulation, inheritance, interfaces, and polymorphism. Simplicity C# is a simple language with a structured approach to problem-solving. Unsafe operations, like direct memory manipulation, are not allowed. Speed The compilation and execution time in C# is very powerful and fast. A Modern programming language C# programming is used for building scalable and interoperable applications with support for modern features like automatic garbage collection, error handling, debugging, and robust security. It has built-in support for a web service to be invoked from any app running on any platform. Type-safe Arrays and objects are zero base indexed and bound checked. There is an automatic checking of the overflow of types. The C# type safety instances support robust programming. Interoperability Language interoperability of C# maximizes code reuse for the efficiency of the development process. C# programs can work upon almost anything as a program can call out any native API. Consistency Its unified type system enables developers to extend the type system simply and easily for consistent behavior. Updateable C# is automatically updateable. Its versioning support enables complex frameworks to be developed and evolved. Component oriented C# supports component-oriented programming through the concepts of properties, methods, events, and attributes for self-contained and self-describing components of functionality for robust and scalable applications. Structured Programming Language The structured design and modularization in C# break a problem into parts, using functions for easy implementation to solve significant problems. Rich Library C# has a standard library with many inbuilt functions for easy and fast development. Prerequisites for Learning C# Basic knowledge of C or C++ or any programming language or programming fundamentals. Additionally, the OOP concept makes for a short learning curve of C#. Advantages of C# There are many advantages to the C# language that makes it a useful programming language compared to other languages like Java, C, or C++. These include: Being an object-oriented language, C# allows you to create modular, maintainable applications and reusable codes Familiar syntax Easy to develop as it has a rich class of libraries for smooth implementation of functions Enhanced integration as an application written in .NET will integrate and interpret better when compared to other NET technologies As C# runs on CLR, it makes it easy to integrate with components written in other languages It’s safe, with no data loss as there is no type-conversion so that you can write secure codes The automatic garbage collection keeps the system clean and doesn’t hang it during execution As your machine has to install the .NET Framework to run C#, it supports cross-platform Strong memory backup prevents memory leakage Programming support of the Microsoft ecosystem makes development easy and seamless Low maintenance cost, as C# can develop iOS, Android, and Windows Phone native apps The syntax is similar to C, C++, and Java, which makes it easier to learn and work with C# Useful as it can develop iOS, Android, and Windows Phone native apps with the Xamarin Framework C# is the most powerful programming language for the .NET Framework Fast development as C# is open source steered by Microsoft with access to open source projects and tools on Github, and many active communities contributing to the improvement What Can C Sharp Do for You? C# can be used to develop a wide range of: Windows client applications Windows libraries and components Windows services Web applications Native iOS and Android mobile apps Azure cloud applications and services Gaming consoles and gaming systems Video and virtual reality games Interoperability software like SharePoint Enterprise software Backend services and database programs AI and ML applications Distributed applications Hardware-level programming Virus and malware software GUI-based applications IoT devices Blockchain and distributed ledger technology C# Programming for Beginners: Introduction, Features and Applications By Simplilearn Last updated on Jan 20, 2020674 C# Programming for Beginners As a programmer, you’re motivated to master the most popular languages that will give you an edge in your career. There’s a vast number of programming languages that you can learn, but how do you know which is the most useful? If you know C and C++, do you need to learn C# as well? How similar is C# to Java? Does it become more comfortable for you to learn C# if you already know Java? Every developer and wannabe programmer asks these types of questions. So let us explore C# programming: how it evolved as an extension of C and why you need to learn it as a part of the Master’s Program in integrated DevOps for server-side execution. Are you a web developer or someone interested to build a website? Enroll for the Javascript Certification Training. Check out the course preview now! What is C#? C# is a modern object-oriented programming language developed in 2000 by Anders Hejlsberg, the principal designer and lead architect at Microsoft. It is pronounced as "C-Sharp," inspired by the musical notation “♯” which stands for a note with a slightly higher pitch. As it’s considered an incremental compilation of the C++ language, the name C “sharp” seemed most appropriate. The sharp symbol, however, has been replaced by the keyboard friendly “#” as a suffix to “C” for purposes of programming. Although the code is very similar to C++, C# is newer and has grown fast with extensive support from Microsoft. The fact that it’s so similar to Java syntactically helps explain why it has emerged as one of the most popular programming languages today. An Introduction to C# Programming C# is a