Why Learn JavaScript

There are many reasons for a prospective or expert programmer to learn JavaScript. For beginners, JavaScript is one of the easiest programming languages to learn, forming a foundation for essential programming skills.

For experts, JavaScript is an extremely versatile language that can expand their skill set and allow them to dive into diverse projects. There are virtually no downsides to learning JavaScript as developers who know the language are in high demand and the versatility of the language allows the pursuit of nearly any technological career.

Learn Programming the Easy Way

If you want to learn a programming language to improve your technical skills or start a new career, JavaScript is commonly described as one of the easiest programming languages to learn. JavaScript has a simple syntax – also known as the set of rules that governs how JavaScript is written. Many of these rules for JavaScript resemble the structure of the English language, making it fairly simple for English speakers and the ideal starting place for beginners, especially when compared to other more complex coding languages. 

Perhaps you are interested in learning more advanced coding? JavaScript is still a great place to start! Learning the basics through JavaScript will make advancing in programming easier than choosing to start with a different coding language. Students who choose to jump ahead into more intricate languages or concepts are more likely to struggle in their learning experience than students who gradually level up their skills.

JavaScript is also a highly accessible coding language because it doesn’t require a specialized development environment like other languages. It comes automatically installed with every web browser, allowing beginning developers to jump into coding right away. They can quickly see the results of their code and if they’ve done it correctly, accelerating their learning when compared to other languages with slower development feedback.

JavaScript’s robust learning community is highly supportive of new programmers with many experienced coders willing to collaborate and share knowledge. This source of motivation and support can be a great boon to beginners seeking advice and guidance. 

Gain a Solid Foundation in Coding

When learning JavaScript, it is commonly recommended that students first learn to code with HTML and CSS. These two languages serve as the foundation upon which JavaScript was built. All three languages combined lead to a solid foundation in web programming and are a necessary bedrock for nearly any coding career. Software Engineers are expected to know HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, SQL, and possibly other coding languages. Even Mobile Developers, who often don’t code with HTML in their primary job duties, are recommended to gain a foundational knowledge of coding through JavaScript. Whatever coding career you aspire to, JavaScript is indispensable. 

JavaScript is a great foundational coding language due to its support of three of the five primary styles of programming: object-oriented, functional, and imperative. This versatility empowers learners to acquire skills that seamlessly transfer to more advanced programming languages like Python or C++. While each language possesses its own syntax, mastering programming styles, techniques, and fundamental concepts through a simple language such as JavaScript offers a smoother transition and a deeper comprehension than starting with a more complex language.

JavaScript is widely used in front-end development – the side of a program that users see such as a webpage or mobile application. However, JavaScript also has applications in data science, machine learning, and general back-end development. Once students are comfortable in front-end development, they confidently venture into these other areas of programming. While they may need to learn other coding languages to advance in these subjects, the foundational knowledge gained through JavaScript serves as a simple and familiar entry point to advanced topics that might otherwise seem overly intimidating. 

The versatility of JavaScript is undoubtedly a key factor in its popularity among developers worldwide. Such wide appeal, its applications in foundational programming, and the ability to apply acquired skills to various careers make it an indispensable language for programmers to learn. 

Master the Web

JavaScript was literally made for the web. Since its invention in 1995 by Brendan Eich to improve input validation, JavaScript has widely evolved. It is primarily used to add interactive elements to a variety of digital applications and web pages. Web Developers use JavaScript to integrate animations, video, dynamic buttons, folding menus, interactive maps, scrolling images, and more. Such versatility makes JavaScript a necessary programming language to acquire for creating beautiful and engaging web content. It should come as no surprise that JavaScript is reported to be used on 98.7% of websites around the world. 

