If you know HTML and/or CSS and want to take your skills to the next level, or even if you are a complete web novice, you really need to learn JavaScript. Not only is it the language behind the smooth and dynamic operation of Web 2.0 websites like Facebook, Twitter and Gmail, but in conjunction with HTML5 it's also the standard means Microsoft supports for creating Windows 8 apps - JavaScript is definitely the future for Windows! So, whether you want to simply add a little functionality to your website, such as smooth menus that pop up and down, image transition effects, user-friendly form handling and verification, or anything else that's more than a simple, flat HTML/CSS design, JavaScript is the way to go.
What's more, JavaScript is easy. If you've ever tried to learn it and been put off by a plethora of jargon and technical mumbo-jumbo then you're in for a real treat, because Robin Nixon's Crash Courses have helped tens of thousands of people learn the new skills they need. From the top-selling author of Learning PHP, MySQL & JavaScript, and starting from the ground up with no assumption of prior knowledge, every aspect of JavaScript is explained in this book, in logical order with plenty of simple examples, clear explanations, informative figures, and advice on how best to use the new things you learn.
If you want to learn JavaScript up to a solid intermediate level, this book will teach you all you need to know, without recourse to other books and materials. Plus all the examples are free to download from the companion website, so you won't have to type them in to follow along and try them out for yourself.
Note: This book was free when posted. Check it still is if you only want it for free.