JavaScript for Beginners: Code Your First Web Apps
Learn to code from zero with JavaScript — the language of the web. Write real code from day one and build two working web apps.
Your first step into coding
JavaScript runs on almost every website in the world. It's what makes buttons work, forms check your details and pages update without reloading. It's also one of the most in-demand skills in tech — and one of the best first languages to learn.
This course assumes no coding experience at all. You'll write real code from the first lesson, and finish by building two web apps you can show people.
What you'll learn
- Variables, numbers, text and true/false values
- Making decisions with if/else
- Lists of data (arrays) and loops
- Functions — reusable blocks of code
- Objects and JSON — how real apps store data
- Making web pages interactive: clicks, forms and saving data in the browser
- Reading error messages, debugging, and using AI coding tools responsibly
What you'll build
- A shift pay calculator — enter your hours and day, and it works out your pay
- A to-do list that remembers — add, tick off and delete tasks, saved in your browser
What you need
- A laptop or desktop computer (Windows, Mac or Chromebook). A phone isn't enough for coding.
- A web browser — Chrome, Edge or Firefox recommended
- The free code editor Visual Studio Code (we'll set it up together)
- The starter files attached to the course — exercises, solutions and the two projects
How it works
- 8 modules, 26 lessons — about 15–20 minutes each, plus practice time
- Every example is real code you can copy, run and change
- Practice exercises with worked solutions
- A short quiz after each module, and a certificate when you finish
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Course outline
Module 1: Getting started
What JavaScript is, setting up your tools, your first program and reading errors.
- What JavaScript is — and what you can buildFree preview10 min
- Setting up: the browser console and VS Code15 min
- Your first programFree preview15 min
- Reading error messages12 min
- Module 1 quiz5 min
Module 2: Values and variables
let and const, numbers, strings, booleans and converting between types.
- Variables: let and const15 min
- Numbers and maths15 min
- Strings: working with text15 min
- Booleans, comparisons and converting types15 min
- Module 2 quiz5 min
Module 3: Making decisions
if, else if, else, and combining conditions with and, or and not.
- Making decisions with if and else15 min
- Combining conditions: and, or, not15 min
- Module 3 quiz5 min
Module 4: Arrays and loops
Lists of data, loops, and array methods like map, filter and find.
- Arrays: lists of data15 min
- Loops: doing things again and again15 min
- Array methods: map, filter and find15 min
- Module 4 quiz5 min
Module 5: Functions
Writing functions, parameters and return values, arrow functions, scope — and the pay calculator logic.
- Functions: reusable blocks of code18 min
- Arrow functions, defaults and scope15 min
- Project: shift pay calculator (console version)20 min
- Module 5 quiz5 min
Module 6: Objects and data
Objects, arrays of objects and JSON — how real apps store information.
- Objects: grouping related data15 min
- Arrays of objects: working with real data18 min
- JSON: saving and sharing data12 min
- Module 6 quiz5 min
Module 7: JavaScript in the browser
The DOM, events, and two real projects: a pay calculator and a to-do list that remembers.
- The DOM: JavaScript meets the web page18 min
- Events: responding to clicks and typing18 min
- Project: shift pay calculator web app25 min
- Project: a to-do list that remembers30 min
- Module 7 quiz5 min
Module 8: Debugging and next steps
Debugging techniques, using AI responsibly, and building your portfolio.
- Debugging like a developer15 min
- Using AI coding assistants responsibly15 min
- Next steps: your portfolio and where to go from here15 min
- Module 8 and final quiz5 min