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how can i learn javascript coding patterns

First what i mean by patterns.. Basically in Js there are multiple ways to do something but some ways of doing things offer greater benefits in terms of portability, performance, modularity, and extension. One of the patterns i like most are of jquery.
But when writing my own code i feel urge to just keep on writing function after function...and i don't want to create an object just for the sake of organization. There should be a reason like reusability for object to be created.
I want to learn patterns that make more use of closures, prototype, objects and chaining. So i can write better code.
I know keeping code simple is best but when things are wide spread keeping code less intrusive and reusable is maybe more important.

Check this out:
http://addyosmani.com/resources/essentialjsdesignpatterns/book/
This book was also pretty useful:
JavaScript Patterns
Build Better Applications with Coding and Design Patterns
By Stoyan Stefanov
Publisher: O'Reilly Media
This book really helped me getting started. Apart from that I suggest googling up, reading various articles,blogs, whatever you think is useful.

Don't bother trying to learn every single aspect of JavaScript before you actually need it.
If you suddenly find yourself passing masses of variables to your functions then you might find it easier to use objects, but objects are generally only useful if the data they encapsulate is related in some way. That means since you are aware of objects then as soon as the need arises for them in your code, you'll realise that's the time to use them.
Since objects properties and methods are so easily added to variables in JavaScript it's probably overkill to write out functions to construct objects/override variable prototypes etc.
As a very broad generalization, in languages such as Perl and php, for most programs of less than 1000 lines objects are overkill.
Play it by ear and take the easy way out every time.

I watched this Google talk a few weeks ago and was inspired to read Crockford's entire book, "JavaScript: The Good Parts". Watch the talk and I think you'll find it's exactly what you're looking for, full of best practices for using closures & prototype. It's a little old and just covers core JavaScript, nothing about JQuery, ect. but if that's what you're looking for, this is your book.
http://www.amazon.com/JavaScript-Good-Parts-Douglas-Crockford/dp/0596517742

Coffeescript tutorials that don't assume Javascript knowledge

I know I'm coming at this the wrong way. You're supposed to learn Javascript first, then start looking at Coffeescript when you get tired of braces and variable declarations. Me however, I'm a somewhat experienced Ruby and Python programmer but with zero Javascript fluency who looks to get into web scripting (mainly through Rails).
I'm convinced that Coffeescript is the way to go for me, but I'm hard pressed to find a tutorial that does not assume significant Javascript familiarity. Most of the tutorials I have seen explain Coffeescript's peculiarities in detail only to gloss over such minor topics as how to actually write web applications.
So, do you know of any Coffeescript tutorials for people who don't know JS to begin with?

You probably don't want to hear this, but I'm going to say it anyway: you should still learn JavaScript first.
JavaScript is a little unique from other languages, in that it has a monopoly over browser scripting. There is currently no other language that can be used in a browser (unless it uses a plugin, or the interpreter is in JavaScript!). As such, for any project that needs to do any amount of client-side scripting, JavaScript knowledge is a must.
You're probably thinking "Hey, I know Python and Ruby, and I never had to learn C or assembly!", which is of course true. But, those language never had a monopoly over their domain. Python can be used for the same things as C, in many cases. The platform doesn't care what language you use, as long as it supports it.
And the browser platform only support JavaScript.
CoffeScript is an abstraction of JavaScript. Although CoffeeScript is compiled into JavaScript, when you're trying to figure out that obscure JavaScript error, or debug a generated function, or are wondering why there are two levels of unnamed function nesting, you're going to want to know what's really going on.
Now, I'm not saying that you have to become a JavaScript Ninja (although I'd recommend it), but what I am saying is that you should come to grips with the actual web language first.
Learn JavaScript, learn its concepts (it's a very fascinating language, in my opinion, once you get past some of the deficiencies), and then use CoffeeScript to abstract away the technicalities.
Since you did ask for a tutorial, though, here's some: First, the Mozilla guide to JavaScript is quite nice. If you want some more advanced topics, there's also an interactive tutorial made by John Resig. And finally, here's a bunch of CoffeeScript tutorials that you probably already know about.

