JavaScript is a lightweight, interpreted programming language. Javascript was the most used programming language in the world as of 2020 (Statista). Javascript is relatively easy to pick up and understand. Nearly every major website out there has javascript.
It is always a good idea to establish what path of software development you want to take, so that you can easily put your tools in place including a programming language that’s better for your path.
However, if you want to have a general development pattern, Javascript is one of the best languages to pick up.
Here are the awesome things you can do with Javascript
Frontend Web Development
Javascript is used heavily in Web development. Frontend Development makes the Website interactive and alive so as to engage the user. As a Javascript developer, you are responsible for the website’s animations, sliders, timers, parallax, tabs, drawers, and other functionalities too numerous to mention.
You can make a website interactive with the help of feature-rich frameworks such as React, Angular, Svelte, or Vue.
Backend Development
Backend development involves handling the ‘behind-the-scenes’ functionality of web applications. It’s code that connects the web to a database, manages user connections, and powers the web applications. Backend development works with the frontend to deliver the final product to the user. Javascript can now be used as a server-side language.
Node.js is a runtime environment that runs on the V8 engine and executes JavaScript code outside a web browser, allowing Javascript to be used for backend development.
Another runtime for Javascript that can be used in place of node is Deno.
Mobile Applications
Previously, the most common approach to making mobile applications was Swift or Objective C for IOS and Java or Kotlin for Android. Javascript has emerged as a language of choice for building mobile applications, especially that apps made with Javascript are cross-platform.
By the use of React Native, Ionic Framework, Phonegap/Cordova, Framework7, Onsen UI, a mobile app for IOS and Android can be made from one codebase. This makes maintenance easy and lowers the development cost (Thanks to Javascript).
Popular mobile apps made with Javascript frameworks include Instagram, Facebook ads, Walmart, Bloomberg, Sworkit, Marketwatch, Pacifica, Honeyfi, etc.
Desktop Applications
It’s true, Javascript can also be used to make Desktop applications. Electron.js a javascript framework based on the Chromium rendering engine and the Node.js runtime makes it possible to use web technologies (HTML, CSS & JS) to make desktop apps.
Popular Desktop apps made with Electron.js include VS code (a popular code editor loved by many developers), Slack, Skype, Discord, Atom, etc.
Game Development
Seems Javascript has long hands after all, touching the game industry also. Javascript has many game engines to choose from.
Popular ones include Phaser, Melon.Js, pixi.js, cocos2d, Babylon.js, playCanvas, etc. Some of the games made with these engines are Sasquash, curvatron, Eraser, Pet Pop Party, Guilds of gods, etc.
Virtual Reality & Augmented Reality
Virtual reality (VR) is a simulated experience that can be similar to or completely different from the real world. Applications of virtual reality include entertainment, education and business.
Augmented reality (AR) is an enhanced version of the real physical world that is achieved through the use of digital visual elements, sound, or other sensory stimuli delivered via technology. It is a growing trend among companies involved in mobile computing and business applications
The beautiful thing is, well you guessed it, Javascript can be used together with other technologies to work on VR and AR. AR.js, a lightweight library for Augmented Reality on the Web, coming with features like Image Tracking, Location-based AR and Marker tracking can be used to develop AR. Good news right?
There is so much you can do with Javascript that has not been covered in this short article.
