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Rating: 
Summary: Waste of your time and money
Review: I bought this book hoping that it would have a complete alphabetical list of Javascript objects, functions, operators and easy to understand examples and explanations of each. I was imagining that because this book is represented as a 5 star rated "Bible" that there might even be a tutorial. Instead, I found this book a dry theoretical 1236 page tome that is long on theory, and impossibly organized. Even if I know the exact name of the Javascript function/command/object, I had to page through multiple sections to locate it. There is no tutorial and in my experience this book is impossible to use without reading the whole thing. The people that rate this clunker a 5 star have a great sense of humor.
Rating: 
Summary: Perfect for Newbies and Pros
Review: I picked up this book and another one (that shall remain unnamed) recently when starting to learn javascript. What I have appreciated the most about this book is that it seems to always discuss the quirky things about javascript that would take me a day or more to figure out what is going wrong and how to fix. It has saved me a huge amount of time.
Rating:
Summary: Dissapointment!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Review: I've read the reviews before buying this book, i saw one complaint , but i thougt i'll try it anyways. Well it was a dissapointment.
This book is disorganized.And verry beginner Unfriendly.
You aint having any fun reading this book.
I'm so disapointed , i better not express anything about this book..
I don't recommend it to any beginner.
Rating:
Summary: The JavaScript classic...
Review: Target Audience
Anyone who either uses or wants to learn JavaScript.Contents
This is a detailed reference and tutorial guide to the JavaScript language. It is divided into six parts and the following chapters: Part 1 - Getting Started With JavaScript: JavaScript's Role In The World Wide Web And Beyond; Authoring Challenges Amid The Browser Wars; Your First JavaScript Script
Part 2 - JavaScript Tutorial - Browser And Document Objects; Scripts And HTML Documents; Programming Fundamentals, Part 1; Programming Fundamentals, Part 2; Window And Document Objects; Forms And Form Elements; Strings, Math, And Dates; Scripting Frames And Multiple Windows; Images And Dynamic HTML
Part 3 - Document Object Reference - JavaScript Essentials; Document Object Model Essentials; Generic HTML Elements Objects; Window And Frame Objects; Location And History Objects; The Document And Body Objects; Link And Anchor Objects; Image, Area, And Map Objects; The Form And Related Objects; Button Objects; Text-Related Form Objects; Select, Option, And FileUpload Objects; Event Objects; Style Sheet And Style Objects
Part 4 - JavaScript Core Language Reference - The String Object; The Math, Number, And Boolean Objects; The Date Object; The Array Object, Control Structures And Exception Handling; JavaScript Operators; Functions And Custom Objects; Global Functions And Statements; Body Text Objects
Part 5 - Appendixes - JavaScript And Browser Object Quick Reference; JavaScript Reserved Words; Answers To Tutorial Exercises; JavaScript And DOM Internet Resources; What's On The CD-ROM; Index
Part 6 - Bonus Chapters (CD-ROM) - HTML Directive Objects; Table And List Objects; The Navigator And Other Environment Objects; Positioned Objects; Embedded Objects; XML Objects; The Regular Expression And RegExp Objects; Data-Entry Validation; Scripting Java Applets And Plug-ins; Debugging Scripts; Security And Netscape Signed Scripts; Cross-Browser Dynamic HTML Issues; Internet Explorer Behaviors; Application: Tables And Calendars; Application: A Lookup Table; Application: A "Poor Man's" Order Form; Application: Outline-Style Table Of Contents; Application: Calculations And Graphics; Application: Intelligent "Updated" Flags; Application: Decision Helper; Application: Cross-Browser DHTML Map Puzzle; Application: Transforming XML Data Review
What can you say about a reference book that is in it's 5th edition? In this field, technologies change rapidly and it's tough to keep up. Often, authors stop after a first edition of a book, either due to lack of sales, financial return, or lack of interest in creating a follow-up. Not only has Danny Goodman created a definitive guide to the JavaScript language, he's continued to keep it current and fresh through five iterations. For that alone, he could be commended. But aside from longevity, this is likely the most complete coverage I've seen on a given topic. By starting off with a tutorial that is easy to follow, the JavaScript Bible will appeal to new users of the scripting language. All of the essentials are covered, along with questions at the end of each chapter to test your retention. For the veteran coder, parts 3 and 4 are worth their weight in gold. Not only is every method and property of every object covered and documented, but you also are told what the browser compatibility expectations are. Since all the browsers are not equal in support of JavaScript, you can quickly get into situations where a coded routine will run for IE but not Netscape. You may even find problems between versions of the same brand browser. By paying attention to the compatibility information, you have a fighting chance of writing code that will be usable by more than one browser. This is also a situation where the CD-is actually useful. The bonus chapters actually add more content to the book, instead of just adding on demo versions of software that you will never load. Since the CD contains the entire text of the book, you also have the distinct advantage of loading the PDF to your computer and searching for information you need. There isn't much in this book that is a waste of time, nor is there much else I can imagine that could be added to the book to improve it. It's truly a classic. Conclusion
If you use JavaScript at all, this is the single reference book you'll need to own. This covers it all.
Rating:
Summary: The JavaScript classic...