I suggest the free online Smooth Coffeescript book (based on Eloquent Javascript).
No previous programming knowledge is required. CoffeeScript lets you
write web oriented applications simply and elegantly. It is closely
related to JavaScript but without its quirky corners.
Smooth CoffeeScript is a book about CoffeeScript and programming.
Start with programming fundamentals, learn about functional
programming with Underscore and problem solving, study object
orientation and modularity. It covers client/server web apps with
Canvas and WebSockets.

I had a background in Python, ActionScript and Java. I started directly learning CoffeeScript with no intention of learning JavaScript. I learned a bunch of JavaScript along the way but I think it's perfectly OK to set out to learn CoffeeScript directly.
I was first attracted to Smooth CoffeeScript because it claimed to be targeted at folks trying to learn CoffeeScript directly. However, the style of writing was not to my liking. YMMV.
Besides, with my Python background, I found that I didn't need much help with the syntax. I got all of the syntax help I needed directly from he CoffeeScript web page. I mostly needed help with the platform (cake, development environments, testing, etc.) which is covered quite well on the CoffeeScript web page, and what else I needed I got from a couple of other books. My favorite teaching book is The Little Book on CoffeeScript (read in an hour) and my favorite reference is Trevor Burnham's Pragmatic Bookshelf book on CoffeeScript which taught me jQuery from the CoffeeScript perspective.
Another thing that helped me ramp up quickly was to fork/upgrade a few of my own tools in CoffeeScript. I forked the CoffeeDoc repository on github to create my own version and I eventually re-wrote it to create CoffeeDocTest which is like Python's DocTest except for CoffeeScript. My upgrades to the Coda syntax mode for CoffeeScript were accepted back into the master branch via github's pull-request mechanism... after a code review and some cleanup. Looking at someone else's code really helps you learn the idioms. Getting a code review from someone in the know helps even more.

Your question doesn't make a lot of sense to me because CoffeeScript is JavaScript. To know one is to know the other. It may sound counter-intuitive for me to suggest that the best way to learn CoffeeScript is by cracking open a JavaScript book but the languages are one and the same.
I know they look different, but the differences end at the syntactical layer[1]. Add some semicolons, curly braces and parens to CoffeeScript and you're more or less there. So go and learn JavaScript, and you'll find you're learning CoffeeScript too.
You could also learn CoffeeScript and incidentally pick up JavaScript. This may be a little bit more difficult though, since until source mapping is implemented, debugging can only be done in JavaScript (and you'll be debugging a lot, I assure you ;-)).
[1]: Apart from maybe class definitions which are slightly more complicated.

Is it worth to use prototype or should we use OOP for javascript?

I am a developer for sometime now, and for the past few years I am using prototype framework and it's implementation for OOP, to be used in Javascript. I've used jquery and some other frameworks as well.
I 've been studying how js works and how differs from OOP, as it is a prototype oriented language. In my opinion is in fact a great concept, the prototype oriented language.
Given the right attention to:
- it was how the language was meant to be used, and so therefore is faster, more productive and theoretically, simpler and smoother.
- Every browser has its own implementation for how javascript is supposed to work, making sometimes impossible for having a concise code work in all browsers, or at least the majority.
- Usually those OOP frameworks (dojo.declare(), Js.Class, MooTools, etc) are more than suitable to make a nice work, and they are cross-browsers.
I can't help but wonder, is it worth to start making RIA's using javascript prototype oriented? Or Should I go for Dojo.declare(), js.class or some similar?

I don't think you must forfeit OOP when you program in JS; I suggest you embrace OOP!
I prefer the ExtJS library which provides classes, encourages subclassing, and provides a very nice example of a well-defined class hierarchy.
Douglas Crockford provides examples of making member data and member functions private (no protected).
Many people use JavaScript's prototype as a vehicle to implement inheritence; again see Douglas Crockford.
Polymorphism is easy as JS is not strongly typed.
Also, many of the popular JavaScript libraries abstract browser differences from the developer; you will likely find few "ifs" in your code to compensate for differences in browsers should you choose to use a JS library.
Finally, here are some other good resources from SO.

I was using prototype.js from last one year on a RIA. I am not used to the libraries which you are talking about , but i use jQuery. After learning how to use prototype.js i just avoided jQuery,. I was able to do anything use prototype.js, especially when scope really matters prototype handles it in such beautifully way. You can't find the replacement of bind method provided by prototype in any other libraries. It is very very useful. i suggest you to go with prototype without fear.. it is cool and so easy to handle.

