JavaScript in 2020

It’s always best practice to know what you are getting into before you dive right in. This is especially important in the complicated world of programming.

What is JavaScript?
There are so many programming languages out there with each having their strengths and weaknesses that it's difficult for a new developer to decide on one language. Unfortunately, I don't know many programming languages so I won't be able to guide you with that but I do know a fair bit of JavaScript and I'll give you some insights on that. If you are reading this post it’s quite likely you’re familiar with HTML and CSS. HTML, CSS, and JavaScript go together and form the crux of any website. The online definition of JavaScript is quite complicated so I won't scare you with that. But in short, JavaScript adds functionality to a website and lets users interact with the website. In the earlier days of JavaScript, it was used only for websites but now with the advent of various new technologies, it can be used to create complex web applications, mobile applications, desktop applications, and much more. It’s just one language you need to master to be able to build applications for different platforms.

JavaScript, often abbreviated as JS, is a programming language that conforms to the ECMAScript specification. JavaScript is high-level, often just-in-time compiled, and multi-paradigm. It has curly-bracket syntax, dynamic typing, prototype-based object-orientation, and first-class functions. - Wikipedia

Apart from being one of the Most Popular Programming Languages in the World for the last 8 years (as per a survey conducted by Stack Overflow) it is also one of the easiest to learn. This gives beginners or seasoned developers an advantage as when they come across a problem in their code, there is probably someone who came across the same problem and posted the solution online. Also, if they can’t find a solution there is no harm in asking and the community is quick to provide multiple solutions to that one problem.

Apart from being one of the Most Popular Programming Languages in the World for the last 8 years (as per a survey conducted by Stack Overflow) it is also one of the easiest to learn. This gives beginners or seasoned developers an advantage as when they come across a problem in their code, there is probably someone who came across the same problem and posted the solution online. Also, if they can’t find a solution there is no harm in asking and the community is quick to provide multiple solutions to that one problem.

Are you looking to build web apps, mobile apps, desktop apps, etc. with some cool graphics. JavaScript can do it all for you. Everything seems exciting but don't get too ahead of yourself. To do all this you need to master various JavaScript ‘Libraries’ or ‘Frameworks’ to be more specific. These frameworks are easy to learn as long as you master JavaScript in and out. I’ll let you know how you can go about mastering JavaScript but before that have a look at the various Libraries and Frameworks available at your disposal. To know the difference between a library or framework check this article by Brandon Wozniewicz on FreeCodeCamp. These aren’t all of them but these are the most popular ones. (Not in any specific order)

• React
• Svelte
• Vue.js
• Angular
• Node.js
• Express
• Ember
• Gatsby
• Meteor
• Next.js
• Nuxt.js

• React Native

• Electron

• Phaser
• PixiJS

• TensorFlow

• D3.js
• Video.js
• Chart.js
• howler.js
• anime
• reveal.js
• three.js
• p5.js

If you choose to go down the path of a JavaScript developer in the year 2020 it’s necessary that your master the fundamentals of the language or better said you need to learn ‘Vanilla JavaScript’. Vanilla JavaScript is simply plain JavaScript that doesn’t include the use of any libraries or frameworks. Just like studying any other programming language, you must build a strong foundation. Yes, studying a particular Framework will help you land a job but not knowing the basics will land you in a soup at that job. So I’ll cut to the chase and provide you with certain steps you can follow on your way to becoming a JavaScript developer.