I think this can be an incredibly helpful book if you hit it at the right stage in your JavaScript (JS) learning process, even if you don't need to implement full-blown MVC for your immediate needs. I can honestly say that I've learned as much, and probably more, from working through the core of this book (Chapters 1-5) than I have from any other single JS book.
But, you need to be at the right stage... which is basically, when you can follow the book, although it may take a bit of effort. If you're already a ninja, you probably don't need to read the book at all, unless you simply want to be exposed to another POV. And, for a lot of non-ninja, the book will be too advanced. Luckily, O'Reilly put the entire first chapter on-line so you can judge for yourself.
Chapter 1 is no namby pampy intro. In the chapter McCaw defines a constructor function used to create constructor functions that emulate classes in languages which support classes natively. He also includes a useful discussion of how the 'this' context switches in JS and how to control it with bind or by defining a jQ-like proxy method. Later design patterns have some similarity to what he does in chapter 1 (using Object.create instead of constructors), so if you can follow this chapter, you're probably ready to take on the book.
I'd describe the audience for the book as developers who've already built an app, or at least added fairly complex functionality to web pages and are comfortable with prototypal inheritance, closures on inner functions, call/apply and who know basic DOM scripting. Additionally, you may well have a sneaking suspicion that although your apps work, they're not designed as cleanly as they could be. If you're part of that audience, you just might learn a boatload of stuff as you follow McCaw's thinking as to how to design large-scale JS apps. Despite the sub-title, you don't really need to know jQuery (jQ) all that well, as long as you're somewhat familiar with it and the way it chains methods. One of the nice things about the book is that McCaw often gives you the plain old JavaScript (PoJS) for some of the basic methods he adds to his template objects and constructors, before switching to jQ for convenience. For example, after chapter 1 you'll have the PoJS equivalents for jQ's extend and proxy so it's easy to create a PoJS version for say the Model object or the Controller object which he defines later. For other jQ methods used in examples, you should be at the level where you can figure out what jQ is doing and write the equivalent in PoJS if that's what you want to do.
Some of the other reviews have touched on a few negatives, but to my mind they're not enough to downgrade the book. Occasionaly, the discussion seems to jump over an explanatory detail, but if you make a lab page that links to the book errata page and download the code for the examples, you should be able to fill in any gaps. I found the first five chapters fascinating, and chapters 6-13 useful and concise roll ups on various topics like dependency management, debugging and various libraries. In addition there are appendices that do a quick survey of jQuery and CSS3.
The problem with learning JS in the contemporary landscape is that what used to be advanced, even esoteric, technique is commonplace now. If you go back and look at the Sitepoint JavaScript Anthology or PPK on JavaScript which came out ~2005/2006, you'll see relatively straightforward and easy to understand JS and DOM scripting. But, as Crockford noted "JavaScript is Lisp in C's clothing" and if you don't have a theoretical background in functional programming, it can be very challenging to follow the ninja use of function scope to create modules, encapsulate values in closures etc... Wrapping your head around the core of this book can really deepen your understanding of JS.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Follow the author
Get new release updates & improved recommendations
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
Frequently purchased items with fast delivery
Page 1 of 1 Start over
- JavaScript and jQuery: Interactive Front-End Web DevelopmentPaperbackGet it as soon as Friday, Jan 30
- Introduction to JavaScript Object Notation: A To-the-Point Guide to JSONPaperbackGet it as soon as Tuesday, Feb 3
- Learning TypeScript: Enhance Your Web Development Skills Using Type-Safe JavaScriptPaperbackEUR 7.45 shipping
- Node.js Design Patterns: Level up your Node.js skills and design production-grade applications using proven techniquesPaperbackEUR 9.68 shipping18% offLimited time deal11% Claimed
From the brand
-
Your partner in learning
-
Bestsellers
-
Software Development
-
Programming Languages
-
AI / Machine Learning
-
Data Science
-
Data, Databases and more
-
Cloud Services
-
Business
-
Finance
-
Blockchain / Cryptocurrency
-
Security
-
Lean series
-
Cookbooks
-
Head First series
-
97 Things series
-
Sharing the knowledge of experts
O'Reilly's mission is to change the world by sharing the knowledge of innovators. For over 40 years, we've inspired companies and individuals to do new things (and do them better) by providing the skills and understanding that are necessary for success.
Our customers are hungry to build the innovations that propel the world forward. And we help them do just that.
About the author
Customers say
Customers find the book provides good JavaScript knowledge, with one mentioning it serves as a useful introduction to the MVC approach. The book receives positive feedback for its readability, with multiple customers describing it as a fantastic intermediate JavaScript resource.
AI Generated from the text of customer reviews
Select to learn more
8 customers mention javascript knowledge, 7 positive, 1 negative
quick read with good examplesRead more
I think this can be an incredibly helpful book if you hit it at the right stage in your JavaScript (JS) learning process, even if you don't need to...Read more
A good book on JavaScript with nice examples. Good introduction to MVC approach in JavaScript, HTML5 and much more....Read more
This book is immensely practical while still teaching concepts....Read more
3 customers mention readability, 3 positive, 0 negative
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews. Please reload the page.
- Reviewed in the United States on October 18, 2011Format: Paperback
Top reviews from other countries
-
Heinrich GöblReviewed in Germany on December 29, 2011
Eine Goldgrube an Informationen
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase - Nathaniel BrownReviewed in Canada on May 25, 2020
Sample code provided
Format: KindleVerified Purchase - DanielReviewed in the United Kingdom on August 20, 2013
Useful for transition from ActionScript 3
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase - William MooreReviewed in the United Kingdom on September 16, 2012
MVC in Javascript
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
