JavaScript For Kids For Dummies

If we've learned one thing from the Millennial generation, it's that no one is too young to make history online. JavaScript For Kids For Dummies introduces pre-teens and early teens alike to the world of JavaScript, which is an integral programming language that drives the functionality of websites and apps. This informative, yet engaging text guides you through the basics of coding with JavaScript, and is an essential resource if you want to expand your technology skills while following easy, step-by-step instructions. Through small, goal-oriented projects, you learn key coding concepts, while actually creating apps, games, and more. This hands-on experience, coupled with the presentation of ideas in a simple style, allows you to both learn and retain JavaScript fundamentals.

JavaScript has been heralded as 'the programming language of the web,' and many kids are interested in learning how to use it; however, most schools don't offer coding classes at this level, and most families can't afford the high cost of coding classes through a summer camp. But this can't stop you from developing your JavaScript coding skills! This fun text is all you need to get started on your JavaScript journey.

• Explore the basics of JavaScript through the creation of a calculator app
• Deepen your understanding of HTML, arrays, and variables by building a grocery shopping app
• Learn conditional logic through the development of a choose your own adventure game
• Discover loops and strings by creating a lemonade stand app and MadLibs-style game

JavaScript For Kids For Dummies brings pre-teens and early teens into the world of coding by teaching them one of the key Web design languages.

Introduction 1

Part I: What Is JavaScript? Alert! JavaScript Is Awesome! 5

Chapter 1: Programming the Web 7

Chapter 2: Understanding Syntax 22

Chapter 3: Giving and Receiving Data 33

Chapter 4: Fiddling with Web Applications 51

Part II: Animating the Web 69

Chapter 5: JavaScript and HTML 71

Chapter 6: JavaScript and CSS 89

Chapter 7: Building an Animated Robot 104

Part III: Getting Operations 123

Chapter 8: Building Your Dream Car with Operands 125

Chapter 9: Putting It Together with Operators 136

Chapter 10: Creating Your Own JavaScript Word Game 153

Part IV: Arrays and Functions 171

Chapter 11: Creating and Changing Arrays 173

Chapter 12: Making It Functional 190

Chapter 13: Creating a Wish List Program 206

Part V: Freedom of Choice 231

Chapter 14: Making Decisions with the If...Else Statement 233

Chapter 15: Doing Different Things with Switch 252

Chapter 16: Choose Your Own Adventure 267

Part VI: Loops 293

Chapter 17: What’s This Loop For? 295

Chapter 18: Using While Loops 309

Chapter 19: Building a Lemonade Stand 326

Index 355

Market demand: The current demand for coding education is growing and traditional avenues of education are scrambling to keep up. One in ten schools in the U.S. offer computer science in their curriculum. Only 2% of students go into computer science programs in college. Meanwhile coding camps are seeing record growth in enrollment while online sources like code.org and Codecademy are adding new users by the millions. JavaScript recently ranked #1 in an analysis of interest in various coding languages on top developer forums.

Who are we targeting: JavaScript For Kids For Dummies helps students who want to learn coding using a simple, no–cost language heralded as the most important programming language of the web. It walks readers through basic projects that teach core coding concepts. The book should also capture the attention of parents who want to help their children understand this topic and teachers who need a reference on how to add the topic to their curriculum.

Chris Minnick and Eva Holland are experienced web developers, tech trainers, and coauthors of Coding with JavaScript For Dummies. Together they founded WatzThis?, a company focused on training and course development.