How should I start to learn JavaScript, jQuery, etc.? My programming knowledge is zero [closed]

Question

I'm from a design background. My programming knowledge is zero. After learning XHTML and CSS I want to learn and get good command on JavaScript, jQuery, etc. How should I start?

This will be my first attempt to programming. I can use and edit readymade available jQuery/JavaScript scripts, but I can't make my own and can't do high level editing in readymade scripts.

Is there any other post on Stack Overflow, any link of start-up tutorial, or any book for my needs?

Edit 1:

This book will work best for me, "DOM Scripting: Web Design with JavaScript and the Document Object Model".

_{(source: friendsofed.com)}

Edit 2:

Will my design background and knowledge of XHTML CSS help me to learn JavaScript quickly?

and is this correct? If I learn only jQuery then I will not be able to work with other JavaScript framework like MooTools, Prototype, etc. But if I learn core JavaScript then I would be able to work with all JavaScript frameworks and anything in JavaScript.

Answer 1

Your chosen book is a good one. Learning jQuery is also a good stepping stone to learning Javascript if you're starting out with only design experience; it's great if you're familiar with CSS.

Also:

• jQuery for Designers
• Programming, the real basics by Chris Heilmann
• All other Javascript articles in the Opera Web Standards Curriculum