general-purpose, object-oriented programming language that is structured and easy to learn. It runs on Microsoft’s .Net Framework and can be compiled on a variety of computer platforms. As the syntax is simple and easy to learn, developers familiar with C, C++, or Java have found a comfort zone within C#. C# is a boon for developers who want to build a wide range of applications on the .NET Framework—Windows applications, Web applications, and Web services—in addition to building mobile apps, Windows Store apps, and enterprise software. It is thus considered a powerful programming language and features in every developer’s cache of tools. Although first released in 2002, when it was introduced with .NET Framework 1.0, the C# language has evolved a great deal since then. The most recent version is C# 8.0, available in preview as part of Visual Studio. To get access to all of the new language features, you would need to install the latest preview version of .NET Core 3.0. The C# Environment You need the .NET Framework and an IDE (integrated development environment) to work with the C# language. The .NET Framework The .NET Framework platform of the Windows OS is required to write web and desktop-based applications using not only C# but also Visual Basic and Jscript, as the platform provides language interoperability. Besides, the .Net Framework allows C# to communicate with any of the other common languages, such as C++, Jscript, COBOL, and so on. IDEs Microsoft provides various IDEs for C# programming: Visual Studio 2010 (VS) Visual Studio Express Visual Web Developer Visual Studio Code (VSC) The C# source code files can be written using a basic text editor, like Notepad, and compiled using the command-line compiler of the .NET Framework. Alternative open-source versions of the .Net Framework can work on other operating systems as well. For instance, the Mono has a C# compiler and runs on several operating systems, including Linux, Mac, Android, BSD, iOS, Windows, Solaris, and UNIX. This brings enhanced development tools to the developer. As C# is part of the .Net Framework platform, it has access to its enormous library of codes and components, such as Common Language Runtime (CLR), the .Net Framework Class Library, Common Language Specification, Common Type System, Metadata and Assemblies, Windows Forms, ASP.Net and ASP.Net AJAX, Windows Workflow Foundation (WF), Windows Communication Foundation (WCF), and LINQ. C# and Java C# and Java are high-level programming languages that share several similarities (as well as many differences). They are both object-oriented languages much influenced by C++. But while C# is suitable for application development in the Microsoft ecosystem from the front, Java is considered best for client-side web applications. Also, while C# has many tools for programming, Java has a larger arsenal of tools to choose from in IDEs and Text Editors. C# is used for virtual reality projects like games, mobile, and web applications. It is built specifically for Microsoft platforms and several non-Microsoft-based operating systems, like the Mono Project that works with Linux and OS X. Java is used for creating messaging applications and developing web-based and enterprise-based applications in open-source ecosystems. Both C# and Java support arrays. However, each language uses them differently. In C#, arrays are a specialization of the system; in Java, they are a direct specialization of the object. The C# programming language executes on the CLR. The source code is interpreted into bytecode, which is further compiled by the CLR. Java runs on any platform with the assistance of JRE (Java Runtime Environment). The written source code is first compiled into bytecode and then converted into machine code to be executed on a JRE. C# and C++ Although C# and C++ are both C-based languages with similar code, there are some differences. For one, C# is considered a component-oriented programming language, while C++ is a partial object-oriented language. Also, while both languages are compiled languages, C# compiles to CLR and is interpreted by.NET, but C++ compiles to machine code. The size of binaries in C# is much larger than in C++. Other differences between the two include the following: C# gives compiler errors and warnings, but C++ doesn’t support warnings, which may cause damage to the OS. C# runs in a virtual machine for automatic memory management. C++ requires you to manage memory manually. C# can create Windows, .NET, web, desktop, and mobile applications, but not stand-alone apps. C++ can create server-side, stand-alone, and console applications as it can work directly with the hardware. C++ can be used on any platform, while C# is targeted toward Windows OS. Generally, C++ being faster than C#, the former is preferred for applications where performance is essential. Features of C# The C# programming language has many features that make it more useful and unique when compared to other languages, including: Object-oriented language Being object-oriented, C# allows the creation of modular applications and reusable codes, an advantage over C++. As an object-oriented language, C# makes development and maintenance easier when project size grows. It supports all three object-oriented features: data encapsulation, inheritance, interfaces, and polymorphism. Simplicity C# is a simple language with a structured approach to problem-solving. Unsafe operations, like direct memory manipulation, are not allowed. Speed The compilation and execution time in C# is very powerful and fast. A Modern programming language C# programming is used for building scalable and interoperable applications with support for modern features like automatic garbage collection, error handling, debugging, and robust