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How JavaScript is Used in Web Development

Regularly described as the most popular computer programming language in the world, JavaScript has several versatile applications including server building, game development, and mobile application development. Most commonly, however, it is used to develop websites. To say that the modern internet depends on JavaScript to function is not an exaggeration; 95% of today’s websites run with JavaScript

The popularity and widespread use of JavaScript mean that job opportunities with these skills are predicted to rise for the next decade. Let’s learn more about why JavaScript is a preferred tool for web development.


Basics of JavaScript and Web Development

Before understanding how JavaScript can be used for web development, it’s important to have a basic understanding of both concepts to better grasp how they work together.

Web Development

Web development is a broad term that encompasses tasks related to creating, testing, and/or maintaining a website. One of the most important things to understand about web development is that there are three main types of development a person can learn: front end, back end, and full stack. Front end development consists of creating the dynamic components of a website that users interact with like fillable forms and drop-down menus. On the other hand, back end development involves the server-side of things like coding and programming the site and conducting tests to ensure it is free from bugs and glitches. Full stack development combines both of these aspects.

Even though JavaScript is one of the most commonly used languages for this purpose, Web Developers are generally proficient in a variety of computer programming languages. If they work in front end or full stack development, they also have some graphic design experience to make sure the site looks professional in addition to functioning properly. Testing and maintenance are some important aspects of web development that tend to get overlooked. These responsibilities include adding additional content, fixing bugs, and conducting site backups.

JavaScript

JavaScript works so well for web development because it was specifically designed to make websites interactive. A website’s content can be broken down into a couple of different components. The first is the actual content of the website which is created with HTML and the second is the appearance and layout of the content and is done with CSS. But HTML and CSS alone don’t create an interactive website, so this is where JavaScript comes in. This language allows for the addition of things like fillable forms, video players, and animations to a web page. 

Based on the previous discussion of web development, you might be thinking that JavaScript can only work for front end development since it focuses on what the user sees and engages with, but this isn’t the case. When using JavaScript for back end development, it usually needs to work in tandem with another tool. For instance, when JavaScript is used with Node.js it helps to save data on a website for future use, like the draft of a blog or other social media post.

Why do Web Developers Love JavaScript?

The fact that JavaScript was designed to create dynamic web pages is only one of the reasons why Web Developers enjoy using the language. First, its widespread use means that it also has a large community of users. This community often works together to support new learners, troubleshoot problems, and create new code that makes common processes easier. Developer communities like this are often how libraries and frameworks are created. 

You might be wondering what libraries and frameworks are, and how they are different from one another. A library is a collection of reusable pieces of code that are used to accomplish specific tasks that are often important but redundant and time-consuming. Frameworks are more like an outline for a specific type of project, like building mobile applications or web pages. JavaScript is compatible with an array of libraries and frameworks that make web developers’ jobs easier, more efficient, and leave more time to problem solve and be creative. There are many libraries and frameworks designed specifically for web development, like React and Bootstrap

Web Developers prefer using JavaScript because it is relatively simple to learn and it boasts a faster speed than other languages like Python. This speed is mainly attributed to the fact that JavaScript is a “client-side language,” meaning it bypasses the step of communicating with the server before completing a request.

Learn JavaScript With Career Centers

If you’re interested in learning more about what JavaScript can do, check out the JavaScript courses offered by Noble Desktop, a partner program of Career Centers. Courses at this school can be taken either in-person at its Manhattan campus or remotely from the comfort of your home. Noble Desktop classes are purposely kept small so students can receive the guidance they need. The school also allows students one free retake of their course within one year

If you can’t commit to a longer course, Noble Desktop offers two 18-hour classes that might be a good fit. These are JavaScript for Front End and JavaScript Programming Fundamentals. Both require some foundational knowledge before enrollment, but these shorter courses are a great way to quickly boost your professional skills. If a certificate interests you, Noble Desktop has a few of these as well. The school offers a JavaScript Development Certificate where students will learn to build fully functional and interactive web pages from scratch. Additionally, Noble has a Full Stack Web Development Certificate that covers web development with HTML and CSS, as well as back end development with Ruby on Rails in addition to JavaScript development.

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