What do I need to know when learning Javascript API?

[LeiZhou]

I had experience in Javascript. I am now using ArcGIS Javascript API to create web map for my boss.  It seems those language is not something I am familar with, such as function changeMap ().  Are those dojo or API? What should I learn before using API? Thanks a lot!

[timgogl]

you will likely want to dig through the api here on this site. as well as look through as much dojo info as you can find online. mostly the api on this site should help you out. if you're familiar with javascript, then getting used to functionality added by esri shouldn't be too bad.

[JohnFletcher]

Beyond the required reading of the API suggested by lowgas, if you want to get more in-depth with Dojo and prefer books to online resources, I can recommend one called Mastering Dojo, which you can fine on Amazon (among other places).  I got a couple and this one helped tremendously with understanding the underlying "plumbing" that Dojo provides to the Esri Javascript API.