Best Way to Learn JavaScript in 2023 (Free and Paid Tutorials)

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updated Feb 2, 2023

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If you are interested in learning to code and starting a career in tech, learning JavaScript is one of the best decisions you can make.

JavaScript is the most popular programming language on GitHub. It is also the most widely used language among professional developers according to the Stack Overflow Developer Survey.

In 2023, the average salary of JavaScript developers in the US is $111,296 annually. So, learning JavaScript is a lucrative career choice, too.

But what is the best way to learn JavaScript for beginners?

How can you find the best online courses and tutorials that teach you how to actually use JavaScript for building meaningful projects for your portfolio?

Because at the end of the day, employers want to see what you can create with your coding skills. It’s not enough to say “I know JavaScript” – you must know how to use it, too.

To make your learning journey smoother and more effective, I’ve curated this free guide to help you learn JavaScript the right way.

Whether you want to learn JavaScript as a complete beginner or you already have some coding experience and want to upskill yourself for better career prospects, this article is for you.

Let’s jump right in!

Please note: This post contains affiliate links to products I use and recommend. I may receive a small commission if you purchase through one of my links, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!


Table of contents


What is Javascript?

JavaScript is a high-level programming language that first appeared in 1995.

It is one of the core technologies of the WWW together with HTML and CSS. In 2023, 98% of all websites use JavaScript on the client-side, adding interactive and dynamic features to engage the user.

Hence, every time a web page does more than just display static information and content, JavaScript is most probably involved: timely content updates, interactive maps, animated graphics, etc.

All major web browsers support the language and allow websites to execute JavaScript code on the end user’s device.

If you are new to web development, check out my full guide on how websites really work.

Features

Here are a few key features of JavaScript:

  • Free: All you need to start learning and using JavaScript are a computer, a code editor and a web browser.
  • Easy to learn: You can find tons of high-quality, beginner-level learning resources online. Troubleshooting your code is easy, too: whatever question you may have, chances are someone else has asked it already. There are currently 2,472,714 questions tagged with JavaScript on Stack Overflow.
  • Extremely versatile: JavaScript is traditionally a programming language for front-end web development, but you can use it for back-end development with the Node.js runtime environment, too.
  • Easy to run: You can test and run your code directly in your web browser. No need to install any additional software.
  • Extensive libraries: Over 80% of all websites use a JavaScript library or web framework, such as jQuery, React, or Angular.
  • Object-oriented: JavaScript uses object-oriented programming concepts like objects, classes, inheritance, and more.
  • Portable: Since JavaScript is executed in your web browser, you can use the same code across different platforms like Windows, macOS, or Linux.

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Learning JavaScript for front end web development

Where is JavaScript used?

Even if you are new to tech, you may have heard the terms front-end (or client-side) and back-end (or server-side) development.

Let’s take a quick look at both:

1: Front-end development

Client-side JavaScript code runs and executes on the user’s computer when they view a web page.

Front-end web developers use JavaScript to store inputs in variables, run functions with them, and manipulating web page contents as needed.

Here’s what JavaScript code can do on the client-side:

  • Create web page animations: fading objects in and out, or moving and resizing them
  • Add interactive elements to a web page that respond to user interaction
  • Load new web page content without reloading the entire page
  • Create browser-based games
  • Generate and display pop-up elements (ads, newsletter signup forms etc.)

2: Back-end development

Server-side JavaScript code runs on a web server with the Node.js runtime environment.

The release of Node.js increased the popularity of JavaScript immensely. You can now create an entire web application using a single language, which simplifies the overall development process.

In other words, you can now use JavaScript to talk to databases, make HTTP requests, generate dynamic content, and create interactive and engaging user experiences/interfaces.

Thus, you can use JavaScript for back-end web development much like Python, Ruby, Java, or PHP.

Here’s what JavaScript code can do on the server-side:

  • Scrape data from third-party websites: finding out what’s trending on Twitter, getting daily prices or exchange rates from the web
  • Build a search engine
  • Create full-scale web applications

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JavaScript for front-end and back-end web development

Why learn Javascript (3 crucial benefits)

1: Extremely popular

Currently, JavaScript is among the most popular programming languages worldwide.

