JavaScript: The Good Parts

by Douglas Crockford
JavaScript: The Good Parts cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Technology and Innovation
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Technical
  • ID: 6106
  • Added: 2025-11-01
  • Updated: 2025-12-13
  • ISBN: 9780596554873
  • Publisher: "O'Reilly Media, Inc."
  • Published: 2008-05-08
  • Reviews: 4

JavaScript: The Good Parts by Douglas Crockford is a guide that focuses on the most reliable and readable aspects of JavaScript, helping developers create efficient and extensible code. The book identifies the good ideas within JavaScript, such as functions, loose typing, and dynamic objects, while avoiding the bad features that can make the language difficult to use. Crockford's expertise shines through as he provides a detailed look at the beautiful and elegant parts of JavaScript, making it a must-read for anyone developing for the web. /n/n The book not only highlights the positive aspects of JavaScript but also explains how to use them effectively. It covers syntax, objects, functions, inheritance, arrays, regular expressions, methods, and style, all while steering clear of the language's pitfalls. By focusing on the good parts, Crockford helps developers write better code and avoid the common mistakes that can arise from using the less desirable features of JavaScript. This book is an essential resource for anyone looking to master the language and create truly effective web applications.

Reviews
Adam Tornhill · 2025-12-13
great 4.00

This book is praised for its concise yet informative content, making it a favorite type of technical book for the reviewer.

The reviewer appreciates the book's brevity and the amount of information it contains. They find it to be exactly the kind of technical book they enjoy, as it is short yet packed with valuable insights. The reviewer highlights the book's ability to convey complex information in a clear and concise manner, making it a favorite among technical books. The book is praised for its practical advice and the clarity with which it presents complex concepts.

Quick quotes

    JavaScript: The Good Parts is exactly the kind of technical book I like.

    It's short, yet contains a tremendous amount of information.

    The book is praised for its concise yet informative content.

Amazon · 2013-04-23
excellent 4.50

This book is considered one of the best ever read by the reviewer, highlighting its profound impact and usefulness. It is praised for its clarity and depth in explaining JavaScript.

The reviewer is incredibly enthusiastic about this book, calling it one of the best they have ever read. They emphasize how it has significantly helped them understand JavaScript better. The book is not just seen as a technical guide but as a transformative read that offers deep insights into the language. The reviewer's passion for the book is evident, making it clear that they highly recommend it to anyone looking to master JavaScript.

Quick quotes

    This is one of the best books I have ever read in my entire life.

    It does not only help me understand JavaScript better.

    I would not forgive myself if I did not write a review for this book.

Ian Hopkinson's Blog · Ian Hopkinson · 2013-04-23
great 4.00

The book presents an ideal subset of JavaScript, focusing on the good parts while ignoring the less desirable aspects. It is praised for its concise yet informative approach.

Ian Hopkinson appreciates the book's central idea of presenting an ideal subset of JavaScript, which he refers to as the 'Good Parts.' He finds the book's approach refreshing and practical, as it helps developers focus on the most reliable and maintainable parts of the language. Hopkinson highlights the book's ability to distill complex information into a concise and easily digestible format, making it a valuable resource for both beginners and experienced developers.

Quick quotes

    The central idea of JavaScript: The Good Parts is to present an ideal subset of the language, the Good Parts, and ignore the less good parts.

    It's short, yet contains a tremendous amount of information.

    It's exactly the kind of technical book I like.

ScraperWiki · 2013-04-23
good 3.50

This book is a good starting point for those new to JavaScript but familiar with programming, offering valuable warnings about potential pitfalls.

The reviewer recommends this book for those who are new to JavaScript but have some programming experience. They appreciate the book's ability to provide a solid foundation and warn about common pitfalls. The reviewer finds the book to be a good starting point, offering valuable insights that can help new programmers navigate the language more effectively. The book is praised for its practical advice and the clarity with which it presents complex concepts.

Quick quotes

    If you are new to JavaScript but not to programming then this is a good book which will give you a fine start and warn you of some pitfalls.

    The book is a good starting point for those new to JavaScript.

    It offers valuable warnings about potential pitfalls.

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