How to Become a JavaScript Developer

The web is a dynamic canvas, and JavaScript is the paintbrush that brings it to life. If you've ever wondered how to create interactive, engaging online experiences, this guide is for you. We'll delve into the world of JavaScript, exploring its core concepts, popular frameworks, and best practices. Get ready to transform your passion for technology into a rewarding career as a JavaScript Developer.

What is a JavaScript Developer?

A JavaScript Developer is a Software Developer who specializes in using JavaScript, a versatile programming language, to create different software applications. JavaScript is primarily known for its role in front end web development, but its applications have grown significantly. In recent years, JavaScript has expanded beyond the front end with the rise of Node.js, a runtime environment that allows JavaScript to run on the server side. This enables JavaScript Developers to create full-stack web applications using a single language for both front end and back-end logic.

The work environment of a JavaScript Developer can vary depending on the organization, the type of projects they work on, and even their personal preferences. Many JavaScript Developers work in a traditional office environment, collaborating with other Developers, designers, and project managers. Depending on the company culture, these offices might have open floor plans or cubicles. An increasing number of companies offer remote work options for JavaScript Developers. This allows them to work from home or anywhere with a stable internet connection. Some companies embrace a hybrid model, where Developers split their time between working in the office and remotely.

Delving deeper into the responsibilities of a JavaScript Developer, you might find yourself contemplating whether this profession aligns with your aspirations. It's crucial to discern the distinguishing factors that separate proficient designers from exceptional ones. A good JavaScript Developer possesses technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and soft skills that contribute to their success. JavaScript Developers often encounter complex problems. They also need strong analytical skills to break down problems, identify root causes, and design effective solutions.

What Tools Do I Need To Get Started?

Core tools for JavaScript development encompass code editors/IDEs and version control systems. Popular code editors include Visual Studio Code (free, open-source, highly customizable), WebStorm (commercial, feature-rich), Sublime Text (lightweight, customizable), and Atom (open-source, hackable). Git is the industry-standard for version control, with platforms like GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket providing repository hosting.

Additional tools in a JavaScript Developer's arsenal include package managers (npm, yarn) for dependency management, build tools (Webpack, Parcel, Rollup) for code optimization, linters (ESLint) for code quality, task runners (Gulp, Grunt) for automation, testing frameworks (Jest, Mocha, Jasmine) for code reliability, and browser developer tools for debugging

Most essential tools are freely available for download. Commercial IDEs and some advanced tools may require purchase or subscription. Many tools are managed through package managers like npm or yarn, simplifying installation and updates. Online resources and tutorials often provide detailed instructions for tool setup and configuration.

Steps to Become a JavaScript Developer

Create Finished Products 

In most courses and certificates, you will engage in creating your own JavaScript development projects, which should be completed and refined before showcasing them as a highlight of your work. It's crucial to seek feedback from industry professionals to enhance these projects and resolve any issues before potential clients review them in your portfolio.

Clients may also require proof of practical application of your skills, so obtaining an internship or securing freelance real-world projects can provide an edge in the job market. It's important to clearly showcase in your portfolio that the websites or apps were developed for actual businesses. Demonstrating that your skills were valued by a real business can significantly enhance your attractiveness to potential clients as a freelancer.

Build a Portfolio

Once you've completed those projects, it's essential to build a website to showcase them as your portfolio – a platform that illustrates your successful JavaScript development endeavors. To create a comprehensive portfolio, feature several refined projects that highlight the breadth of your skills.

On your website, it's important to present more than just a list of links to your work. You should provide potential freelancing clients with insights into the background and thought process behind your projects. For instance, clarify whether it was part of a bootcamp assignment and how you tailored it, or if it was real-world work, explain your contributions to the business's success and the lessons you gained from the experience.

Learn Business Skills

In addition to all the skills of a regular JavaScript Developer, future freelance JavaScript Developers will need to learn skills for running their own business (such as finance and contract law) and marketing their business (such as web design and social media marketing). Even freelance JavaScript Developers who plan to contract consultants to help run their small business should have a basic understanding of these areas in order to understand what kind of outsourcing they need to support their freelance work.

JavaScript Developer Career Path

Internships provide invaluable experience for aspiring JavaScript Developers. They offer a practical application of theoretical knowledge, allowing interns to work on real-world projects under the guidance of experienced professionals. Furthermore, internships can clarify career aspirations by providing exposure to different areas of JavaScript development, such as front end, back-end, or full-stack. This hands-on experience aids in identifying personal strengths and interests within the field.

