This book is about programming, advanced programming, game programming, object-oriented programming, graphics programming, animation, and game design. If you already know something about all of those things and want to know a bit more, then this book is for you.

In the introduction, the author states: “This book is for anyone who has an interest in learning how to create your own games. If you have no prior (JavaScript) programming experience, don’t worry. This book teaches you all you need to know. If you already know how to program, then this book will still be interesting for you.” This is true, but so carefully worded as to be misleading.

Note how it says, “if you have no prior (JavaScript) programming experience, don’t worry.” This is not the same as saying that you need no prior programming experience. That may be true if you are a child prodigy or a programming savant. But even if you have had a class in programming and have written a few small programs on your own, this book is still going to be a steep climb. For example, page 5 distinguishes between imperative programming and object-oriented programming. If you have had a course in programming language concepts, this part will probably be a breeze. On page 25, the author provides a general syntax diagram for a function. Again, if you have had a course in comparative programming languages and know the difference between a function and a subroutine, you will probably be okay. A few pages later, Egges explains the difference between a function and an expression. I could keep going like this through the entire book. The point is that these are nontrivial arcane concepts that one does not fully grasp after their first programming course. So, to imply that no prior programming experience is necessary is simply untrue. And the background one needs to fully grasp the material comes from multiple sources. You not only need background in programming, but you need background in many different kinds of programming.

The later part of that statement is better: “If you already know how to program, then this book will still be interesting for you.” I would suggest that the more background you have the better you will like the book and the more you will get out of it. If you do have the background necessary to absorb the material, you will find the book to be quite impressive. It is easy to follow and economical in its expression, but only if you have enough background to keep up with it. In many ways, it is much better than an introductory book. You don’t have to wade through page after page of the author explaining the basics. Egges comes to the point, expresses it clearly, and moves on to the next. It is obvious that he understands the wide range of concepts being presented.

This book is really for someone who has some background in one or more of the areas it covers, and wants to learn more about the other areas. So, if you do object-oriented programming and want to try your hand at animation or game design, then this book is a good choice. If you are a game programmer and want to learn more about JavaScript and portable games, then it is still a good choice. If you are new to programming and want a gentle introduction, this book is not the best choice.

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