How to Become a JavaScript Developer?
Last Updated :
29 May, 2024
JavaScript is Everywhere. If we talk about any small startup or big company most of them are working on any kind of website or an app always looking for someone with JavaScript knowledge. Millions of web pages are built on JavaScript and it's not going anywhere at least for now. This language is huge in demand and a ton of job postings are there which you can check in your area on LinkedIn. On one side where HTML and CSS give styling to the pages, another side is JavaScript which makes them alive.
JavaScript is used widely and it's not limited to just only in your web browser but also widely used on the server-side as well. JavaScript is used by 95% of all websites which you can check here. According to Stack Overflow Developer Survey 2019, JavaScript is the #1 programming language as well so if you want to take the path of choosing JavaScript and become a JavaScript ninja then it's not a foolish decision.
What is JavaScript?
JavaScript is a programming language that enables developers to add interactivity, animations, and dynamic content to websites. It is a client-side scripting language, which means it runs on the user's web browser rather than on the web server. This allows for faster and more responsive user interfaces.
JavaScript is often used alongside HTML and CSS, the other two core technologies of the web. HTML provides the structure of a web page, CSS handles the styling, and JavaScript adds behavior and interactivity.
Salary Aspects of JavaScript Developers
The salary of a JavaScript developer can vary based on several factors, including experience, location, company size, and specific skills. According to Glassdoor, the average base pay for a JavaScript developer in the United States is around $87,000 per year. However, this can range from $60,000 to over $120,000 depending on the factors mentioned above.
In addition to base pay, many JavaScript developers receive bonuses, profit-sharing, and other forms of compensation. As JavaScript is a widely used and in-demand language, skilled developers often have good job prospects and may command higher salaries.
How to Become a JavaScript Developer?
Now the problem you may face while moving toward this language is where to start, which frameworks you should choose, things you need to cover, books, tutorials, blogs, or which path you should follow. Relax, take a deep breath and we will tell you everything one by one and give you a complete roadmap to becoming a JavaScript developer.
1. Basic Fundamentals and Asynchronous Concept
If you are a beginner you should first focus on core concepts or basic fundamentals like Let, var, and const, If-else statements, Loops, Functions, Map, Filter and Reduce, Expressions and Operations, Numbers, String, Arrays and Objects, ES5, ES6. You should know all the basic concepts before moving forward. How to manipulate DOM, how to use events and all the other basic stuff in JavaScript. When you are clear with its basic concepts learn about the asynchronous behavior, of JavaScript. Also learn about Prototypes, Coercion, Hosting, Scope, callback, promises, closures, and higher-order functions and how all these work in JavaScript.
2. Take Algorithmics Challenges
When you will apply for the Job as a JavaScript developer you will encounter some algorithmic challenges to solve in your interviews. There will be some code tests or a few companies prefer to send online tests or project repositories or they can ask to perform some live code tests at the company. So we highly recommend that once you are done with the basic concepts solve some algorithmic challenges and test your knowledge also check your code by doing some manipulation or taking some other input example. Check how the output differs when you try to play with your code.
3. Client-Side Framework and Libraries
When it comes to the front-end part of an application so many JavaScript frameworks and libraries are out there which creates confusion among developers in choosing the right one among all of them. Keeping in mind two things learning curve and from a job perspective, we highly recommend choosing either Vue.js or ReactJs or AngularJS. These client-side frameworks and libraries are high in demand in the job market and most companies are using them to build their applications. You can check the popularity and comparison of these frameworks on Google Trends or you can also check the link Angular vs React for further help in choosing the right framework to learn.
4. Server-Side Framework and Environment
JavaScript is not limited to the browsers only, you can also run it outside the browser and NodeJS is the technology that allows you to run JavaScript outside the browser. NodeJS is an extremely powerful runtime environment that enables JavaScript to become a back-end programming language and in recent years developers have preferred to use NodeJS along with ExpressJS which is the framework of Node and is widely used to build backend APIs. So we highly recommend you to learn both of them.
5. Databases
While implementing your JavaScript application you should have knowledge of at least one database to connect your application and to store and manipulate data. You can use any SQL or NoSQL database. Some of the options are MongoDB, PostgreSQL, MySQL, CouchDB, and Redis. So ensure you have basic knowledge of at least one database.
6. Task Runners & Module Bundlers
Task runners help in the concatenation of multiple js files and it runs every time a certain file is changed. Gulp and Grunt, these two task runners are mostly used by developers. If we talk about Module Bundlers which are responsible for stitching the JavaScript files into a single file before executing it, it improves website performance. Webpack and Browserify two are preferred by most of the developers so we recommend you choose the above task runner and module bundlers.
7. OOP and Functional Programming
Object-oriented programming in JavaScript doesn't work as it does in other programming languages. Its concept is different and it can create confusion because JavaScript is prototype-based rather than class-based. Please refer to the link Object-Oriented Javascript for a better understanding of it. Also, learned about functional programming and know how it is different from OOP. Check the link Functional Programming in JavaScript for a better understanding of it in JavaScript.
8. Design Patterns
Design patterns help in making an app scalable and maintainable. It also makes developers' work easier so learn to use some common design patterns in JavaScript like Module, Prototype, Observer, and Singleton also learn how to use them to solve different types of problems. You can check the link Design Pattern in JS for an understanding of this topic.
9. Deployment and Hosting
Once you are done with all the concepts, you can create your own project but the story doesn't end here. You also need to deploy your project on a live server, this will help you to get a job, make a portfolio, and for your own knowledge. GitHub Pages, Heroku, Netlify, Digital Ocean, AWS, Firebase. Heroku and Netlify are super easy to access so you can prefer any one of them.
10. Other Stuff
- Testing Libraries: Jest, Mocha, Jasmine, Sinon, Chai, Enzyme
- Package Managers: NPM and Yarn.
- Browser and Developer Tools: Chrome, Firefox, MS Edge, and its development or debugging tools.
- Version Control
- Text Editor
- Knowledge of HTML and CSS
Below is a clear picture of the JavaScript Front-end and Back-end Parts.
Client-Side:
Image Source: GoogleServer Side:
Image Source: GoogleConclusion
In conclusion, JavaScript's ubiquity in web development makes it a crucial skill for developers looking to excel in the field. Its versatility, allowing for dynamic and interactive web experiences, has solidified its position as a cornerstone of modern web development. Aspiring JavaScript developers should focus on mastering the language's core concepts, familiarize themselves with popular frameworks and libraries, and stay updated with industry trends. By doing so, they can position themselves for success in a dynamic and rewarding career.
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