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Eloquent JavaScript, Second Edition

eloquentjavascript.net

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Re: Eloquent JavaScript, Second Edition

#41
post #14

Earlier quoted context omitted.

If you like Python, check out How To Think Like A Computer Scientist ( http://interactivepython.org ). It's aimed at introductory CS classes, but the inline interactivity is pretty cool! (Shameless plug: a couple of my professors developed this, and I spent last summer contributing to it).

For those who don't like Python, and want to think like a real computer scientist check out Interactive SICP ( http://xuanji.appspot.com/isicp/ ) It is also aimed at introductory CS classes.

Linked resource is first rate; tone of comment not so much.

Re: Eloquent JavaScript, Second Edition

#42
post #28
post #13

This is the best Javascript tutorial out there, and I was eagerly looking forward to this update. From glancing at the text, however, it seems that it doesn't cover the very significant upgrades introduced by ECMAScript 6 "Harmony". Seeing that the standard is already being finalized towards a release in 4 months[1], this seems like an unfortunate omission in an otherwise top-notch text. [1] http://en.wikipedia.org/w…

Doesn't sound like ECMAScript 6 is coming out until mid-2015 https://twitter.com/awbjs/status/474662357516689410 http://blog.oio.de/2014/06/13/ecmascript-6-delayed-mid-2015/

And based on their past performance quite likely to be later than that date as well. I would expect it done by ~2020.

Re: Eloquent JavaScript, Second Edition

#44
post #36

In regards to the book's online version, I like how it has code examples that one can edit and run inline among the book's text. I often find myself, while reading a book on a particular language, opening up a new project in an IDE or a REPL in order to fiddle around with what the book it trying to teach. This makes it much more fluid. It was a pleasant surprise. It is a nice concept I have not previously seen done.…

I just wish we had hi-res, color, e-ink monitors with quick refresh rate. I can't bring myself to read an entire book online; even if it's free.

Well, we do have retina ipads (and other tablets).

e-ink I find just a gimmick -- there is no scientific research that shows it being any better than a typical monitor for the eyes (Amazon also retracted such statements IIRC). The only real benefit was resolution (which retina/hi-dpi solved) and reading in the sun (which e-ink retains as an advantage).

Sure, one reflects light and the other has a light source embedded. But a photon is a photon in both cases (and you can blind yourself with a white paper too, if you hold it at the right angle to the sun) -- and you can set the tablet display at the desired, equivalent to reflectef light, brightness.

Re: Eloquent JavaScript, Second Edition

#46
post #13

This is the best Javascript tutorial out there, and I was eagerly looking forward to this update. From glancing at the text, however, it seems that it doesn't cover the very significant upgrades introduced by ECMAScript 6 "Harmony". Seeing that the standard is already being finalized towards a release in 4 months[1], this seems like an unfortunate omission in an otherwise top-notch text. [1] http://en.wikipedia.org/w…

I considered (and actually started writing) an extra chapter on ES6, but the current state of the standard is poorly documented and still in flux. Also, it's a huge standard, so it'd have taken two or three chapters at least to cover it properly.

For something that won't be supported for a while yet (without using a transpiler), that seemed too much bother. I might add such chapters in the future.

Re: Eloquent JavaScript, Second Edition

#47

Why is the paper book delayed until november? also the paper book says it has 400 pages, does the paper book has more content?

It'll have a single bonus chapter. But the current text, as it is online, already takes up 390 pages when typeset in No Starch's house style.

Re: Eloquent JavaScript, Second Edition

#50
post #14

Earlier quoted context omitted.

If you like Python, check out How To Think Like A Computer Scientist ( http://interactivepython.org ). It's aimed at introductory CS classes, but the inline interactivity is pretty cool! (Shameless plug: a couple of my professors developed this, and I spent last summer contributing to it).

For those who don't like Python, and want to think like a real computer scientist check out Interactive SICP ( http://xuanji.appspot.com/isicp/ ) It is also aimed at introductory CS classes.

Holy Christ, I had no idea this existed. Awesome.
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