JavaScript is the beating heart of web development. As one of the world's most popular programming languages, it is responsible for bringing 98% of websites to life, delivering the interactive and visually stunning experiences we know and love.
Developers use JavaScript to build web apps, mobile apps, and even games. JavaScript gave birth to Instagram, Netflix, Gmail, YouTube and other great products you use everyday.
Starting your coding journey with JavaScript, you’ll discover that it’s a beginner-friendly language that’s simple to learn, even if you don’t have any experience in coding.
Let's dive in and discover the exciting world of JavaScript together.
Let's get to the basics
JavaScript is the only language all major browsers support. It is also the only language that is fully integrated with HTML and CSS.
CSS is used for styling and formatting web pages. It allows you to control the layout, colors, fonts, and other visual elements of a web page. CSS works hand-in-hand with HTML, which provides the structure and content of a web page.
JavaScript, HTML, and CSS are the three pillars of any web app.
New to HTML and CSS? You can read more about them in our articles. Just click on the links below:
JavaScript is referred to as a scripting language. It tells a browser what to do and how to process things.
Imagine visiting your favorite meme website. Suddenly you are distracted from the jokes by an annoying popup. JavaScript to the rescue!
Here’s how it works:
- You click on the cross.
- JavaScript tells the popup to disappear.
- Congratulations! You can get back to your memes.
JavaScript allows developers to create one-page websites, mobile apps, video games, and more. Its potential is only limited by your imagination.
A few words about frameworks
Developers almost never build applications from scratch. They use frameworks to speed up the process. Frameworks consist of code libraries, tool sets, and other components for creating apps. So you don’t need to download it from different sources; it’s already there!
Imagine building a timber frame house. You can build it from scratch: find trees that fit your needs, cut them down, and turn them into logs. Or you can visit a lumber store, purchase pre-cut wood, and start to build a house without going to the forest.
For those seeking the easy way, JavaScript frameworks are the answer.
Jumpstart your career
JavaScript is a beginner-friendly language. It uses a simple syntax, similar to English. Since it’s a tool for web development, you don't need to do any special browser configuration to run your code. And if you bumped into some issues, a large community is always ready to help.
The language has a very wide scope: from game development to front end and back end development of mobile and web apps. So there are plenty of jobs for junior, middle, and senior developers. By the way, you can read what to expect in the IT job market in 2023 on our blog, too.
Effective ways to study
A great way to practice writing JavaScript code is to solve programming problems. There are many platforms where you can start doing this. Here are some of them.
Tips for beginners
Here are a few helpful tips to make learning JavaScript easier:
- Read others' code. You can inspect the source code of a website you like by pressing Ctrl + U (Windows) or Option + Command + U (Mac). Analyze it and try to understand how it works.
- Talk to other developers. For example, get expert help with your code on Stack Overflow. It is a platform where seasoned specialists are ready to solve your problems.
- Try online courses. It can be especially helpful as you can receive feedback from the instructor and learn from other students.
- Create your own project. Practice your new skills by creating a personal project. This could be anything: a weather app that suggests clothing or a unique idea that could impress a future employer.
- Find a mentor. A mentor can provide guidance, help you choose your learning path, and prepare you for an interview. They can also help you avoid common pitfalls in your career.
Wrapping up
JavaScript is a great place to start for those new to programming. It has a low learning curve and can help build a foundation for learning other programming languages.
Don't be discouraged if you can’t grasp everything right away — that's normal. The key is to keep pushing forward and seeking help when needed. There are many online resources and forums that can help you find solutions to any problems.
The beauty of programming is that it is a highly accessible field open to anyone with the determination to learn. Let’s enjoy this beauty together.