According to the Stack Overflow Developer Survey, JavaScript is the most commonly used programming language. It’s the #1 language for professional developers and the #2 language among respondends who are learning to code.

Moreover, JavaScript is the most used language according to GitHub’s Octoverse Report since 2014.

If that wasn’t enough, here’s another dazzling statistic:

98% of all websites worldwide use JavaScript for front-end scripting.

Why is popularity a good thing?

The more popular a programming language is, the easier it is to:

  • Find learning resources online
  • Troubleshoot your code by finding answers in discussion threads
  • Find job opportunities in your area

2: Demand for JavaScript developers

The demand for skilled JavaScript developers is high and stable thanks to its popularity and usage in new emerging technologies.

There are currently 67,677 job openings that mention JavaScript on Indeed.com. You’ll find 45,250 JavaScript Developer job openings on the same platform in US alone.

Plenty of big tech corporations use Javascript, like Google, Meta, Microsoft, Netflix, Paypal, Uber, Twitter, LinkedIn, and more.

According to Talent.com, the average JavaScript developer salary in the US is $115,000 per year.

JavaScript developers in California, Maine, New Hampshire, Utah, and Washington can earn 9%–20% more than the average.

If you are interested in back-end development, the average Node.js developer salary in the US is $121,067 per year.

Learn JavaScript to start a developer career

3: Supportive community

Even though the official JavaScript documentation is helpful, sometimes you end up feeling stuck especially if you are new to coding.

The easiest way to troubleshoot your code is to find help in the supportive community. Because JavaScript is so popular, chances are that someone else has had the same problem and asked for help on a discussion forum.

You can find help on online forums like Stack Overflow or in local meet-ups to fix your code and explore the language further.

Of course, the massive supportive community also means that you can find tons of high-quality courses, tutorials, and other resources to learn JavaScript at your own pace. We will look at those in just a second.

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Learn JavaScript programming faster – The best way to learn JavaScript coding for beginners

How to learn JavaScript step-by-step

Now that you know what you can do with JavaScript, let’s talk about how you can make the most of your learning experience.

Because the truth is:

Even if you find the best JavaScript online course out there, you may not see great results unless you know the best way to learn JavaScript.

This is why I’ll cover the six key steps to making real progress and getting job-ready in the process of learning JavaScript.

Step 1: Know why you want to learn JavaScript

Before you start learning to code in the first place, you must figure out why you want to do it. This applies to JavaScript and all other programming languages, too.

Knowing what your goal is helps you keep motivated throughout the journey – even when things feel difficult.

If you don’t know your “why” for learning JavaScript, you are more likely to lose your motivation and give up as soon as you face your first real challenge. We don’t want that!

So, what’s your “why”?

It should be your most fundamental underlying motivation for learning how to program.

How do you want your life to change through learning JavaScript?

My tip: “I want to make more money” is not a real reason to learn to code. If you’re in it for the money, try to dig a bit deeper to see how it can make your life easier, for instance. Your “why” could be that you want to achieve more financial freedom and spend more time with your family and friends.

Step 2: Understand the basics

When you start learning JavaScript, focus on the absolute fundamentals first.

Take your time to learn the syntax, fundamental programming concepts like variables, functions, data types, etc.

Take breaks from watching video tutorials and following online courses. Start writing your own JavaScript code immediately after your first lesson.

The key to learning how to code with JavaScript is hands-on practice – a lot of it.

Thus, make sure you aren’t simply watching tutorials and reading books. You want to practice as much as you possibly can by writing, improving, breaking, and debugging your own code.

Understanding the basics of JavaScript and coding in general helps you build a solid foundation for more advanced programming concepts.

Hence, only when things start to feel easy, move on to the next topic. This way, you will build confidence in your skills and avoid getting stuck later on.

Learning JavaScript to build website projects

Step 3: Apply your skills to meaningful projects

When you feel comfortable with the basics, move on to building more complex and demanding projects with JavaScript.

Keep your projects small at first, so you can finish them rather quickly. At this point, you don’t want to overwhelm yourself with overly ambitious projects that take weeks and months to finish.

Even small projects increase your confidence and boost your motivation. You can create websites, mobile apps, games, automation scripts, and more.

