10 Best JavaScript Books in 2023

JavaScript has been the most popular programming language for the past 9 years, according to the StackOverflow developer survey.

To help you increase your value as a software developer, I created this list of the best JavaScript books that helped me the most.

The best JavaScript books in 2023 are:

1. JavaScript for Impatient Programmers

Best JavaScript book for beginners

If you want to learn JavaScript quickly, this book is for you.

JavaScript for Impatient Programmers covers modern features of the language and offers test-driven exercises and quizzes. You don't need any prior knowledge of the language, but you should be familiar with basic programming concepts.

There are also advanced sections that let you dig deeper into the language.

JavaScript for Impatient Programmers is the best book for beginners who are just getting started with JavaScript.

It's one of those books that you always come back to. I often use it as a reference guide.

Authors: Axel Rauschmayer

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Topics covered

You will learn how to:

Get started quickly, by initially focusing on modern features.
Test-driven exercises and quizzes available for most chapters.
Covers all essential features of JavaScript.
Optional advanced sections let you dig deeper.

2. Professional JavaScript for Web Developers

Best JavaScript book for intermediate programmers

Professional JavaScript for Web Developers is the essential guide to next-level JavaScript development, written for intermediate-to-advanced programmers.

The book jumps right into the technical details and covers ECMAScript 6 and 7. It also explains new frameworks and libraries in detail for the professional developer with a practical focus that helps you put your new skills to work on real-world projects.

If you are looking to update your skill set for ES 6 and 7 or want to learn about new frameworks and libraries, then this book is for you. Professional JavaScript for Web Developers will help you get up to date quickly and efficiently so that you can continue building great web applications.

Check out my guide on best Web Development books to broaden your perspective.

Authors: Matt Frisbie

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Topics covered

You will learn how to:

Understand the features of ES6 and ES7
Understand how to use new frameworks and libraries
Use web animation
Integrate with emerging APIs
Build complex systems
Test code more effectively
Plan for future ES releases

Matt Frisbie: About the author

Matt Frisbie is a web developer who has been working in the field for over a decade. He has held positions as a CTO, developer at Google, and at a Y Combinator startup that would become a billion-dollar company.

3. Speaking JavaScript: An In-Depth Guide for Programmers

Speaking JavaScript is a guide to the language written by a veteran programmer who once found himself in the same position.

The book has four sections: a quick-start guide, an in-depth reference, background on the language's history, and tips & libraries.

The first section helps you learn JavaScript quickly and properly, while the second section covers each language feature in depth. The third section provides background information on JavaScript's history and relationship with other programming languages, and the fourth section offers tips, tools, and libraries to help you get the most out of JavaScript.

With Speaking JavaScript, you can approach the language with confidence and learn how to use it to its full potential. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced programmer, this book will help you get up to speed with JavaScript quickly and easily.

Authors: Axel Rauschmayer

4. Functional-Light JavaScript : Balanced, Pragmatic FP in JavaScript

Best for Functional Programming

4. Functional-Light JavaScript Book Cover

Functional-Light JavaScript is a balanced, pragmatic exploration of Functional Programming in JavaScript.

Functional Programming (FP) can help you write more robust, verifiable, and readable code. However, it can be difficult to learn terms like "monad", mathematical concepts like category theory, or symbols like (lambda).

This book teaches you how to improve your programs line by line with approachable JavaScript patterns.

Authors: Kyle Simpson (JavaScript systems architect)

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Topics covered

You will learn how to:

Understand the basics of Functional Programming
Discover how to structure code using Functional Programming techniques
Understand why Functional Programming makes programs more robust and readable
Find out how to use Functional Programming in JavaScript programs

5. Object-Oriented JavaScript

If you're looking for a comprehensive guide to object-oriented JavaScript, look no further.

Object-Oriented JavaScript takes you through all the essentials of the language, from its basic structure to more advanced features. You'll learn how to write code that is both efficient and easy to understand, making it perfect for any project.

The author's clear writing style makes learning fun and easy - even if you've never programmed before.

Authors: Stoyan Stefanov

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Topics covered

You will learn how to:

Understand the basics of programming
Write code in JavaScript
Understand object-oriented programming
Learn from coding exercises included in each chapter

6. Learning JavaScript Design Patterns: A JavaScript and jQuery Developer's Guide

6. Learning JavaScript Design Patterns Book Cover

JavaScript Design Patterns walks you through modern module formats, how to namespace code effectively, and other essential topics.

You'll learn about the structure of design patterns and how they are written, different pattern categories (including creational, structural, and behavioral), as well as 20+ classical and modern design patterns in JavaScript.

Addy Osmani also shows you how popular design patterns are implemented in the jQuery library, and learn about writing maintainable jQuery plugins.

By the end of this book, you will have a strong understanding of JavaScript design patterns and be able to confidently apply them to build more efficient and maintainable code.

If you are an experienced JavaScript developer and you want to keep your code efficient, more manageable, and up-to-date with the latest best practices, this book is for you.

