What would google do? VS Eloquent JavaScript

• Insightful analysis of digital transformation
  Jeff Jarvis provides a thought-provoking exploration of how Google's business principles can be applied to a wide range of industries, offering readers a fresh perspective on how the internet is reshaping commerce, media, and society.
• Practical business lessons
  The book distills key strategies from Google's success—such as openness, transparency, and leveraging platforms—into actionable advice that entrepreneurs and business leaders can apply to their own organizations.
• Engaging and accessible writing style
  Jarvis writes in a conversational and easy-to-understand manner, making complex concepts about technology, innovation, and business strategy accessible to a broad audience, including those without a tech background.
• Forward-thinking vision
  The book challenges traditional business models and encourages readers to think differently about customer relationships, collaboration, and the power of networks, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to innovate.
• Wide range of industry applications
  Rather than focusing solely on tech companies, Jarvis applies Google's principles to industries like healthcare, education, government, and media, demonstrating the broad applicability of these ideas across sectors.

Possible disadvantages

• Overly Google-centric perspective
  The book can feel like an extended praise piece for Google, sometimes glossing over the company's flaws, controversies, and the potential downsides of its dominance, which may come across as biased or one-sided.
• Some ideas have become dated
  Published in 2009, several of the book's predictions and examples have not aged well. The rapidly evolving tech landscape means some recommendations feel outdated or have been proven wrong by subsequent developments.
• Lacks depth in certain areas
  While the book covers many industries and topics, it sometimes sacrifices depth for breadth. Some sections feel superficial and could benefit from more rigorous analysis or case studies to support the arguments.
• Overly optimistic about internet disruption
  Jarvis tends to adopt an uncritically optimistic view of how the internet transforms industries, underestimating the challenges, risks, and negative consequences of digital disruption such as privacy concerns and job displacement.
• Repetitive core message
  The central thesis—that businesses should emulate Google's openness and platform thinking—is repeated throughout the book in various forms, which can make some chapters feel redundant and the reading experience somewhat monotonous.

• Comprehensive Learning Resource
  Eloquent JavaScript covers a wide range of topics, from basic syntax to advanced concepts like asynchronous programming and web development. This depth makes it a valuable resource for both beginners and advanced programmers.
• Interactive Code Examples
  The book contains numerous interactive code examples that allow readers to see the effects of their code in real-time. This hands-on approach reinforces learning and helps solidify concepts.
• Free Online Access
  Eloquent JavaScript is available for free online, making it accessible to anyone with an internet connection. This allows learners from around the world to benefit from its content without financial barriers.
• Engaging Writing Style
  The author, Marijn Haverbeke, writes in an engaging and clear style, making complex topics more understandable and keeping readers interested.
• Good Balance of Theory and Practice
  The book strikes a good balance between theoretical explanations and practical exercises, allowing readers to apply what they have learned immediately.

Possible disadvantages

• Steep Learning Curve
  Some readers may find the book's progression to be rapid, especially if they are complete beginners. The book quickly moves from basic to more complex topics, which can be overwhelming.
• Lacks Visual Aids
  While the text is clear and the code examples are helpful, the book could benefit from more visual aids like diagrams and illustrations to explain complex concepts.
• Assumes Some Prior Knowledge
  Although it's aimed at beginners, the book sometimes assumes that readers have some prior programming experience, which can make it less accessible to absolute novices.
• Limited Coverage of Latest ES Features
  The book may not cover some of the latest features and best practices introduced in newer versions of JavaScript (e.g., ES2019 and beyond), meaning readers might need to supplement their learning with additional resources.
• Web Development Sections Could Be More Detailed
  While the book does touch on web development, the sections on this topic are not as in-depth as some readers might hope. Those looking to get a more thorough grounding in web development may need to consult other sources.

No What would google do? videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

Eloquent JavaScript A Modern Introduction to Programming 3rd Edition by Marijn Haverbeke review

More videos

Tracking What would google do? since May 2026.

• My Azure Cloud Resume Challenge Journey

  If you haven’t read Eloquent JavaScript , go check it out. It’s one of my all-time favourite programming books — hands down. - Source: dev.to / about 1 year ago

• How do we learn to get good at programming

  Videos, blogs, text-based teachings, YouTube project-based learning, books, and the like are all examples of various methods and mediums of acquiring skills, especially in the software engineering industry. As I continue to navigate... - Source: dev.to / almost 2 years ago

• Ask HN: Changing my mind about JavaScript

  Seconded. I won't recommend it and no one I know has recommended it for a decade. It's hard for someone who doesn't know JS to know which parts has changed and is no longer the way to do things. https://github.com/getify/You-Dont-Know-JS... - Source: Hacker News / about 2 years ago

View more