For more inspiration, check out these fun JavaScript project ideas for beginners.

Step 4: Put together a portfolio website

If you want to start a career in tech, you need a place to showcase your best work samples. When you start applying for your first JavaScript developer job, your potential employers want to see what you can create with code.

A portfolio website is the best way to present an overview of your best work samples. You can also add personal details about yourself, like your background and motivation for becoming a developer. Also, let people know how they can get in touch with you.

All in all, your portfolio website is the most important tool for launching a professional career in tech. It’s your online business card – anyone in the world can find it and contact you.

Building your portfolio is an excellent opportunity to practice JavaScript together with HTML and CSS.

If you don’t want to build your portfolio website from scratch, you can also use the WordPress content management system. To help you get started, I’ve written a full step-by-step tutorial on how to create a portfolio website on WordPress.

To get your portfolio website online, you need to register a domain name and sign up for a web hosting plan.

You are free to choose any provider you prefer. I launched this blog with Bluehost back in 2016 and I’ve been happy with their service. When you sign up for a hosting plan with them, you even get a free domain name for your first year.

If you wish to use a separate domain name registrar, check out Namecheap, for example.

Best way to learn JavaScript to build portfolio projects

Step 5: Collaborate with others

Learning, practising, and working together with others on real-world JavaScript projects helps you deepen your knowledge, discover new ways of solving problems, and learn how other people write code.

Discussing coding projects with other JavaScript enthusiasts also improves your communication skills. Knowing how to explain complex coding topics to non-developers is an essential soft skill in the job market. This will come in handy when it’s time to apply for your first tech job.

You can find and meet other learners through JavaScript online communities, forums, local groups, meet-ups, coding workshops, and events.

Start by finding a local Facebook group in the freeCodeCamp study group directory, for example.

Step 6: Keep practising

Learning to code is just like learning anything that’s new to you: it takes time, hard work, and a lot of practice.

Improving your JavaScript skills is a continuous process, and you will never be “done” with it.

The best way to learn JavaScript like a pro is to apply your skills – improving old projects by adding new features, and building new projects to challenge yourself anew.

Stay in the game by connecting with other JavaScript developers, visiting learning groups, and attending events. The deeper you dive into the global JavaScript community, the easier it is to stay on top of what’s happening in the tech industry.

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Best 20 resources to learn JavaScript

When you start learning JavaScript, remember that it works seamlessly together with HTML and CSS. These three languages make up the fundamental skillset for any front-end web developer.

To help you find all-in-one resources, I’ve listed tutorials and courses below that cover all three languages, too.

Here are my 20 choices for the best Javascript resources for beginners:

How to learn JavaScript – The best way to learn JavaScript and start a career in tech

Front-end web development courses (HTML, CSS, and JavaScript)

1. The Complete Web Developer Course 3.0 (Udemy)

The Complete Web Developer Course 3.0 is one of the all-time best-selling web dev courses on Udemy. It teaches you an entire toolkit of in-demand technologies, including JavaScript and jQuery.

I love this course because you walk away with basic knowledge of so many skills and understand how they work together.

Hence, if you are new to coding, this is the perfect course to start your learning journey. The course is project-based; you will build useful, real-world projects with each language and technology you learn.

This was my first online course back in 2016 and it helped me create this blog, build my first portfolio website, and make my first $1,000 freelancing. I could not recommend it more!

The Complete Web Developer Course 2.0 – Udemy

Features:

  • Format: Video-based lessons, interactive quizzes, hands-on projects
  • Price: $99.99 (frequent promos with up to 90% off)
  • Access: Lifetime access
  • Skill level: Beginner
  • Prerequisites: None
  • Timeline: 30 hours of video
  • Students enrolled: 302,771
  • Rating: 4.5

 👉 Start learning here

2. The Complete 2023 Web Development Bootcamp (Udemy)

The Complete 2023 Web Development Bootcamp is another all-in-one web development course that’s perfect for beginners.

If you are interested in learning how JavaScript and a bunch of other popular web development tools work, this course is a great place to start.

The Complete 2023 Web Development Bootcamp – Udemy

You will walk away with 16 web development projects for your portfolio, meaning you are ready to apply for junior developer jobs right away.