JavaScript was originally limited to front-end programming (the side of the web that users see). However, the release of Node.js (a special server environment) in 2008 expanded JavaScript’s use to the back-end (the side where servers and networks operate). Due to this release, JavaScript’s popularity expanded to developers of all backgrounds. Professionals who learned JavaScript specifically for front-end web development could now carry their skills to back-end processes. Various career opportunities with JavaScript became available, including full-stack development, which involves both sites of web creation and design. Thus, JavaScript became an essential part of web development that cannot be ignored by any modern web creator.

Become a Versatile Programmer 

JavaScript is an extremely versatile programming language that is used for a variety of applications, allowing developers to pursue various coding careers. In addition to programming the web, JavaScript is utilized in the development of mobile and desktop applications, video games, software programming, machine learning, data science, information security, cloud computing, and the blockchain, among many other areas. A single programming language can rarely apply to so many applications, making JavaScript an asset for programmers of all levels to learn, from beginners to experts.

JavaScript students can pursue virtually any programming or software development career. DevSkiller reports JavaScript is the most common skill job-seeking developers are tested in. Their most recent survey shows 75% of businesses worldwide are seeking JavaScript Developers. Searching for JavaScript positions on Indeed provides over 24,000 results. For programmers uncertain of their future, acquiring skills in JavaScript is an excellent career investment. Developers who are unsure which career they wish to pursue can rest assured their knowledge of JavaScript will apply practically anywhere they go. JavaScript’s versatility and demand allows developers to pursue different career interests without the need to learn a new coding language beforehand.

Land a High Salary Career

JavaScript Developers start with a high salary and can continue to raise their salary by developing further skills. According to Glassdoor, Front-end Web Developers earn a national average of around $75,000 a year. Back-end Web Developers make around $85,000, and Full Stack Web Developers average nearly $90,000. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, web development is one of the country’s fastest growing careers with salaries for Web Developers projected to grow 23% between 2021 and 2031.

JavaScript programmers can work as Web or Mobile Application Developers. Such applications aid audiences in performing certain tasks such as shopping, traveling, or banking. The main difference between the two careers involves the platform the applications are developed on. Both Web and Mobile Application Developers earn an average salary of $115,000 in the US.

 JavaScript Developers can also become Software Engineers, though they will need to expand their knowledge of coding languages to include Python, SQL, and possibly more. A Software Engineer builds software applications for a variety of systems, including desktop, mobile, and networks, among others. Their high skill and knowledge earn Software Engineers an average salary of around $140,000 nationally. 

And Software Developer salaries are expected to grow 25% between 2021 and 2031. The job outlook for all JavaScript positions is expected to remain in high demand. That demand is commonly higher than skill availability in countries outside of the US and Europe. Across all areas, entry-level JavaScript salaries are likely to be lower than the national average while senior salaries can reach much higher. 

Join a Large Community

There are reported to be over 17 million JavaScript developers worldwide, resulting in a wide development community. JavaScript Developers can find communities online through popular social media websites such as Facebook, Meetup, and LinkedIn. Websites specifically dedicated to JavaScript also exist for hosting developer communities such as TheJS.dev. For forging in-person connections, JavaScript Developer conferences can be found around the world. 

Communities are excellent sources for career advancement and professional growth. New and upcoming JavaScript Developers can turn to communities to connect with like-minded individuals and discover resources. Experienced developers are willing to provide feedback and share knowledge, helping junior developers to advance their skills. Communities also provide networking opportunities through the posting of job openings or chances to attend conferences. Developers also often meet through communities to collaborate on personal projects, which continue to develop JavaScript and its uses.

The open source nature of JavaScripting has allowed such a large community to grow around it and drive its versatility and efficiency. Developers have experimented with JavaScript to produce a plethora of libraries, frameworks, and APIs. These innovations have made coding with JavaScript more accessible, driving further growth. Being an active participant in this system enables JavaScript Developers to influence the future of the language and contribute to industry trends. Even acting as a witness to such groundbreaking advancements can be personally gratifying. Beyond the career and salary opportunities, becoming part of such an interconnected community can be an extremely rewarding result of investing in learning JavaScript.