Learn JavaScript by leveraging Python knowledge! Learn syntax, OOP, control flow, and libraries. Build skills with a hands-on Rock Paper Scissors project for a smooth transition to JavaScript.

mlxtend.tar.gz

JavaScript Docker

Spa Docker

Python

This course will guide you through JavaScript programming essentials by leveraging your existing Python knowledge. It highlights the similarities and differences between JavaScript and Python and covers program structure, built-in data types, variables, operators, arithmetic expressions, user-defined functions, and libraries.

You’ll dive into OOP concepts on classes and objects, control flow statements, and collections (arrays, lists, maps) alongside loops. You’ll also explore commonly used libraries in JavaScript. In the culminating project, you’ll apply your skills by developing a classic Rock Paper Scissors game where one player is the computer. 

After completing the course, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of JavaScript, enabling you to transition smoothly from Python while building robust, real-world applications.

JavaScript for Python Programmers

// Function to display game instructions
function displayInstructions() {
    console.log('Welcome to Rock Paper Scissors.\n');
    console.log('The rules are simple:');
    console.log('1. Rock beats scissors');
    console.log('2. Scissors beat paper');
    console.log('3. Paper beats rock');
}

// Function to ask for the number of rounds
function getRounds(){
  let rounds;
  do {
    rounds = prompt('How many rounds would you like to play? \nRounds: ');
    rounds = parseInt(rounds);
    if (isNaN(rounds) || rounds <= 0) {
      console.log('Please enter a valid positive integer for rounds.');
    }
  } while (isNaN(rounds) || rounds <= 0);
  return rounds;
}

// Function to get the player's choice
function getPlayerChoice(){
  const validChoices = ['rock', 'paper', 'scissors'];
  let playerChoice;
  do {
    playerChoice = prompt('Please enter rock, paper, or scissors. \nChoice: ').toLowerCase();
    if (!validChoices.includes(playerChoice)) {
      console.log('Invalid choice. Please enter either rock, paper, or scissors.');
    }
  } while (!validChoices.includes(playerChoice));
  return playerChoice;
}

// Function to get the computer’s choice
function getComputerChoice(){
    const options = ['rock', 'paper', 'scissors'];
    const computerChoice = options[Math.floor(Math.random() * options.length)];
    console.log('Computer chooses', computerChoice);
    return computerChoice;
}

// Function to determine the winner of the round
function determineRoundWinner(playerChoice, computerChoice) {
    if (playerChoice === computerChoice) {
        console.log('Tie!');
        return 'tie';
    } else if (playerChoice === 'rock' && computerChoice === 'scissors') {
        console.log('You win!');
        return 'player';
    } else if (playerChoice === 'rock' && computerChoice === 'paper') {
        console.log('Computer wins!');
        return 'computer';
    } else if (playerChoice === 'paper' && computerChoice === 'rock') {
        console.log('You win!');
        return 'player';
    } else if (playerChoice === 'paper' && computerChoice === 'scissors') {
        console.log('Computer wins!');
        return 'computer';
    } else if (playerChoice === 'scissors' && computerChoice === 'rock') {
        console.log('Computer wins!');
        return 'computer';
    } else if (playerChoice === 'scissors' && computerChoice === 'paper') {
        console.log('You win!');
        return 'player';
    }
}

// Function to contain the flow of the whole program
function main(){  
    let playerScore = 0
    let computerScore = 0
    displayInstructions();
    const rounds = getRounds();
    const playerChoice = getPlayerChoice();
    const computerChoice = getComputerChoice();
    const winner = determineRoundWinner(playerChoice, computerChoice);
    if(winner === 'player'){
        playerScore++;
    } else if(winner === 'computer'){
        computerScore++;
    }
    console.log('Player score:', playerScore, '| Computer score:', computerScore);
}


# What’s next?

In the `main()` function, which manages the game’s flow, we'll make the steps required for each round go in a loop. We need to run these lines for the total number of rounds using the `for` loop.

The portion of code that will need to go in the loop includes:

* The `getPlayerChoice()` function
* The `getComputerChoice()` function
* The `determineRoundWinner()` function
* The portion to update and print the score

Let’s implement a `for` loop for the number saved in `round`, and call these functions in the loop.

# Try it yourself

Write your code in the code widget below and click the “Run” button to execute your code. 

If you’re unsure how to do this, click the “Show Hint” button.

Learn how to set up the main function using all functions.

Introduction

From Python to JavaScript

Project: Rock Paper Scissors Game

Using a PyTorch Model in JavaScript with ONNX

Joining the Dots

What have we got?