JavaScript is everywhere on the web. It is the most used programming language, with 97.7% of all websites using JavaScript as a client-side programming language. As a result, JavaScript skills are a must-have if you’re looking to get a job as a web developer.
Kickstart your web development career by learning about the use of JavaScript, what makes JavaScript so popular, the practical applications of JavaScript, and tips on how to become a JavaScript professional.
What Is JavaScript?
JavaScript (JS) is a cross-platform, object-oriented programming language used by developers to make web pages interactive. It allows developers to create dynamically updating content, use animations, pop-up menus, clickable buttons, control multimedia, etc. The use of JavaScript can be both on the client-side and server-side. While HTML and CSS languages are used to give structure and style to web pages, JavaScript is used to add interactive elements that engage users. Without JavaScript, 90% of Internet webpages would be static.
What Makes JavaScript So Popular?
Nearly every computing device that we use today has the use of JavaScript – iPhones, Androids, Mac OS, Windows, Linux, and Smart TVs. The significant reasons why JavaScript became universally adopted for web development include:
- It can be used both in the front-end and back-end of web development
- Serves everyone from beginners to intermediate and even advanced developers
- Can run on all devices
- It does not need an environment setup
- Standardized and gets frequently updated with new versions
- Open Standards and Community
- Works with Document Object Model (DOM) for response to user interactions
- Transformed web browsers into application platforms
- Wide range of frameworks and libraries to help build complex applications
Top 10 Practical Applications of JavaScript
JavaScript is widely used for building websites and web applications. Let’s discuss some practical applications of JavaScript in various segments.
1. Web Development
JavaScript is a scripting language used to develop web pages. Developed in Netscape, JS allows developers to create a dynamic and interactive web page to interact with visitors and execute complex actions. It also enables users to load content into a document without reloading the entire page. Most websites use JavaScript for validation and to support external applications, including PDF documents, widgets, flash applications. Some of the world’s largest tech companies use JavaScript to better the user experience.
Some famous websites built by the use of JavaScript are Google, YouTube, Facebook, Wikipedia, Yahoo, Amazon, eBay, Twitter, and LinkedIn, to name a few.
2. Web Applications
Various JavaScript frameworks are used for developing and building robust web applications. In an application like Google Maps, if users want to explore a map, all they have to do is click and drag the mouse to get a detailed view. This is powered by JavaScript, which interacts with the browser without communicating with the servers. Popular JavaScript front-end frameworks that help build web apps are React Native, React, Angular and Vue. Netflix and PayPal were developed with AngularJS JavaScript framework and Application Programming Interfaces (APIs).
3. Presentations
A very popular application of JavaScript is to create interactive presentations as websites. The RevealJs and BespokeJs libraries can be used to generate web-based slide decks using HTML. The RevealJs helps create interactive slide decks with transitions styles, themes, and slide backgrounds in all CSS color formats. The BespokeJs is a feature-heavy framework that includes features like scaling, animated bullet lists, syntax highlighting, etc. Even if a user is not fully conversant with a programming language, they can easily build presentations as websites using JavaScript.
4. Server Applications
JavaScript is also used to write server-side software through Node.js open-source runtime environment. Developers can write, test and debug code for fast and scalable network applications. JavaScript helps to generate content and manage HTTP requests. Top companies like Walmart, PayPal, Uber, GoDaddy, and many more have adopted Node.js for server infrastructure.
5. Web Servers
Node.js allows developers to use JavaScript to create a web server. Node.js being event-driven, it moves to the next call without waiting for the response of the previous call. The servers quickly transfer chunks of data without buffering. The HTTP module uses the createServer () method for creating a server.
6. Games
Creating games on the web is another important one among applications of JavaScript. The combination of JavaScript and HTML5 plays a major role in games development using JS. The EaselJS library provides rich graphics for games. HTML5 provides total access to the web without additional plugins like Flash. Complex browser games Tower Building, CrossCode, HexGL game are based on JavaScript and HTML5.
7. Art
A recent feature of HTML5 in JavaScript is the canvas element, which allows drawing 2D and 3D graphics easily on a web page. This has helped open doors for various digital art projects on the browser. Become a digital artist, creating your own code of art using JavaScript.
8. Smartwatch Apps
Pebble.js is a JavaScript framework by Pebble, allowing developers to create applications for Pebble watches using JavaScript. Create a smartwatch app with simple JavaScript code.
9. Mobile Apps
One of the most powerful applications of JavaScript is to create apps for non-web contexts, meaning for things, not on the Internet. With the use of mobile devices at an all-time high, JavaScript frameworks have been designed to facilitate mobile app development across various platforms like IOS, Android, and Windows. React Native framework allows cross-platform mobile app building, where developers can use a universal front end for Android and IOS platforms.
10. Flying Robots
Last but not least, you can use JavaScript to program a flying robot. With the Node.js ecosystem, users can control numerous small robots, creative maker projects, and IoT devices. Step into the exciting world of drones, flying robots, and quadcopters with JavaScript.
How to Become a JavaScript Developer
JavaScript is a “must” for professionals interested in web development. Nearly one-third of all programming-related job listings on sites like Indeed, look for JavaScript proficiency. The global job market boasts around 13.8 million JavaScript Developers.
JavaScript Developers need to be experts in the design, testing, and implementation of software using JavaScript. So, if you are wondering how to start out with JavaScript or how to become a JavaScript developer, here are a few ideas for you to get started.
JavaScript Developer is a booming career, and those looking to make a career in JavaScript have lucrative prospects. Some of the top JavaScript Job roles include:
- Front end web developer
- Web application developer
- Website administrator
- Full Stack Developer
- Quality Assurance Automation Specialist
- Web Marketing manager
Job Skills That JavaScript Professionals are Required to Have
- Expertise in JavaScript
- Knowledge of Client-side Framework and Libraries
- Asynchronous Programming
- Functional Programming
- Ability to Write Cross-browser Code
- ReactJS
- Node JS
- TypeScript
- jQuery
- Strong Communication Skills
- Knowledge of Latest Technology
- Efficient Memory Management
JavaScript Salary
JavaScript-related skillset is highly sought-after by employers across the world. So, no wonder that JavaScript jobs offer high salaries and lucrative perks and benefits. Here’s a snapshot of JavaScript salaries across the US, UK, and Indian markets. The average base salary of a JavaScript Developer is:
Final Thoughts
As the demand for JavaScript professionals keeps skyrocketing, learning JavaScript can be your key to building a rewarding and high-paying career with excellent growth potential. Enroll in Simplilearn's Javascript Certification Training to start you JavaScript professional journey today.
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