security. It has built-in support for a web service to be invoked from any app running on any platform. Type-safe Arrays and objects are zero base indexed and bound checked. There is an automatic checking of the overflow of types. The C# type safety instances support robust programming. Interoperability Language interoperability of C# maximizes code reuse for the efficiency of the development process. C# programs can work upon almost anything as a program can call out any native API. Consistency Its unified type system enables developers to extend the type system simply and easily for consistent behavior. Updateable C# is automatically updateable. Its versioning support enables complex frameworks to be developed and evolved. Component oriented C# supports component-oriented programming through the concepts of properties, methods, events, and attributes for self-contained and self-describing components of functionality for robust and scalable applications. Structured Programming Language The structured design and modularization in C# break a problem into parts, using functions for easy implementation to solve significant problems. Rich Library C# has a standard library with many inbuilt functions for easy and fast development. Full Stack Java Developer Course The Gateway to Master Web DevelopmentEXPLORE COURSEFull Stack Java Developer Course Prerequisites for Learning C# Basic knowledge of C or C++ or any programming language or programming fundamentals. Additionally, the OOP concept makes for a short learning curve of C#. Advantages of C# There are many advantages to the C# language that makes it a useful programming language compared to other languages like Java, C, or C++. These include: Being an object-oriented language, C# allows you to create modular, maintainable applications and reusable codes Familiar syntax Easy to develop as it has a rich class of libraries for smooth implementation of functions Enhanced integration as an application written in .NET will integrate and interpret better when compared to other NET technologies As C# runs on CLR, it makes it easy to integrate with components written in other languages It’s safe, with no data loss as there is no type-conversion so that you can write secure codes The automatic garbage collection keeps the system clean and doesn’t hang it during execution As your machine has to install the .NET Framework to run C#, it supports cross-platform Strong memory backup prevents memory leakage Programming support of the Microsoft ecosystem makes development easy and seamless Low maintenance cost, as C# can develop iOS, Android, and Windows Phone native apps The syntax is similar to C, C++, and Java, which makes it easier to learn and work with C# Useful as it can develop iOS, Android, and Windows Phone native apps with the Xamarin Framework C# is the most powerful programming language for the .NET Framework Fast development as C# is open source steered by Microsoft with access to open source projects and tools on Github, and many active communities contributing to the improvement What Can C Sharp Do for You? C# can be used to develop a wide range of: Windows client applications Windows libraries and components Windows services Web applications Native iOS and Android mobile apps Azure cloud applications and services Gaming consoles and gaming systems Video and virtual reality games Interoperability software like SharePoint Enterprise software Backend services and database programs AI and ML applications Distributed applications Hardware-level programming Virus and malware software GUI-based applications IoT devices Blockchain and distributed ledger technology Who Should Learn the C# Programming Language and Why? C# is one of the most popular programming languages as it can be used for a variety of applications: mobile apps, game development, and enterprise software. What’s more, the C# 8.0 version is packed with several new features and enhancements to the C# language that can change the way developers write their C# code. The most important new features available are ‘null reference types,’ enhanced ‘pattern matching,’ and ‘async streams’ that help you to write more reliable and readable code. As you’re exposed to the fundamental programming concepts of C# in this course, you can work on projects that open the doors for you as a Full Stack Java Developer. So, upskill and master the C# language for a faster career trajectory and salary scope.
WaynGames / DOTS TrainingA repository of all the code to follow he DOTS training series by WAYN Games
vgrichina / Re SkillClaude Code skill for reverse engineering retro games — disassemble, annotate, extract assets, web port
Apress / Physics For Javascript Games Animation SimulationsSource code for 'Physics for JavaScript Games, Animation, and Simulations' by Adrian Dobre and Dev Ramtal
TheLazyTomcat / SII Decrypt[DISCONTINUED] Small library/tool designed to decrypt SII files used as saves in truck games by SCS Software. Can be used as DLL, console program, GUI program or directly in a code.
FlyingOakGames / GreedyKidCode and assets repository for Boo! Greedy Kid © 2017-2025 Flying Oak Games. All rights reserved.
glmcdona / FunctionHackerMaintaining an official release at http://split-code.com/cda.html . Tool for recording, filtering, and hacking function calls within applications or games. Useful for game hacking or malware analysis.
rachit-dubey / HumanRL Prior Games[ICML-18] Codes for the custom games we built to compare RL agents with humans
devramtal / Physics For JavaScript Games Animation SimulationsSource code for "Physics for JavaScript Games, Animation, and Simulations"
litecanvas / Game EngineLightweight (~4kb) HTML5 canvas 2D engine suitable for small games, prototypes, creative coding, etc.