And since you will understand both front-end and back-end development, you are prepared to launch a full-stack developer career, too.

Because you get lifetime access to this course, it will be one of the best investments in your future as a JavaScript or web developer.

Features:

  • Format: Video-based lessons and 16 projects
  • Price: $84.99 (frequent promos with up to 90% off)
  • Access: Lifetime access
  • Skill level: Beginner
  • Prerequisites: None
  • Timeline: 65 hours of video
  • Students enrolled: 701,223
  • Rating: 4.7

 👉 Start learning here

Dedicated JavaScript courses

3. The Complete JavaScript Course 2023: From Zero to Expert (Udemy)

The Complete JavaScript Course 2023 is an up-to-date, super comprehensive JavaScript course with almost 70 hours (!) of video lessons.

Also, throughout the course, you will practice your skills with 50+ assignments and coding challenges.

Especially if you are entirely new to programming, this course is all you need to master JavaScript. You will also learn valuable problem-solving skills and how to think like a programmer.

The Complete JavaScript Course 2022 From Zero to Expert – Udemy

Features:

  • Format: Video-based lessons and exercises
  • Price: $149.99 (frequent promos with up to 90% off)
  • Access: Lifetime access
  • Skill level: Beginner
  • Prerequisites: None
  • Timeline: 69 hours of video
  • Students enrolled: 651,000
  • Rating: 4.8 (top-rated!)

 👉 Start learning here

4. JavaScript Basics for Beginners (Udemy)

JavaScript Basics for Beginners is a beginner-level course to understand the fundamental concepts of JavaScript.

If you already know some HTML and CSS, this best-selling course is a fantastic resource to start adding dynamic features to your web pages step-by-step.

Apart from JavaScript fundamentals, you will also learn essential problem-solving skills and best practices. At the end of each module, you will go through practical exercises to apply what you just learned.

JavaScript Basics for Beginners – Udemy

Features:

  • Format: Video-based lessons and exercises
  • Price: $84.99 (frequent promos with up to 90% off)
  • Access: Lifetime access
  • Skill level: Beginner
  • Prerequisites: HTML and CSS
  • Timeline: 6.5 hours of video
  • Students enrolled: 91,987
  • Rating: 4.6

 👉 Start learning here

5. The Ultimate JavaScript Mastery Series (Code With Mosh)

If you want to learn and master the fundamentals of JavaScript, The Ultimate JavaScript Mastery Series is the ideal starting point for you.

Mosh breaks down essential JavaScript topics into easy-to-digest videos using real-world examples, exercises, and step-by-step solutions.

The Ultimate JavaScript Mastery Series – Code With Mosh

This course is perfect you if you are pursuing a web or mobile developer career or want to add new front-end skills under your belt.

Features:

  • Format: Video lessons with exercises and solutions
  • Price: $59
  • Access: Lifetime access
  • Skill level: Beginner to intermediate
  • Prerequisites: None
  • Timeline: 6 hours of video
  • Students enrolled: 75,348

 👉 Start learning here

6. JavaScript: Understanding the Weird Parts (Udemy)

If you have some JavaScript experience already, JavaScript: Understanding the Weird Parts is an advanced course to deepen your knowledge.

This top-rated course teaches you how to avoid common pitfalls and mistakes other JavaScript developers make. You will improve your code-writing and debugging skills, and learn the foundations of how to build your own JavaScript framework or library.

JavaScript Understanding the Weird Parts – Udemy

What makes this course special is that you won’t just learn how to write code, but you will understand why you’re writing it and how it works under the hood.

Features:

  • Format: Video lessons
  • Price: $109.99 (frequent promos of up to 90% off)
  • Access: Lifetime access
  • Skill level: Beginner to intermediate
  • Prerequisites: HTML and CSS (some JavaScript experience helps, too)
  • Timeline: 12 hours of video
  • Students enrolled: 177,123
  • Rating: 4.7

 👉 Start learning here

7. Learn JavaScript (Codecademy)

Learn JavaScript is Codecademy’s free online coding course for beginners who want to learn this in-demand programming language from scratch.

You will go through multiple modules which cover essential programming fundamentals, such as variables, conditionals, and functions.