Are design patterns in JavaScript helpful? And what exactly are they?

I have been learning more and more javascript; it's a necessity at my job. We have a web application that uses a lot of javascript and I will be doing more and more every day. I have read bits and pieces about design patterns, but was wondering if someone could just give me a cut and dry example and definition. Are they something that would benefit me? Or is it more high level?

Design patterns are generic and usually elegant solutions to well-known programming problems. Without knowing what problem you're working in, I would say "Yes" they can help make your code more manageable.
This link and this link make some reference to design patterns in Javascript. They may be worth reviewing.

One of the most practical and easy to use JavaScript-specific design pattern I've encountered is the Module Pattern, which is a modified Singleton pattern that "namespaces" related code and prevents the global scope from getting cluttered with variables and functions that might conflict with each other in a complicated page.

Also there is a book about classic design patterns in javascript. You can download examples from it's site.
But from my experience its obviuosly harder to implement projects with great amount of javascript.

As design patterns are language agnostic, I would recommend reading one of the classic books on the subject. My favourites are:
Patterns of Enterprise Application
Architecture by Martin Fowler
(http://www.amazon.com/Enterprise-Application-Architecture-Addison-Wesley-Signature/dp/0321127420)
Design Patterns: Elements of
Reusable Object-Oriented Software by
the "Gang of Four"
(http://www.amazon.com/Design-Patterns-Object-Oriented-Addison-Wesley-Professional/dp/0201633612/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1229278937&sr=1-1). This is a bit of a classic.
However, these aren't beginner books by any means and you might get more value out of some of the many web resources and tutorials out there (Wikipedia has some reasonable explanations).
My own experience is that the object model in javascript is a bit trickier to understand than others such as PHP or Ruby and hence, applying design patterns isn't always that easy. Libraries such as Prototype provide functions for making inheritance easier to work with and this makes programming Javascript in an OO way much easier.
I recently used Javascript to implement the Active Record pattern using Prototype, which you can read about more about here if you want:
http://codeinthehole.com/archives/6-Active-record-javascript-objects-using-cookies.html

Should I learn/become proficient in Javascript?

I am a .NET webdev using ASP.NET, C# etc... I "learned" javascript in college 5+ years ago and can do basic jobs with it. But I wonder if it is useful to become proficient in it.
Why should I learn Javascript?
Is it more advantageous then learning JQuery or a different library?

Yes, definitely learn Javascript before you learn one of the libraries about. It's the whole walk-before-you-can-run thing.

Make sure you add these sites to your bookmarks:
Mozilla's developer site: This contains the reference to the Javascript API in Mozilla. This will help you make sure you're writing code that Firefox understands.
IE's site in Microsoft Developer Network: The same, for IE.
W3's reference of DOM for HTML: In most web applications today, the Javascript code manipulates the DOM, which is an internal keeping track of the objects displayed on screen (but you already knew that, right ?) This is the reference to the DOM API. It is language neutral, which means it does not target Javascript, but these methods exist in Javascript too.
Douglas Crockford' site: Doug Crockford is THE MAN when it comes down to Javascript. The articles in his page are a must read. Because Javascript has closures and first-class functions, he believes it is closer to Lisp and Scheme than to other languages. And he teaches you how to greatly improve your code with these language features.
Yahoo Developer network: You may also want to check this. I'm not a regular visitor to this site, though, so I can't really say much about it.

Yes, absolutely you should learn JavaScript if you are doing web development. I highly recommend JavaScript: The Good Parts, by Doug Crockford. And, JQuery is a great framework to use (this site uses it) -- it kind of depends on what you are trying to do -- YUI and ExtJS are also very nice.

The answer is simple.

Hands down yes. There's a reason that Google have made such a big fuss about the V8 JS engine for Chrome, why Mozilla are working on TraceMonkey for Firefox and why Webkit have been working on Squirrelfish for a while (now Squirrelfish extreme). It's because JS is becoming more popular by the day.

Javascript is one of those languages that spending a few hours learning will probably teach you 99% of what you will ever really use. I would imagine you are at the point in your learning of javascript that you know more than enough now and just learn one or more of the frameworks now.

