At the heart of JavaScript is a beautiful little language.

Unfortunately, that inner beauty is clouded with awkward syntax and structure. CoffeeScript is a new way to write JavaScript, providing Ruby-like readability and a more expressive syntax. It compiles into standard JavaScript and works on all implementations without modification.

CoffeeScript in Action is a tutorial that teaches you how, where, and why to use CoffeeScript. It begins by quickly exposing you to CoffeeScript's new, but instantly-familiar syntax. Then, you'll explore programming challenges that illustrate CoffeeScript's unique advantages. Language junkies will especially appreciate how this book takes idioms from other programming languages and shows you how CoffeeScript makes them available in JavaScript.

So why you should bother learning a new way to code JavaScript?

CoffeeScript preserves everything you know and love about JavaScript and wraps it in a modern, efficient syntax. It's perfect for complex web programming, including server-side JavaScript executing on Node.js. CoffeeScript also enhances JavaScript's natural Functional Programming features, a big advantage for building high-capacity, fault-tolerant applications. CoffeeScript is fully supported in Rails 3.1, and, via a free plugin, even Microsoft Visual Studio. Plus, it's really cool.

WHAT'S INSIDE

Complete coverage of CoffeeScript's syntax and structure

Examples illustrating best practices and patterns for web application development

Introduction to functional programming

Prototype-based OOP

This book is written for developers with exposure to JavaScript. No prior exposure to CoffeeScript is required.

Patrick Lee is a developer, designer, and consultant with ThoughtWorks.