HN, I am an average programmer. When I have time outside my day-to-day occupation, I develop webapps on the side. I usually develop in some combination of JavaScript, jQuery, PHP, and SQL.
I want to move over to some dedicated JavaScript solution (using the MVC architecture pattern). I've been meaning to do so for a while, and over that time I have read a number of introductions to the various frameworks, i.e., Backbone, Angular, Meteor. And have a passing acquaintance with a few.
But now that I want to develop a new product, I don't where to start with this fragmented JavaScript jungle. Do you have advice on:
(1) The best MVC for beginners;
(2) The best place to start with databases;
(3) Essential reading;
(4) General information/advice.
1) I would argue this is a close call between Angular and Ember, and I personally picked Angular, mostly for philosophical reasons. I am sure Ember is just as good, it just doesn't work as well for me. [1]
2) SQLite is good for personal projects, as far as I know. It's a little too accepting of faults in your code, but when you want to get up and running as soon and painlessly as possible, it does the job. Otherwise use Postgres.
3) Angular has a list of good video tutorials at [2], though other than this and the official site, I have yet to find any good documentation. Which might either be my lack of Google-fu or a genuine need.
4) If you understand what MVC is and if you have coded with Javascript before, it should be easy to pick up. Pay attention to file structure, the scope, best practices, as especially with Javascript being a permissive language it's very easy to get away with low quality code that'll hurt you badly later. Have test coverage.
[1] http://blog.wekeroad.com/2013/03/06/ember-confuses-me
[2] http://egghead.io