Starting javascript development - what to do?
<p>What it a good starting point for learning javascript?  I'm a well versed C and Java programmer and I have some decent experience in C++, so I'm looking for a few suggestions:</p>

<ul>
<li>What is some good reference material?</li>
<li>Is there a particular IDE/editor that is worth looking at?  I use vim for C/C++ development and I used IntelliJ Idea for Java.  I'm limited to either Linux or Mac based tools.</li>
<li>How do you debug javascript code?  Is it just a series of <code>alert()</code>'s?</li>
<li>Am I required to run a webserver to test javascript, or can I load the .js file directly?  If so, are there limitations to this approach?</li>
<li>Any other advice for a javascript beginner?</li>
</ul>

<p>Thanks</p>