Authors: Addy Osmani

Topics covered

You will learn how to:

Understand the different types of design patterns
Understand how to use classical and modern design patterns
Understand popular module formats
Discover design patterns implemented in the jQuery library
Use design patterns, including Modules, Observers, Facades, and Mediators.
Apply architectural patterns—such as MVC, MVP, and MVVM.

7. If Hemingway Wrote JavaScript

This is not your classic JavaScript book.

If Hemingway Wrote JavaScript playfully bridges the worlds of programming and literature

In it, author Angus Croll imagines short JavaScript programs as written by famous wordsmiths.

The book is guided by the premise that, like poets, JavaScript developers should experiment with language to develop your own style, your idioms, and your expressions.

The result is a peculiar and charming combination of prose, poetry, and programming.

If you’re a fan of both JavaScript and literature, thenIf Hemingway Wrote JavaScript is the book for you.

Authors: Angus Croll

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Topics covered

You will learn how to:

Understand what JavaScript is and what it can be used for
Get started writing simple programs in JavaScript
Understand the basics of programming constructs like variables, loops, and conditionals
Use functions to group related code together
Work with arrays and objects to store data
Access web data using Ajax and APIs
Write code that runs in the browser, on the server, or both
Understand best practices for writing maintainable and reusable code.

8. A Smarter Way to Learn Javascript

A Smarter Way to Learn JavaScript is a book and accompanying website that provides a unique approach to learning the popular programming language.

Rather than having you read through dry, technical explanations, the author provides interactive exercises that help you understand and remember concepts.

If you are an experienced programmer, this book may be too elementary for you.

Authors: Mark Myers

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Topics covered

You will learn how to:

Understand JavaScript programming from scratch.
Get started with coding for beginners.
Dive into intermediate and advanced topics like functions, objects, arrays, and loops.
Understand how to use JavaScript to build web applications.
Practice with more than 100 coding challenges.
Build 4 real-world projects.

9. Secrets of the JavaScript Ninja

Secrets of the JavaScript Ninja covers API's such as the DOM, events, and timers.

You'll also learn best practices such as testing and cross-browser development.

Authors: John Resig, Bear Bibeault, Josip Maras

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Topics covered

You will learn how to:

Understand the essentials of the JavaScript language.
Understand how to write code that is effective, efficient, and cross-browser compatible.
Gain a deep understanding of core concepts such as functions, closures, objects, prototypes, and promises.
Understand best practices for testing and debugging JavaScript code.

10. JavaScript Everywhere: Building Cross-Platform Applications with GraphQL, React, React Native, and Electron

Best for Full Stack Development

In this book, you'll learn how to use JavaScript for a variety of purposes, including API development, web application development, and native application development.

You'll also learn about technologies like Node.js, GraphQL, React, React Native, and Electron.

This book is for you if you want to build full-stack applications or if you are a beginner who wants to bootstrap a startup.

Authors: Adam D. Scott

Topics covered

You will learn how to:

Understand the basics of JavaScript
Understand how to use JavaScript in web browsers
Understand how to use Node.js and create APIs
Understand React and React Native
Understand Electron to create desktop applications

Which JavaScript book is the best for me?

Pick the best JavaScript book for you based on your goals:

If you're just starting with JavaScript, JavaScript for Impatient Programmers is the best JavaScript book for beginners.
If you're an intermediate JavaScript developer, Professional JavaScript for Web Developers will help you take your skills to the next level.
Functional-Light JavaScript is the best JavaScript functional programming book.
If you want to learn more about design patterns in JavaScript, Learning JavaScript Design Patterns is the best option.
If you want to build cross-platform applications in JavaScript, JavaScript Everywhere is the best book.

Read more from JosipMisko.com: TypeScript goes hand in hand with JavaScript, check out my guides on best TypeScript books to read this year.

About Josip

Josip Miskovic is a software developer at Americaneagle.com. Josip has 10+ years in experience in developing web applications, mobile apps, and games.

Follow @JosipMisko

1. JavaScript for Impatient Programmers

Best JavaScript book for beginners

Topics covered

2. Professional JavaScript for Web Developers

Best JavaScript book for intermediate programmers

Topics covered

Matt Frisbie: About the author

3. Speaking JavaScript: An In-Depth Guide for Programmers

4. Functional-Light JavaScript : Balanced, Pragmatic FP in JavaScript

Best for Functional Programming

Topics covered

5. Object-Oriented JavaScript

Topics covered

6. Learning JavaScript Design Patterns: A JavaScript and jQuery Developer's Guide

Topics covered

7. If Hemingway Wrote JavaScript

Topics covered

8. A Smarter Way to Learn Javascript

Topics covered

9. Secrets of the JavaScript Ninja

Topics covered

10. JavaScript Everywhere: Building Cross-Platform Applications with GraphQL, React, React Native, and Electron

Best for Full Stack Development

Topics covered

Which JavaScript book is the best for me?

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