How deep to dive into javascript
<p>I'm a newish web dev using ASP.NET. I haven't really needed javascript for anything yet as the apps I've built so far have been fairly simple data mining apps and my audience aren't looking for bells and whistles. However, I'd like to start moving away from relying so heavily on ASP.NET's stuff (the built-in control validators, ajax toolkit, etc).</p>

<p>Aside from learning the language's syntax, what is essential to learn about javascript before I can start using frameworks like jquery to create meaningful business apps with nice ajax widgets etc? Would I need to learn all about the DOM and HTTP and different browsers?? All of that stuff is quite daunting</p>
