JavaScript is one of the most popular programming languages in the world.
Nonetheless, beginners often ask us the following question: “What is JavaScript actually used for?”
It’s easy to answer:
In addition to HTML and CSS, JavaScript forms the basis for front-end web development. It enables the creation of interactive elements on your website. This is of course the simplest explanation for this. Therefore we want to deal more intensively below with what JavaScript is used for and why you should learn it.
Let’s answer the most important question: what is JavaScript?
Put simply, JavaScript is an object-oriented programming language designed to make web development easier and more attractive.
In most cases, JavaScript is used to create reponsive and interactive elements for websites. We do all of this to make it as easy as possible for website visitors to use our site.
Elements such as menus, animations, embedded video players, interactive maps and even complex browser games can be created quickly and easily using JavaScript.
It is important to know that there are three different languages that work hand in hand to make modern websites and apps possible. These are:
- HTML, or Hypertext Markup Language. HTML is used to bring content to a page. This markup language allows you to use content such as Add text, images, links and even videos to your website. With HTML you can e.g. Place a login button at a specific location on your website.
- CSS is used to style the content inserted using HTML. Following the example above, CSS would allow you to change and “beautify” the shape, size, color and style of the login button that you inserted with HTML.
- You can use JavaScript to make web elements interactive. It can be used alongside your HTML and CSS and is an essential tool for any web developer. To complete the example above, JavaScript code would be used to make your login button perform the required actions (log a user in when the button is clicked).
If you want to become a front-end web developer, you need to develop a good working knowledge of all three languages. While the rest of the article will focus on JavaScript, it would be best if you read our articles and tutorials on HTML and CSS beforehand.
What is JavaScript used for?
In addition to interactive web elements, with a good knowledge of JavaScript you can create the following things:
1.Browser games
If you are interested in internet games and game development, you should use your JavaScript skills to create your own browser-based games. Although browser games can quickly reach their limits in complexity, JavaScript is as good as any other language when it comes to creating browser games.
Creating simple games is also a great way to practice your JavaScript skills. Download a code editor, come up with an idea for a simple game, and take some time to build it.
2. Mobile Apps
While most mobile apps are developed with operating system-specific languages like Swift (iOS) or Java (Android), there is no reason why you can’t create apps with JavaScript. The implementation of frameworks such as Apache Cordova, Phonegap and React Native have made it possible to create mobile apps for multiple operating systems with the same code. The diversity of JavaScript makes it a good choice for developing mobile apps.
3.Web & Server Applications
Again, the most common answer to the question “What is JavaScript used for?” something like “create interactive web elements”. But that is not all. The creation of new libraries and frameworks allows web developers to create a lot of backend programs using JavaScript. This includes things like web apps and server apps. JavaScript is becoming as important to back-end web developers as it is to front-end developers.
Note:
that this is by no means an exhaustive list. JavaScript is a powerful language, and most of what you can do with it is only limited by your imagination.
Why should I learn JavaScript?
After I’ve shown you what JavaScript is used for – and yes, there is a lot more you can do than just create interactive web elements – it’s time to look at a few of the reasons you should learn JavaScript. Sure, it would be cool if you were able to build websites and mobile apps, but what exactly does that bring you?
Now for the good news:
Just the fact that you deal with “what you can do with JavaScript” shows that you have a certain interest in programming. You can quickly take advantage of this interest and even start a career. Let’s look at some advantages:
Benefits of learning JS
I have questions like “What is JavaScript used for?” and “What does JavaScript do?” answered, but now is the time to dive into some of the benefits of learning JavaScript. Learning to code with JavaScript has a number of advantages, including
1.Need a promotion?
If you currently work for a company and do less technical work, a good knowledge of JavaScript could help you get a promotion. Even if you are not actively employed as a “developer”, the technical knowledge can be very useful and add value to your employer.
2.Learn to learn!
Although many programmers would deny it, most programming languages are built quite similarly. The language that is the hardest to learn is always the first programming language.
Once you learn JavaScript, it will be much easier for you to learn new languages. This will allow you to expand your skills and have better career opportunities.
3.Earn more money: As an employed programmer or freelancer
Programmers who master JavaScript are in great demand. Although it doesn’t take very long to study compared to the highly skilled professions, coding skills have the potential to dramatically increase your income. Freelance JavaScript programmers can charge more than $ 100 per hour.
What can you do with JavaScript?
The answer to the question ‘What can you do with JavaScript?‘ is by no means easy. When you learn JavaScript, a world of possibilities opens up. Here are a few of the things you could do with your new knowledge:
1.Become a freelance developer
Tired of working to make someone else’s money? Do you want to go out there and build your career? If so, then it might be best if you learn how to write code. If you know your way around JavaScript – along with an understanding of things like frameworks and libraries – you will find freelance work. As you become more experienced, you will find that you can easily make more than $ 100 an hour. Let’s face it, what kind of person in their right mind would say no to that!
2.Design your own website
Perhaps your only reason to learn JavaScript is because you’re tired of paying ridiculously high hourly rates for freelance developers to modify your website.
If you are familiar with JavaScript, you can make changes to your website on your own. This can save time and money and make the result exactly the way you want it.
3.Find a new career
Experienced JavaScript developers are in great demand all over the world.
That means there are tons of career opportunities for developers – even if you don’t have a lot of experience. Even junior developers who are familiar with JavaScript have good starting salaries of € 40,000 and up. This is an attractive reason for many people to change their career.
How can I learn JavaScript?
Perhaps you’re already wondering how to get started with your first JavaScript program.
Better jobs, higher pay, and the potential to work as a freelancer, that all sounds pretty good, doesn’t it?
If you think so then read on.
You already know what JavaScript is used for and what JavaScript is. Now let’s look at the best way how to learn JavaScript with an online course.
If you have some time in addition to your job to build a solid JavaScript foundation, then try the webcodes.net JavaScript quick start without obligation. Complete with a built-in code editor to practice with as you study, this course will teach you the basics of JavaScript, with a special focus on creating dynamic content for web pages.
Conclusion
Although JavaScript was designed to help front-end web developers create interactive elements, JavaScript use cases have rapidly expanded to include things like back-end web development, game development, and even mobile application development. If any of these things interest you, you should consider learning JavaScript.
Once you find out what JavaScript is used for, you’ll see the benefits of learning code. Understanding JS increases the chances of a better job, a higher salary and the opportunity to become a freelancer.
If you want to learn how to program with JavaScript, then start with a simple online course that teaches the basics (practice-oriented).
The most important thing is that you have fun learning! 🙂
