Learn JavaScript: Take the First Step to Become a Web Developer

Every time you view a website that shows you more than just static text on the page, you can assume that JavaScript is playing a part. By learning JavaScript, you can create everything from interactive maps to 2D and 3D graphics or pop-up videos. 

This programming language is the framework that holds up most of the colorful, entertaining world of the Internet. Besides being used to displaying photos, graphics, and programs on websites, it also plays a role in search engine optimization. 

There are many routes you can take to learn JavaScript to start building your own websites. Read on to see how you can learn JavaScript.

What Is JavaScript? 

JavaScript is a scripting language named after its predecessor language, Java. It is one of the foundational languages of the modern Internet, due to its applications in interactive sites.

It was developed in 1995 by computer services company NetScape, which had set out to develop a more dynamic version of the typical website. Since then, JavaScript has held its ground as one of the most widely used programming languages for front-end development. 

It is mostly used for client-side development, meaning it mostly covers what the user sees. JavaScript is also sometimes used for desktop app development, since it is a very flexible language.

What Jobs Require JavaScript? 

JavaScript is the language of choice for web developers worldwide. You can be sure that any interactive content you see on the internet today is powered by Javascript. As such, there is always a demand for more JavaScript developers.

Below are a few job roles that you can qualify for once you have a strong working knowledge of JavaScript.

• Front end developer. JavaScript, along with HTML and CSS, are the most common languages for front end development. As a front-end developer it is essential that you are well-versed in JavaScript so that you can design interactive websites. 
  
  
• Full stack developer. As a full stack developer, you will need to know many programming languages. JavaScript should be one of them, because it offers the flexibility you’ll need to design web, desktop, and mobile apps.
  
  
• Software developer. Due to the versatility of JavaScript, it can also be used to make rich desktop and mobile apps. A good example of a complex app is Discord.
  
  
• WordPress developer. The WordPress framework is widely used for front end web development. JavaScript is one of the two main languages used in WordPress website creation.
  
  

Steps to Learn JavaScript 

Step 1: Check out Free Resources

At first, YouTube might not seem like the best way to learn a programming language, but trust us when we say it actually can be a good place to start. There are countless tech experts and professors who share useful information on JavaScript in video tutorials posted to the website.

Besides watching YouTube, you can also sign up for free or low-cost training programs on massive open online corset websites such as Coursera and Udemy. You can even read an online guide or book on JavaScript if you enjoy a more traditional mode of study.

Step 2: Learn the Basics of Modern JavaScript

Needless to say, to learn any language, you must first get an understanding of the basics. To do this, you can purchase books to learn the fundamentals, then sign up for a training program that will allow you to build on your basic knowledge. Starting off by independently studying the fundamentals will make every succeeding step easier.

Step 3: Take Up Small JavaScript Projects

Another very important part of the JavaScript learning process is experimenting with your skills. If you don’t put your skills to test, you won’t be able to understand which areas you need to improve in.

Starting with small projects is the best way to learn any language. You might want to start with a simple web app, then try your hand at building a more complex website.

Step 4: Earn a Certification

There are many coding courses and bootcamps you can attend in which you will be awarded a certificate upon completion. You can also earn an official certification in JavaScript from leading tech companies such as Microsoft. 

The Best JavaScript Courses

Interactivity With JavaScript

• Provider: Coursera
• Level: Beginner
• Duration: 9 hours
  
  

This course offered by Coursera will give you a brief overview of the technical aspects of JavaScript. In it, you will learn how to build a website that loads quickly, and will also study how to use JavaScript’s Document Object Model to alter each part of a webpage. 

JavaScript – The Complete Guide 2021

• Provider: Udemy
• Level: Beginner/Intermediate
• Duration: 52 hours of video tutorials
  
  

This is another general guide to JavaScript, this time offered by Udemy. This course is taught by web development expert Maximilian Schwarz Müller. It covers everything you need to know about JavaScript, and also includes projects that will allow you to test your recently learned techniques.

JavaScript Introduction

• Offered by: EdX
• Level: Beginner
• Duration: 40 hours
  
  

If you have no prior experience with JavaScript, then this is the class for you. Starting with the basics, this course then expands into more advanced topics. Over 40 hours of lectures, the lessons cover everything from making your own interactive web page to making basic graphics.

Learn JavaScript

• Provider: Codecademy
• Level: Beginner
• Duration: 30 hours
  
  

This course offered by Codecademy will help you get started with JavaScript. In it, you will learn the different types of JavaScript and its variables, how to use conditional statements and function syntax, and how to convey data functions and data structures.

JavaScript – The Advanced Courses

• Provider: Udemy
• Level: Intermediate 
• Duration: 25 hours of on-demand video
  
  

This course offered by Udemy is intended for advanced students only. JavaScript professionals and budding web developers will be guided through advanced JavaScript practices, such as object-oriented programming and functional programming.

Why Learn JavaScript?

JavaScript is a very sensible coding language to learn because it is crucial in creating modern websites. You can rest assured that the number of jobs available in JavaScript is increasing, so it is a great choice if you are looking for a way to turn your passion for programming into a career.

If you want to master web development, sign up for one of the courses listed above so you can get started in JavaScript and other popular coding languages.

In this digital era, you should continually learn new skills if you want to keep up. JavaScript is a great way to stay relevant and boost your tech career to new heights.