sanusanth / Javascript Basic ProgramWhat is JavaScript and what does it do? Before you start learning something new, it’s important to understand exactly what it is and what it does. This is especially useful when it comes to mastering a new programming language. In simple terms, JavaScript is a programming language used to make websites interactive. If you think about the basic makeup of a website, you have HTML, which describes and defines the basic content and structure of the website, then you have CSS, which tells the browser how this HTML content should be displayed—determining things like color and font. With just HTML and CSS, you have a website that looks good but doesn’t actually do much. JavaScript brings the website to life by adding functionality. JavaScript is responsible for elements that the user can interact with, such as drop-down menus, modal windows, and contact forms. It is also used to create things like animations, video players, and interactive maps. Nowadays, JavaScript is an all-purpose programming language—meaning it runs across the entire software stack. The most popular application of JavaScript is on the client side (aka frontend), but since Node.js came on the scene, many people run JavaScript on the server side (aka backend) as well. When used on the client side, JavaScript code is read, interpreted, and executed in the user’s web browser. When used on the server side, it is run on a remote computer. You can learn more about the difference between frontend and backend programming here. JavaScript isn’t only used to create websites. It can also be used to build browser-based games and, with the help of certain frameworks, mobile apps for different operating systems. The creation of new libraries and frameworks is also making it possible to build backend programs with JavaScript, such as web apps and server apps. Is it still worth learning JavaScript in 2021? The world of web development is constantly moving. With so many new tools popping up all the time, it can be extremely difficult to know where you should focus your efforts. As an aspiring developer, you’ll want to make sure that what you’re learning is still relevant in today’s industry. If you’re having doubts about JavaScript, it’s important to know that, since its creation in 1995, JavaScript is pretty much everywhere on the web—and that’s not likely to change any time soon. According to the 2020 StackOverflow developer survey, JavaScript is the most commonly used programming language for the eighth year in a row. It is currently used by 94.5% of all websites and, despite originally being designed as a client-side language, JavaScript has now made its way to the server-side of websites (thanks to Node.js), mobile devices (thanks to React Native and Ionic) and desktop (courtesy of Electron). As long as people are interacting with the web, you can assume that JavaScript is highly relevant—there’s no doubt that this is a language worth knowing! With that in mind, let’s look at some of the key benefits of becoming a JavaScript expert. Why learn JavaScript? The most obvious reason for learning JavaScript is if you have hopes of becoming a web developer. Even if you haven’t got your heart set on a tech career, being proficient in JavaScript will enable you to build websites from scratch—a pretty useful skill to have in today’s job market! If you do want to become a web developer, here are some of the main reasons why you should learn JavaScript: JavaScript experts are versatile JavaScript is an extremely versatile language. Once you’ve mastered it, the possibilities are endless: you can code on the client-side (frontend) using Angular and on the server-side (backend) using Node.js. You can also develop web, mobile, and desktop apps using React, React Native, and Electron, and you can even get involved in machine learning. If you want to become a frontend developer, JavaScript is a prerequisite. However, that’s not the only career path open to you as a JavaScript expert. Mastering this key programming language could see you go on to work in full-stack development, games development, information security software engineering, machine learning, and artificial intelligence—to name just a few! Ultimately, if you want any kind of development or engineering career, proficiency in JavaScript is a must. JavaScript experts are in-demand (and well-paid) JavaScript is the most popular programming language in the world, so it’s no wonder that JavaScript is one of the most sought-after skills in the web development industry today. According to the Devskiller IT Skills and Hiring Report 2020, 72% of companies are looking to hire JavaScript experts. Enter the search term “JavaScript” on job site Indeed and you’ll find over 40,000 jobs requiring this skill (in the US). Run the same search on LinkedIn and the results are in excess of 125,000. At the same time, the global demand for JavaScript seems to outweigh the expertise available on the market. According to this 2018 HackerRank report, 48% of employers worldwide need developers with JavaScript skills, while only 42% of student developers claim to be proficient in JavaScript. And, in their most recent report for 2020, HackerRank once again reports that JavaScript is the most popular language that hiring mangers look for in a web developer candidate. Not only are JavaScript experts in demand—they are also well-paid. In the United States, JavaScript developers earn an average yearly salary of $111,953 per year. We’ve covered this topic in more detail in our JavaScript salary guide, but as you can see, learning JavaScript can really boost your earning potential as a developer. JavaScript is beginner-friendly Compared to many other programming languages, JavaScript offers one of the more beginner-friendly