I would recommend brushing up on your non-frameworked javascript first. Refreshing/learning basic concepts of dom manipulation and what not. Like learning how to build a linked list, stack or queue in C++ before learning how to use the STL (standard template libraries).
In addition to brushing up on straight javascript, it might be good to get into a framework that doesn't abstract and change the way things work so much, for instance Prototype. You code with it very much the same way you code with straight javascript. Read through the Prototype code, learn how to make classes, and do some fancy stuff. From experience, I can say reading through the Prototype.js helped me learn alot.
After messing around a bit, then I'd say go for jQuery. If jQuery didn't, literally, change the way you write code I'd say go for it first, but learning how to build classes and js inheritance and what not can be a very important lesson for someone who wants to become fluent in JS.

Learning javascript is recommended for any web application developer. Why?
You will better understand the possibilities, limitations and dangers related to developing a web application
It is a boost for your career, if you are working on a web application that has a user interface.
However, learning javascript is usually a trade-off between a programming language and another. You should consider whether javascript is relevant for your career or project.

Unless you want to really get into javascript, I think you'd be better off learning enough JS to leverage one of the tried and tested javascript libraries out there.

One thing nice about JavaScript is that it is quite different from mainstream languages such as C#, VB.NET or Java. Learning it, especially if you have occasions to use it, will give you another insight on programming, and that's always good. I think it's worth learning it.

If you are doing web development then at some point you are going to get exposed to Javascript or ECMAScript at some point in your career for any one of a number of reasons. At a minimum you should know enough Javascript to be able to be able to validate user input; however, the web is moving in the direction of using more an more Ajax so you should also know enough Javascript to properly leverage one of the major libraries out there such as jQuery.
As some of the other users have noted, you can learn most of what you need of Javascript on a day to day basis in a single day or a couple of afternoons. If you want to get more advanced with Javascript then you are going to have to invest much more time in learning the language but odds are that unless you seek out this type of work that you are not going to encounter something that a preexisting library doesn't already exist for.

If all you want is to do some simple UI-effects and the like, I suggest you just pick a library and go for it!
Using libraries eliminates all the flawed implementations of JavaScript and provides you with an API which is the same across all browsers. And if you're working together with others it is also a great way of implementing code-standards and best practices.

Learning a second programming language is always good.
By the sound of it, JavaScript is a language that you use, to it will be of practical use too. As a web dev, it has been recommended to me in a review that i learn at least basic JavaScript.
A library such as jQuery is essential for web development thse days, so you could learn that too.

I don't think a lot of deliberate learning makes sense (but of course you need some basic knowledge), but I also think after some years of web development you'll become pretty proficient in the language anyway :)

If you are a webdev then yes, you should be proficient with Javascript. Javascript is a major part of making web apps as interactive as desktop apps.
With that being said, learn to use one of the cross-browser compatible libraries like JQuery, Prototype, etc. We do not need to have any more single browser crud created using Javascript, just because any real man/woman rolls their own.
A few things to learn in Javascript:
1. Basic syntax
2. The various flavours of function declaration.
3. Passing functions around and how to use passed in functions.

I recommend Jeremy Keith's books: DOM Scripting and Bulletproof Ajax. After you become more fluent in JS I would recommend a JS library(I use jQuery, but that is not important).
JS is important to learn. You cannot use a framework without the proper understanding of how it works. That is doing things backwards.

i thing you should have a good knoloedge base of language specification and DOM (Document Object Model). it means,you shoud know how find/create "page object" an edit properties. Also you should have an idea of "object oriented" javascript tecniques, which the starting point of a lot of framework. you don't need learn specific framework if you don't use it. simple keep in mind generic base concept!

I'll go with the opposite answer most are putting out there. Learning javascript as a developer these days is almost pointless. The language is similar enough to java/C# that it's syntax and semantics shouldn't be lost on you.
What you should learn is jQuery.
As you use jQuery you'll pick up the most common things you'll ever need from javascript anyway.

If you're involved with the Web in anyway then the answer is "Yes, always". Maybe an embedded or system's programmer could get by without JavaScript, but not a webdev.
Most of the libraries are designed to alleviate some of the pain of interacting with a multitude of browsers. They will not abstract away core JavaScript functionality.

Yes, you should learn JavaScript. Sooner or later you will need to use it!