Introduction to JavaScript
JavaScript is one of the most important programming languages when it comes to building modern, interactive websites and apps. Along with HTML and CSS, it is one of the core building blocks of the web. You can also use JavaScript for Server-side Scripting, machine learning, data analysis, data visualisation, desktop application development, game development and mobile app development.
JavaScript is by far the most used language according to the Github’s 2021 Octoverse Report.
Uses of JavaScript
JavaScript is not just a programming language used to make websites interactive, it is now an all-purpose programming language. According to the 2022 StackOverflow developer survey, JavaScript is the most commonly used programming language for ten years in a row.
Creating Interactive Web Pages
In website development, we use HTML to describe and defines the basic content and structure of the website, we use CSS to tell the browser how this HTML content should be displayed, and we use JavaScript to bring the website to life by adding functionality such as drop-down menus, modal windows, animations, video players, interactive maps and forms validation.
Server-Side Scripting
JavaScript can be used to develop backend services with the help of the Node.js framework. JavaScript is nowadays a full-stack language and it is now possible to develop web applications with JavaScript alone. JavaScript is a great choice for beginners because, rather than learning different languages for server-side and client-side, they can learn only JavaScript to do both.
Machine Learning and Data Analysis
These days, several Machine Learning libraries for JavaScript are emerging and it has a great future as a Machine Learning language. Google’s open-source library TensorFlow.js can be used to develop machine learning in JavaScript and use it directly in the browser or in Node.js. Brain.js is a JavaScript library that makes it easy to understand Neural Networks
Data Visualisation with JavaScript
There are many JavaScript libraries for data visualisation available nowadays. ChartJS is a simple but flexible Data Visualisation JavaScript library for designers and developers. D3.js is a very flexible data viz library which also works well in areas of animations, data analysis, hierarchical data, and interaction.
Desktop Application Development
Frameworks like WindowJS and Electron make it relatively easy to make desktop apps in JavaScript.
React Native for Windows + macOS brings React Native support for the Windows SDK as well as the macOS 10.14 SDK. With this, you can use JavaScript to build native Windows apps for all devices supported by Windows 10 and higher as well as the macOS desktop and laptop ecosystems.
Game Development
JavaScript is a great language for web-based and mobile game development. Using platforms and tools can help create both 2D and 3D games that can run directly in a browser. Aside from only web-based games, JavaScript has been increasing in popularity in mobile game development. Some popular JavaScript Game Engines are PixiJS, BabylonJS, Phaser, melonJS and Three.js.
Developing Mobile Apps
JavaScript frameworks like React Native, jQuery Mobile, and Ionic are widely popular for building cross-platform mobile apps. A true native or hybrid app built for mobile using a JavaScript framework can save design time and cost. According to a Statista report, 42% of developers worldwide used React Native for mobile app development.
JavaScript Development Environment
JavaScript comes installed on every modern web browser, so, there is no need to set up any kind of development environment, which means you can start coding with JavaScript right away. You can write JavaScript code using a simple editor like Notepad. However, you can install any open-sourced or licensed IDE (Integrated Development Environment) to get the advantage of IntelliSense support for JavaScript and syntax error/warning highlighter for rapid development.
The followings are two well-known JavaScript editors:
JavaScript Career Opportunities
JavaScript is the most popular programming language in the world, so it is also one of the most sought-after skills in the IT industry today.
Some JavaScript job roles are:
- Software Engineer
- JavaScript Developer
- Front End Developer
- Games Developer
- Fullstack JavaScript Developer
- Web Developer
JavaScript experts are not only in demand they are also well-paid.
Search JavaScript Jobs in the UK on:
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