Eloquent JavaScript

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A book about JavaScript, programming, and the wonders of the digital.

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Type

Open Source

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About Eloquent JavaScript

Eloquent JavaScript is an in-depth book about JavaScript, programming, and the digital world, written by Marijn Haverbeke. The 4th edition (2024) is available to read online for free under a Creative Commons license. It covers core language fundamentals (values, types, functions, objects, higher-order functions, etc.), browser programming (DOM, events, canvas, HTTP, forms), and Node.js. The book emphasizes project-based learning with chapters on building a robot, a platform game, a pixel art editor, a programming language, and a skill-sharing website. It includes a code sandbox, exercise solutions, and downloadable formats (PDF, EPUB, MOBI). The print version is published by No Starch Press.

Key Features

4th edition (2024)

Covers JavaScript language fundamentals (values, types, functions, objects, higher-order functions, modules, asynchronous programming)

Browser programming (DOM, events, canvas, HTTP, forms)

Node.js section

Project-based learning: robot simulation, platform game, pixel art editor, programming language, skill-sharing website

Free online reading with Creative Commons license

Code sandbox and exercise solutions

Multiple download formats: PDF, EPUB, MOBI

Translations available (Spanish, Arabic, Persian, Bulgarian, Portuguese, Russian)

MIT license for code examples

Pros & Cons

Pros

Free and open access online
Comprehensive coverage from basics to advanced topics
Project-based approach promotes practical understanding
Available in multiple human languages
Regularly updated (4th edition released 2024)
Includes exercises with solutions and an interactive sandbox
High-quality writing by an experienced author

Cons

Not an interactive coding tool—it is a traditional book format
May be too dense for absolute beginners without prior programming exposure
Paper copy requires purchase
Some examples are simplified and may not reflect production best practices

Best For

Learning JavaScript from scratchImproving programming skills through practical projectsReference for JavaScript developersTeaching JavaScript in courses or workshopsSelf-study for web development fundamentalsExploring both client-side and server-side JavaScript

FAQ

Is Eloquent JavaScript free?

Yes, the book is available to read online for free under a Creative Commons attribution-noncommercial license. All code in the book is also licensed under an MIT license.

What edition is currently available?

The 4th edition was released in 2024. Previous editions (1st, 2nd, 3rd) are also archived online.

Does the book include exercises?

Yes, each chapter includes exercises, and the website provides a code sandbox and solution pages.

Can I download the book?

Yes, the book is available for download as a single PDF file (small version for mobile), EPUB, and MOBI (Kindle) formats.

Are there translations available?

Yes, the 4th edition has a Spanish translation. Earlier editions have Arabic, Persian, Bulgarian, Portuguese, and Russian translations.