The best modern JavaScript is simple, readable, and predictable. Learn to write modern JavaScript not by memorizing a list of new syntax, but with practical examples of how syntax changes can make code more expressive. Starting from variable declarations that communicate intention clearly, see how modern principles can improve all parts of code. Incorporate ideas with curried functions, array methods, classes, and more to create code that does more with less while yielding fewer bugs.

It's time to write JavaScript code that's clean and exprssive. Modern JavaScript is simpler and more predictable and readable than ever. Discover how to write better code with clear examples using principles that show how updated syntax can make code better with fewer bugs.

Starting from the ground up, learn new syntax (or how to reuse older syntax) to transform code from clunky bug-susceptible scripts to clear and elegant programs that are easy to read and easy to extend.

Create a foundation for readable code with simple variable declarations that reduce side effects and subtle bugs. Select collections with clear goals instead of defaulting to objects or arrays. See how to simplify iterations from complex loops to single line array methods. Master techniques for writing flexible and solid code ranging from high-order functions, to reusableclasses, to patterns for architecting large applications creating applications that will last while through rounds of refactoring and changing requirements.

The best part is there's no need to read this book straight through. Jump around and incorporate new functionality at will. Most importantly, understand not just what the new syntax is, but when and how to use it. Start writing better code from the first page.

What You Need:

For the best experience, have the latest version of Node installed (at least version 7). You can test most examples in the console of Chrome or other modern web browser. If you'd like to run the tests, you'll also need to install the latest version of Node Package Manager (npm).

Ever get the feeling you’ve woken up and everything’s different? If you’ve looked at modern JavaScript, you may feel like you woke up in a new world where nothing’s the same.

Yesterday, you were tweaking a simple jQuery accordion. Today, you look at some JavaScript code and the ubiquitous jQuery $ operator is gone. In its place are lots of strange dots (...) and strange symbols (=>) (the spread operator and arrow functions, as you’ll soon learn). Sure, some things look familiar, such as class, but even that seems to be unpredictable (where are the private methods?).

Are you perplexed? Maybe a little excited? Well, I have good news for you: Everything has changed for the better.

When the ECMAScript 6 spec was released-ES6 for short-JavaScript code changed dramatically. The changes were so substantial that after reading this book you’ll be able to tell at a glance which code was written with pre-ES6 syntax and which code was written with post-ES6 syntax. JavaScript now is different. Modern JavaScript is any code composed with post-ES6 syntax.

Modern JavaScript is a pleasure to write. I’m a long-time unrepentant JavaScript fan, but I’ll admit that I found the old syntax a little clunky at times, and it was pretty hard to defend. Modern JavaScript is better. But it’s changed significantly, and catching up can be hard.

Whom This Book Is For

This book is for anyone who has a little programming experience. It helps to have some JavaScript experience, but that’s not strictly necessary. I’ll assume that you know some basic programming concepts, such as loops, conditionals, functions, and classes. In short, if you’ve seen modern JavaScript and you’re excited to learn more, then this book is for you. You may feel like you woke up in a strange new world. That’s not a bad thing. In fact, this new world is awesome-the coffee’s brewing, and the aroma of fresh-baked danishes makes this new world a place you want to wake up to. JavaScript is better than ever-it’s time to enjoy it.

About the Author

Joe Morgan is a developer out of Lawrence, KS. Joe was born without any code knowledge at all, and since then, he's been trying to learn a little more every day. A long-time JavaScript fan, he's enjoying the JavaScript renaissance that has made it more beautiful than ever. He loves writing and speaking on JavaScript and craftsmanship.