Learn JavaScript on Codecademy

The core lessons are 100% free. But if you want to unlock additional content, quizzes, and portfolio projects, you can upgrade to Codecademy Pro.

Make sure to check out their free JavaScript cheat sheet, too.

Features:

  • Format: Interactive lessons
  • Price: Free (unlock all content and projects with Codecademy Pro at $)
  • Skill level: Beginner
  • Prerequisites: None
  • Timeline: ca. 20 hours to complete

 👉 Start learning here

8. JavaScript Algorithms and Data Structures (freeCodeCamp)

JavaScript Algorithms and Data Structures is a free course that introduces you to the fundamentals of JavaScript including variables, arrays, objects, loops, and functions.

Once you have the fundamentals down, you’ll apply that knowledge by creating algorithms to manipulate strings, factorialize numbers, and even calculate the orbit of the International Space Station.

JavaScript Algorithms and Data Structures – freeCodeCamp

Features:

  • Format: Interactive lessons and five projects
  • Price: Free
  • Skill level: Beginner
  • Prerequisites: None

 👉 Start learning here

9. Modern JavaScript From The Beginning (Udemy)

Modern JavaScript From The Beginning is a beginner-level JavaScript course for absolutely everyone. Your instructor, Brad, shows you how to go from the basics to advanced programming with pure Javascript only – without any libraries or frameworks.

Throughout the course modules, you will build 10 real-life, meaningful projects, too. They are perfect to use as a starting point to more complex projects for your portfolio.

Modern JavaScript From The Beginning – Udemy

Features:

  • Format: Video lessons and 10 projects
  • Price: $99.99 (frequent promos of up to 90% off)
  • Access: Lifetime access
  • Skill level: Beginner
  • Prerequisites: None
  • Timeline: 21.5 hours of video
  • Students enrolled: 97,122
  • Rating: 4.7

 👉 Start learning here

10. Learn JavaScript in One Month

Learn JavaScript by One Month is a free 30-day course where you will build four real-world projects that you can add to your developer portfolio.

The course starts with a few basic programming concepts of JavaScript and then moves on to your first project right away.

If you want to learn how to use JavaScript for real, hands-on projects, One Month is the perfect place to start your coding journey.

Learn JavaScript in One Month

Features:

  • Format: Video lessons, projects, bonus lessons
  • Price: Free
  • Access: Lifetime access
  • Skill level: Beginner
  • Prerequisites: None
  • Timeline: 3+ hours of video
  • Students enrolled: 60,000+

 👉 Start learning here

11. JavaScript for Beginners Specialization (Coursera)

JavaScript for Beginners Specialization is a bundle of four individual JavaScript courses offered by University of California, Davis. This is a beginner-friendly resource to start your learning journey towards becoming a JavaScript developer.

JavaScript for Beginners Specialization – Coursera

The four courses included in this specialization are:

  1. JavaScript Basics: Learn the syntax and fundamental programming concepts
  2. Animation with JavaScript and jQuery: Learn how to manipulate web page elements to create dynamic content.
  3. Interactivity with JavaScript and jQuery: Dive deeper into jQuery, learn how to capture user events to build interactive web pages.
  4. Data Manipulation in JavaScript: Learn how to collect and validate data from users, and build a seat reservation system as a practice project.

Features:

  • Format: Video-based lessons, interactive quizzes
  • Price: Free (in audit mode), certificate available with Coursera Plus subscription ($59/month or $399/year)
  • Skill level: Beginner
  • Prerequisites: HTML and CSS
  • Timeline: ca. 4 months
  • Students enrolled: 16,097
  • Rating: 4.7

 👉 Start learning here

12. Intro to JavaScript (Udacity)

Intro to JavaScript is a free course that cover the fundamentals of coding with the language. You will learn about data types, variables, conditionals, loops, functions, arrays, and objects.

This course is perfect for beginners – no prior experience with coding or JavaScript is required.

Intro to JavaScript – Fundamentals of the JavaScript Syntax – Udacity

Features:

  • Format: Video-based lessons, interactive quizzes
  • Price: Free
  • Skill level: Beginner
  • Prerequisites: None
  • Timeline: ca. 2 weeks

 👉 Start learning here

13. JavaScript Essential Training (LinkedIn Learning)

JavaScript Essential Training is a beginner-friendly course focussing on hands-on, practical examples and mini programming projects.

