Top 5 Reasons to Learn JavaScript
Last Updated :
09 Jun, 2024
Being a developer can be overwhelming when you need to learn multiple languages to build different kinds of applications. Often, you must learn more than one language to build a single application or to create various applications. For front-end development, you need one language, and for back-end development, another. For mobile and game development, yet more languages are required. Learning a new language every time can be confusing and sometimes frustrating for developers. Surely, we all want to stick to one language that can handle pretty much any task.
The Solution: JavaScript
So, what’s the solution? Can we learn a single language that manages multiple tasks? Is there a language versatile enough to be used everywhere? Yes, there is, and that language is JavaScript.
JavaScript is everywhere. Whether it’s a small startup or a big company, most are using this language to build various kinds of applications. Initially, JavaScript was used only to make web pages interactive, and its use was limited to web browsers. But now, this language has become integral to server-side coding as well, competing robustly with other languages in the market.
Today, JavaScript is ubiquitous. A plethora of frameworks and libraries are available that can do virtually anything you want. It is used by 95% of all websites, and according to the Stack Overflow Developer Survey 2020, JavaScript is the #1 programming language.
“Any application that can be written in JavaScript, will eventually be written in JavaScript.” — Jeff Atwood, 2007
Why JavaScript is Gaining Popularity
But why is this language gaining so much popularity? What benefits does it offer to developers? What are some compelling reasons to choose JavaScript? Let’s discuss that in detail:
1. It Works in The Browser
For most languages, you need to set up an environment, download a compiler, or configure a code editor. Not so with JavaScript. It is the default language of the internet. You can run and test your code in the browser without creating a special development environment. All you need is a web browser and a text editor to run the program.
Also, when working with other languages such as Java, Ruby, Python, or C, the server needs to build processes that the browser can interpret. This isn’t the case with JavaScript. You can simply open the code in your browser, and it will parse and execute the program.
2. Easy to Learn
Many developers don’t know the basics of JavaScript despite having coding experience. JavaScript is easier to learn than many other programming languages. It’s beginner-friendly, allowing anyone to start learning it without previous coding experience. There’s no need for complex environment setups; JavaScript works directly in the browser.
JavaScript is a higher-level language, so you don’t need to deal with many complexities in your code. You can learn the fundamentals within a few months and start building applications. The syntax is simple and logical, resembling the English language, making it easy to understand. Additionally, the large JavaScript community is always ready to help if you get stuck.
3. Versatile Programming Language
Initially used for web clients, JavaScript now has a wide range of uses. This versatility is a significant reason for its popularity.
- Web Applications (Frontend and Backend): JavaScript is popular for building entire web applications. Once you master it, you can extend your skills with frameworks and libraries like React.js, Angular.js, or Vue.js. For backend development, you can use Node.js, Nest.js, and Express.
- Mobile Applications: JavaScript can be used to develop both iOS and Android applications using React Native. Frameworks like Flutter and Ionic also support JavaScript for mobile development.
- Desktop Applications: ElectronJS allows you to build desktop applications with JavaScript.
- Big Data & Cloud Development: NoSQL databases like MongoDB use JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) for data interchange, which integrates well with JavaScript. Node.js is widely used in cloud applications supported by major platforms like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft Azure.
- Blockchain Technology: JavaScript can be used for backend solutions in blockchain technology and Ethereum smart contracts using Solidity.
- Automation: JavaScript can automate day-to-day workflows, create automation scenarios for Mac computers, and develop tools for editing XLS files using ExcelJS.
- Game Development: JavaScript is suitable for creating visual effects and game development with Unity.
- IoT (Raspberry Pi), Machine Learning (TensorflowJS), Artificial Intelligence: JavaScript supports these cutting-edge fields as well.
4. Big Community SupportÂ
The JavaScript community is vast, providing immense support and resources. Whether you are building a simple website or a complex server-side application, you can easily find solutions and support online. JavaScript has one of the largest communities on platforms like StackOverflow, GeeksforGeeks, Hashnode, and GitHub. This community offers ready-to-use solutions, new tools, experienced mentors, and professional resources. The size of the community ensures quick help and extensive knowledge sharing.
We can’t deny the fact that the size of community support really matters a lot when you need easy and quick help in coding. In the case of JavaScript, you get help much faster due to the large developer community support. You can interact with more experienced developers and you can talk about a better solution, the newest features, or the smart way to create a specific feature. Large developers’ community is always helpful in getting the solution for all levels of coding related problems. Whether you are trying to fix the bug or you trying to understand some concept, the size of the developers’ community decides how fast you can get the help.Â
StackOverflow, GeeksforGeeks, Hashnode, and GitHub are some popular websites that offer plenty of support in JavaScript. As a developer, you can also contribute to the developer’s community and help others.Â
5. Great Career Opportunities
And finally, a career in JavaScript….after all in the end what matters is a secure and a high paid job. Due to the wide range of usage of this language JavaScript developers are high in demand from small startups to the big companies. Learning this language opens a lot of career opportunities, from remote freelancing to a lucrative full-time position. You can find plenty of career opportunities posted by recruiters on various platforms such as LinkedIn, monster, Indeed, Naukri.com, and some other ones.Â
According to the Devskiller Global Technical Hiring & Skills Report 2019, 70% of companies are looking to hire JavaScript experts. According to the 2018 HackerRank report, 48% of employers worldwide need developers with JavaScript skills, but only 42% of student developers claim to be proficient in JavaScript. JavaScript developers are high in demand, and they are well paid. You don’t need to have 5-10 years of experience to get a good salary. In the United States, JavaScript developers earn an average yearly salary of $117,576 per year.
Amazon, Google, Netflix, PayPal, and many other tech giants are looking for skilled JavaScript developers. Demand for the JavaScript developer is increasing day by day and if you are skilled in this language than you can find the job opportunity in various fields.Â
You may find yourself much higher in demand if you are specialized in skill React.js or Node.js. In JavaScript, these frameworks are gaining more popularity and used in an increasing number of applications. Â So learning JavaScript gives assurance of a stable career and it really boosts your earning potential as a developer.
Conclusion
JavaScript is the ultimate language for modern developers due to its versatility, ease of learning, and extensive community support. It allows you to build a wide range of applications, from web and mobile apps to desktop and cloud-based solutions. With its growing demand and vast ecosystem, mastering JavaScript can significantly enhance your career and development skills. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced developer, JavaScript offers endless possibilities and opportunities in the ever-evolving tech landscape.
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