I hadn't read a Head First Series Book until Head First jQuery. I absolutely loved the content, but I thought the use of images and visual learning tools was a bit much for me. Still, I thought Head First jQuery was excellent so I jumped at the chance to read another Head First Book, Head First HTML5 Programming. And I am glad I did, because Head First HTML5 is an excellent book for learning JavaScript and HTML5!
Excellent Coverage of JavaScript. Excellent!
The complete title of the book isn't Head First HTML5 Programming - Building Web Apps with JavaScript for nothing! The first 6 chapters provide wonderful coverage of JavaScript. If you are new to JavaScript and want to understand the fundamentals of using JavaScript in your browser-based web applications, Head First HTML5 Programming is my recommendation for your first book. You learn how to interact with the DOM using JavaScript and pass data to and from web servers and 3rd party services using the XmlHttpRequest Object. There is really nice coverage of the fundamentals! It is a must read for those who only know jQuery or another JavaScript Framework and never worked with JavaScript itself, too!
A Problem-Solution Approach
I really enjoy the problem-solution approach to teaching in Head First HTML5 Programming. You're not just learning theory, but learning how JavaScript and HTML5 work to solve real-world problems. It's interesting how I just created a store locator for a client and the very same thing is covered in the Geolocation Chapter that also discusses using the Google Maps API. The authors also "make" mistakes in the book just as a web developer would as he or she is learning the technology. For example, Chapter 5 points out the dreaded Cross-Domain JavaScript request security issue in browsers and how they worked around it with JSONP. Again, every new JavaScript developer has fallen prey to that problem!
Coverage of HTML5
As you would expect from a Head First Book, the coverage of HTML5 is basic, but it is excellent for those learning HTML5 and even HTML for the first times. Lots of good coverage of Geolocation, Canvas, Video, Web Storage, and Web Workers. The examples are realistic, fun, and approachable for those new to JavaScript and HTML5.
Images and Visual Learning
Just like Head First jQuery, expect a lot of images, visual learning tools, speech bubbles, font changes, games, and other visual effects to help you learn JavaScript and HTML5. To be honest, I am still not used to it yet, but it was easier the second time around and I do appreciate the strategy. The Head First Books are just too good to pass up despite perhaps too many visual distractions at times. When reading Head First HTML5 I decided to read 30 minutes at a time and come back to the book throughout the day. This made reading much easier on the eyes and much more enjoyable. I should have taken that approach with Head First jQuery, too.
Conclusion
I received Head First HTML5 Programming as part of the O'Reilly Blogger Review Program, but having now experienced two Head First Books I would easily purchase the eBook versions for my iPad. The JavaScript and HTML5 coverage in the book was excellent, even for experienced developers like myself who need to get back in touch with the fundamentals from time-to-time. I highly recommend Head First HTML5 Programming - Building Web Apps with JavaScript for those wanting to learn or renew their knowledge of JavaScript and HTML5.
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