entry points into the world of coding. The great thing about JavaScript is that it comes installed on every modern web browser—there’s no need to set up any kind of development environment, which means you can start coding with JavaScript right away! Another advantage of learning JavaScript as your first programming language is that you get instant feedback; with a minimal amount of JavaScript code, you’ll immediately see visible results. There’s also a huge JavaScript community on sites like Stack Overflow, so you’ll find plenty of support as you learn. Not only is JavaScript beginner-friendly; it will also set you up with some extremely valuable transferable skills. JavaScript supports object-oriented, functional, and imperative styles of programming—skills which can be transferred to any new language you might learn later on, such as Python, Java, or C++. JavaScript provides a crucial introduction to key principles and practices that you’ll take with you throughout your career as a developer. Should you learn plain JavaScript first or can you skip to frameworks and libraries? When deciding whether or not to learn JavaScript, what you’re really asking is whether or not you should learn “vanilla” JavaScript. Vanilla JavaScript just means plain JavaScript without any libraries or frameworks. Let’s explore what this means in more detail now. What is meant by vanilla JavaScript, libraries, and frameworks? If you research the term “vanilla JavaScript”, you might run into some confusion; however, all you need to know is that vanilla JavaScript is used to refer to native, standards-based, non-extended JavaScript. There is no difference between vanilla JavaScript and JavaScript—it’s just there to emphasize the usage of plain JavaScript without the use of libraries and frameworks. So what are libraries and frameworks? JavaScript libraries and frameworks both contain sets of prewritten, ready-to-use JavaScript code—but they’re not the same thing. You can think of a framework as your blueprint for building a website: it gives you a structure to work from, and contains ready-made components and tools that help you to build certain elements much quicker than if you were to code them from scratch. Some popular JavaScript frameworks include Angular, React, Vue, and Node.js. Frameworks also contain libraries. Libraries are smaller than frameworks, and tend to be used for more specific cases. A JavaScript library contains sets of JavaScript code which can be called upon to implement certain functions and features. Let’s imagine you want to code a particular element into your website. You could write, say, ten lines of JavaScript from scratch—or you could take the condensed, ready-made version from your chosen JavaScript library. Some examples of JavaScript libraries include jQuery, Lodash, and Underscore. The easiest way to understand how frameworks and libraries work together is to imagine you are building a house. The framework provides the foundation and the structure, while the library enables you to add in ready-made components (like furniture) rather than building your own from scratch. You can learn more about the relationship between languages and libraries in this post explaining the main differences between JavaScript and jQuery. For now, let’s go back to our original question: How important is it to learn vanilla JavaScript? Should you learn vanilla JavaScript first? When it comes to learning JavaScript, it can be tempting to skip ahead to those time-saving frameworks and libraries we just talked about—and many developers do. However, there are many compelling arguments for learning plain JavaScript first. While JavaScript frameworks may help you get the job done quicker, there’s only so far you can go if you don’t understand the core concepts behind these frameworks. Frontend developer Abhishek Nagekar describes how not learning vanilla JavaScript came back to bite him when he started learning the JavaScript frameworks Node and Express: “As I went to write more and more code in Node and Express, I began to get stuck at even the tiniest problems. Suddenly, I was surrounded with words like callbacks, closures, event loop and prototype. It felt like I got a reintroduction to JavaScript, but this time, it was not a toddler playing in its cradle, it was something of a mysterious monster, challenging me on every other step for not having taken it seriously.” The above Tweet references a long-running joke within the developer community, and although it dates way back to 2015, it’s still highly relevant today. If you want to become a developer who can innovate, not just execute, you need to understand the underlying principles of the web—not just the shortcuts. This means learning vanilla JavaScript before you move on to frameworks. In fact, understanding plain JavaScript will help you later on when it comes to deciding whether to use a framework for a certain project, and if so, which framework to use. Why Study JavaScript? JavaScript is one of the 3 languages all web developers must learn: 1. HTML to define the content of web pages 2. CSS to specify the layout of web pages 3. JavaScript to program the behavior of web pages Learning Speed In this tutorial, the learning speed is your choice. Everything is up to you. If you are struggling, take a break, or re-read the material. Always make sure you understand all the "Try-it-Yourself" examples. The only way to become a clever programmer is to: Practice. Practice. Practice. Code. Code. Code ! Commonly Asked Questions How do I get JavaScript? Where can I download JavaScript? Is JavaScript Free? You don't have to get or download JavaScript. JavaScript is already running in your browser on your computer, on your tablet, and on your smart-phone. JavaScript is free to use for everyone.