Throughout the course, you will learn JavaScript basics like variables, data types, conditionals, arrays, functions, and methods. You will also go through advanced topics including loops, and DOM scripting.

JavaScript Essential Training – LinkedIn Learning

Features:

  • Format: Video lessons with quizzes
  • Price: Free
  • Access: Lifetime access
  • Skill level: Beginner
  • Prerequisites: None
  • Timeline: 5.5 hours of video
  • Students enrolled: 97,122
  • Rating: 4.8

 👉 Start learning here

14. JavaScript Core Language (Pluralsight)

JavaScript Core Language is a beginner-level learning path to understand the fundamentals of the language.

You will go through 10 courses and learn about JavaScript syntax, variables, objects, classes, functions, and arrays. Also, you will learn advanced topics like promises and asynchronous programming.

JavaScript Code Language – Learning Path on Pluralsight

Features:

  • Format: Video-based lessons
  • Price: subscriptions from $29/month (free 10-day trial available)
  • Skill level: Beginner
  • Prerequisites: HTML and CSS
  • Timeline: 16 hours of video content

 👉 Start learning here

The best free JavaScript resources (great for beginners)

15. JavaScript.com

JavaScript.com is a free little JS tutorial created by Pluralsight.

This is a super quick introduction, and perhaps a good way to see if you find JavaScript interesting enough to learn more.

At the end of the tutorial, you will be pointed to a more in-depth course.

16. JavaScript Tutorial (w3schools)

The free JavaScript Tutorial on w3schools is a step-by-step beginner-level collection of easy-to-digest JavaScript lessons you can go through one by one. Each lesson includes a practical, interactive examples and exercises.

17. MDN JavaScript Guide

The MDN JavaScript Guide shows you how to use JavaScript and teaches you the fundamentals of how the language works.

Since it’s more of a reference than an interactive coding tutorial, you should be practising the topic with a projects of your own as you go through the guide.

18. JavaScript Fundamentals

This 21-part beginner-level JavaScript course is part of Microsoft’s Channel 9, where you can find tons of resources for learning tech skills for free.

19. LearnJS.org

Learn JS is a free interactive JavaScript tutorial for beginners – and for anyone interested in learning more about JS. At the end of each lesson you will see a green button to start an exercise where you type your code directly at the bottom of the window.

20. NodeSchool

NodeSchool offers workshops that teach you in-demand web software skills. You can attend a live event or a workshop, or learn at your own pace at home.

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Summary: The best way to learn JavaScript faster

JavaScript is one of the most popular, widely used programming languages worldwide across nearly all industries. Learning JavaScript is a lucrative choice if you want to start a career in tech.

I hope you found a few helpful tips on the best way to learn JavaScript in this guide!

Whether you are a complete beginner or have some programming experience already, choose a JavaScript course or tutorial based on your goals. Know what you want to achieve, break your goal into smaller milestones, and start learning today!

After you finish your JavaScript course, make sure you keep practising and building JavaScript projects on your own.

Connect with like-minded JavaScript enthusiasts to explore the language even further and to deepen your understanding of how developers solve problems with it.

For even more fun resources, check out these JavaScript practice sites for beginners.

Now it’s your turn! Do you have any tips for learning JavaScript? Is your favorite course missing above?

Please share your thoughts in the comments below!

Happy coding!
– Mikke

Free Guide – Start learning JavaScript coding for beginners
Best Way to Learn JavaScript in 2023 (Free and Paid Tutorials)Best Way to Learn JavaScript in 2023 (Free and Paid Tutorials)

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About Mikke

Hi, I’m Mikke! I’m a blogger, freelance web developer, and online business nerd. Join me here on MikkeGoes.com to learn how to code for free, build a professional portfolio website, launch a tech side hustle, and make money coding. When I’m not blogging, you will find me sipping strong coffee and biking around town in Berlin. Learn how I taught myself tech skills and became a web dev entrepreneur here. And come say hi on Twitter!

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Natan
3 August 2023 4:23 pm

So helpful informations! Thank you a lot

Active
2 August 2022 10:31 pm

Thank you for this JavaScript guide, Mikke!

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