Struggling to learn JavaScript in 2025? You're not alone—and it's not your fault. In this episode of The Programming Podcast, Leon Noel and Danny Thompson break down the real strategies for mastering JavaScript (and TypeScript) in today’s dev landscape. From avoiding tutorial hell to embracing project-based learning, we cover everything you need to finally make progress.

Whether you're just starting out or restarting your coding journey, this episode is packed with hard truths, practical tools, and motivational gems to keep you going—even when it gets tough.

We talk about:

Learning strategies that actually work

Why visual wins matter

When to start learning TypeScript

Why floats still get taught?!

How to avoid false expectations (aka thinking you’re job-ready after one birdhouse)

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Stay in Touch:

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Email us at [email protected]!

Danny Thompson

https://x.com/DThompsonDev

https://www.linkedin.com/in/DThompsonDev

www.DThompsonDev.com

Leon Noel

https://x.com/leonnoel

https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonnoel/

https://100devs.org/

📧 Have ideas or questions for the show? Or are you a business that wants to talk business?

Email us at [email protected]!

⏱️ Chapters:

0:00 – Intro: Two kinds of projects

0:50 – Learning how to learn: Dr. Barbara Oakley

4:15 – Active recall & spaced repetition

7:30 – Building through pain (the right kind)

10:00 – Why JavaScript feels hard

12:00 – JavaScript vs HTML/CSS: Mental shift

13:10 – Should you start with TypeScript in 2025?

16:00 – Project-based learning: The underrated MVP

18:30 – Learning through fumbling: Leon’s take on floats

21:00 – The ES6/legacy debate: Var vs Let/Const

25:00 – Principles over implementation in the AI age

28:00 – Starting with early wins and momentum

31:00 – Why visual feedback is addictive for beginners

34:00 – Learning from different teachers

36:00 – Debunking "learning styles"?

40:00 – Why some formats (like video) just don’t work for everyone

42:30 – Must-know JavaScript resources in 2025

47:00 – FreeCodeCamp, HeroDev, The Odin Project, Full Stack Open

50:00 – Freelancing and the 100-Hour Project

52:30 – Aligning effort with expectations

54:00 – Birdhouses and burnout: Understanding trade-offs

57:30 – Build your learning identity

59:00 – Ask Danny & Leon: Should I travel 3 hours for a first-round interview?

1:05:00 – How to ask for help (and not sound rude)