Review: Target Audience
Anyone who either uses or wants to learn JavaScript. Contents
This is a detailed reference and tutorial guide to the JavaScript language. It is divided into six parts and the following chapters: Part 1 - Getting Started With JavaScript: JavaScript's Role In The World Wide Web And Beyond; Authoring Challenges Amid The Browser Wars; Your First JavaScript Script
Part 2 - JavaScript Tutorial - Browser And Document Objects; Scripts And HTML Documents; Programming Fundamentals, Part 1; Programming Fundamentals, Part 2; Window And Document Objects; Forms And Form Elements; Strings, Math, And Dates; Scripting Frames And Multiple Windows; Images And Dynamic HTML
Part 3 - Document Object Reference - JavaScript Essentials; Document Object Model Essentials; Generic HTML Elements Objects; Window And Frame Objects; Location And History Objects; The Document And Body Objects; Link And Anchor Objects; Image, Area, And Map Objects; The Form And Related Objects; Button Objects; Text-Related Form Objects; Select, Option, And FileUpload Objects; Event Objects; Style Sheet And Style Objects
Part 4 - JavaScript Core Language Reference - The String Object; The Math, Number, And Boolean Objects; The Date Object; The Array Object, Control Structures And Exception Handling; JavaScript Operators; Functions And Custom Objects; Global Functions And Statements; Body Text Objects
Part 5 - Appendixes - JavaScript And Browser Object Quick Reference; JavaScript Reserved Words; Answers To Tutorial Exercises; JavaScript And DOM Internet Resources; What's On The CD-ROM; Index
Part 6 - Bonus Chapters (CD-ROM) - HTML Directive Objects; Table And List Objects; The Navigator And Other Environment Objects; Positioned Objects; Embedded Objects; XML Objects; The Regular Expression And RegExp Objects; Data-Entry Validation; Scripting Java Applets And Plug-ins; Debugging Scripts; Security And Netscape Signed Scripts; Cross-Browser Dynamic HTML Issues; Internet Explorer Behaviors; Application: Tables And Calendars; Application: A Lookup Table; Application: A "Poor Man's" Order Form; Application: Outline-Style Table Of Contents; Application: Calculations And Graphics; Application: Intelligent "Updated" Flags; Application: Decision Helper; Application: Cross-Browser DHTML Map Puzzle; Application: Transforming XML Data Review
What can you say about a reference book that is in it's 5th edition? In this field, technologies change rapidly and it's tough to keep up. Often, authors stop after a first edition of a book, either due to lack of sales, financial return, or lack of interest in creating a follow-up. Not only has Danny Goodman created a definitive guide to the JavaScript language, he's continued to keep it current and fresh through five iterations. For that alone, he could be commended. But aside from longevity, this is likely the most complete coverage I've seen on a given topic. By starting off with a tutorial that is easy to follow, the JavaScript Bible will appeal to new users of the scripting language. All of the essentials are covered, along with questions at the end of each chapter to test your retention. For the veteran coder, parts 3 and 4 are worth their weight in gold. Not only is every method and property of every object covered and documented, but you also are told what the browser compatibility expectations are. Since all the browsers are not equal in support of JavaScript, you can quickly get into situations where a coded routine will run for IE but not Netscape. You may even find problems between versions of the same brand browser. By paying attention to the compatibility information, you have a fighting chance of writing code that will be usable by more than one browser. This is also a situation where the CD-is actually useful. The bonus chapters actually add more content to the book, instead of just adding on demo versions of software that you will never load. Since the CD contains the entire text of the book, you also have the distinct advantage of loading the PDF to your computer and searching for information you need. There isn't much in this book that is a waste of time, nor is there much else I can imagine that could be added to the book to improve it. It's truly a classic. Conclusion
If you use JavaScript at all, this is the single reference book you'll need to own. This covers it all.
Rating: 
Summary: OK for the cut&paste programmer.
Review: The value of this massive book lies in its many examples. The JavaScript language is simple enough, but its the definitions of the system objects that create complexity in using it. Goodman spends lots of time going over the particulars, with short readable examples.
This is great for the serious HTML writer. I'm imagining a reader who's done a good bit of HTML and may have a little experience with more common kinds of programming. That reader has probably looked into the source code for lots of other people's web pages, and has probably seen JavaScript embedded for various cool functions. Such people will appreciate the thoroughness, detail, examples, and friendly style of the book.
That intended reader is not a battle-hardened veteran of software engineering or advanced student of computer science. People with more programming background may be disappointed by the relatively low density of the text, and by its organization. The author has created a successful organization grouping by task, but that is very different from a formal presentation of the language and standard APIs.
Decide who you are and what you want. This is a book for a specific purpose and reading population, and seems to serve those very well. If your purpose or backgorund are different, though, the organization may not meet your needs.
//wiredweird
Rating:
Summary: Web Developer
Review: This book continues in the excellent tradition of the last. It updates its entries with reference to the latest browsers. There are slight improvements in the organization of the book in regard to the accompany CD and its bonus chapters. Occassionally there are indications of improvements in the development of some chapters.
The book is still a pleasure to read. The author's enthusiasm for the subject shines through in every paragraph.
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