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I've been using Max for about four years now and have gotten pretty decent at using it (for doing the simple things I want to achieve anyway). I have no experience with text based programming, but am looking to get my feet wet in 2015.

I've been looking at both Processing and Javascript, but have decided to start with Javascript as it can be used directly within Max (which is where I do most of my work). I am just wondering if anybody has any recommendations regarding books, or online tutorials, that would be useful to somebody starting out such as myself.

My goal is to start using Javascript within Max. I am not really interested in web development (which a lot of the books and tutorials I have come across seem to be focused on).

I've been using Max for about four years now and have gotten pretty decent at using it (for doing the simple things I want to achieve anyway). I have no experience with text based programming, but am looking to get my feet wet in 2015. 

My goal is to start using Javascript within Max. I am not really interested in web development (which a lot of the books and tutorials I have come across seem to be focused on).


resources-for-learning-javascript-in-max

To learn about JavaScript in general, I think you will have to go to browser/web based resources as it is probably still 90% of the usage even though it is spreading out to other domains fast. For examples and references of JS the sites of 

 are pretty well structured. For Max specific use of JS take a look at the docs that come with max. There is a lot in there.

To learn about JavaScript in general, I think you will have to go to browser/web based resources as it is probably still 90% of the usage even though it is spreading out to other domains fast. For examples and references of JS the sites of http://www.w3schools.com/js/ are pretty well structured. For Max specific use of JS take a look at the docs that come with max. There is a lot in there.


. In addition to being incredibly thorough and well written, the book is divided into two sections. The first 'Core Javascript' covers the fundamentals of the language which should translate into any environment from a browser to Max to Node etc. The second half of it is client side javascript which focuses on Javascript in the browser. Obviously you may only read half the book but if you want an in depth look at Javascript as a programming language that should be plenty!

Javascript: The Definitive Guide on Amazon

I would highly recommend Javascript: The Definitive Guide. In addition to being incredibly thorough and well written, the book is divided into two sections. The first 'Core Javascript' covers the fundamentals of the language which should translate into any environment from a browser to Max to Node etc. The second half of it is client side javascript which focuses on Javascript in the browser.  Obviously you may only read half the book but if you want an in depth look at Javascript as a programming language that should be plenty!

Javascript: The Definitive Guide on Amazon


More suggestions elsewhere on this forum:

https://cycling74.com/forums/looking-for-good-inforeference-on-js/

https://cycling74.com/forums/good-exercices-on-js-in-maxmsp/

Also, there is a Jeremy Bernstein presentation about JavaScript in Max on Vimeo.

http://vimeo.com/59727360
http://vimeo.com/59728775

I was/am in a very similar situation as you and found the CodeAcademy (

 Javascript stuff to be absolutely awesome! It's very well written and explains stuff in useful terms. It's geared towards web dev, but you can pretty easily translate it to Max.

And this really helped out with starting out with Processing too. Even though Processing is Java-based it was extremely helpful with basic programming fundamentals.

I was/am in a very similar situation as you and found the CodeAcademy (http://www.codecademy.com) Javascript stuff to be absolutely awesome! It's very well written and explains stuff in useful terms. It's geared towards web dev, but you can pretty easily translate it to Max.

And this really helped out with starting out with Processing too. Even though Processing is Java-based it was extremely helpful with basic programming fundamentals.


sorry wasn't able to return to this post for a few days because of commitments relating to the new year.

thank you for all the suggestions, ended ordering Javascript: The Definitive Guide from Amazon this morning.

Resources for learning Javascript in Max?