After an internship, A JavaScript Developer's career typically progresses through entry-level, mid-level, and senior roles. They typically progress from junior roles focused on foundational skills and supervised tasks to mid-level positions requiring independent coding and feature development. They culminate in senior roles demanding advanced technical expertise, project leadership, and strategic problem-solving.

Freelancing as a JavaScript Developer offers autonomy and potential for high earnings. Successful freelancers typically possess strong technical skills, excellent communication abilities, and robust business acumen. While freelancing provides flexibility and potential for high earnings, it also requires a strong entrepreneurial mindset and the ability to manage various business aspects beyond coding.

Why Become A JavaScript Developer?

As the old saying goes, “Choose a job you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” For artistic professionals, earning money while being creative is reason enough to pursue a career as a JavaScript Developer. However, this profession offers a host of other perks. They can work across nearly every industry, so there’s always something new to learn and new people to interact with. For instance, a professional Developer might start their career working for a financial agency before pivoting to healthcare, film, or education. 

JavaScript development is characterized by collaborative workflows, enabling tangible project outcomes through interdisciplinary contributions. The field offers flexibility through freelance opportunities, accommodating work-life balance preferences in contemporary employment landscapes.

Learn the Skills to Become a JavaScript Developer at Noble Desktop

Noble Desktop provides interactive JavaScript training programs tailored to different learning preferences and scheduling requirements, ensuring a personalized yet technical approach to learning. Each of its courses features small class sizes so that you can receive individualized support from Noble’s expert instructors. This is the case whether you attend a class live online or in person at the school’s Manhattan campus. Noble Desktop also provides a free retake option for anyone who wants to complete the course again within one year of completion.

JavaScript Programming Bootcamp provides students with a foundation in using JavaScript. In particular, this course teaches about object-oriented programming, variables, functions, and data types, among many other topics. By the end of the class, students will know how to build web applications using JavaScript and be familiar with its libraries and frameworks. Before enrolling in this class, you should be comfortable coding with HTML and CSS.

Noble’s JavaScript Development Certificate takes JavaScript learning a bit further. In this course, students practice building web applications with JavaScript and learn how to use React, Node.js, Express.js, and MongoDB to expand the versatility of this programming language. Additionally, students can apply what they have learned to specific projects and build a portfolio that can be used when applying for jobs in the field.

If you are ready to take your web development skills to the next level, JavaScript for Front-End will guide you to mastering JavaScript and GreenSock animations (GSAP). It will start with JavaScript basics, but don't worry – you can move at your own pace. Soon, you'll create stunning, interactive web experiences that leave a lasting impression. Get ready to transform your static designs into interactive masterpieces that truly captivate your audience.

This hands-on JavaScript course will begin by covering the essential syntax and data types in JavaScript, including variables, conditional statements, loops, functions, and object-oriented programming concepts. You will learn how to write vanilla JavaScript code to dynamically manipulate web page content and respond to user interactions. The course will also explore the use of popular pre-built JavaScript libraries and frameworks, such as jQuery, to efficiently implement common web page features like slideshows and tabbed panels. By the end of the course, you will have the skills to write your own JavaScript code and leverage existing libraries to enhance the functionality of web applications.

React Development Bootcamp equips you with the knowledge and practical skills to develop dynamic web applications. The curriculum covers the fundamentals of React and Node.js, progressing to the creation of advanced components and real-world server deployment strategies. By the program's end, you'll be proficient in building fully-functional, interactive web apps using modern JavaScript frameworks and backend technologies.

React has emerged as a leading JavaScript library due to the increasing demand for dynamic, single-page applications. Its component-based architecture enables efficient development and code reusability, making it a preferred choice for building robust web applications.

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to React, focusing on fundamental concepts such as component composition. Through practical exercises, students will develop multiple web applications and deploy them on AWS, gaining hands-on experience with the framework.

You may also consider Noble’s Front End Web Development Certificate. This course teaches JavaScript in addition to HTML, CSS, and WordPress while providing experiential learning opportunities. Certificates at Noble Desktop also offer students individual career mentoring sessions to help polish their resumes and portfolios and give them tips on standing out in a competitive job market.