Working as a Computer Programmer or Web Developer requires skills in coding and programming languages. The biggest issue is determining which programming language to focus on for training. The solution is subjective and depends on an individual’s talents, aptitude, and disposition.

JavaScript is among the most popular programming languages used. However, it is not the only programming language. Other popular programming languages include Python and C programming and choosing among JavaScript libraries and frameworks, depending on the type of work or project in question. The answer will determine whether you focus on JavaScript or another programming language.

What is JavaScript?

JavaScript is a programming language that was created in 1995 by Brendan Eich. The language was initially intended to be a straightforward scripting language that could speed up website input validation. In recent years, JavaScript has exploded in popularity and is used for much more. This programming language is most commonly used for web, application, and browser-based game development. It is a foundational skill for anyone who wants to pursue a career in one of those fields.

Read more about what JavaScript is and why you should learn it. 

What Can You Do with JavaScript Skills?

Imagine visiting a website but being unable to interact with anything. Nothing moves or changes color when you hover over it, and as you scroll through the page, everything is just a static image or text. Sounds pretty dull, doesn't it? 

Now, think about a website you’ve recently visited. It’s likely that as you scrolled through the page, graphics popped into view with a flourish. You may have noticed an image carousel that automatically shifts from photo to photo or a button that changes color when you hover over it.

All of this is made possible with JavaScript, which adds interactive elements to websites that would otherwise be entirely static. While HTML and CSS, two languages fundamental to web design, are static by design, JavaScript makes websites more responsive and engaging to viewers.

Skills Related to JavaScript

JavaScript is a popular programming language used for creating interactive websites and applications. Computer Programmers and Web Developers work with JavaScript because it is a cross-platform programming language for client and server-side web development. However, while Programmers or Developers may have a particular language they like to work with, it’s a good idea to be familiar with other programming languages that could either be similar to JavaScript or different in providing additional functions.

Listed below are programming languages that Programmers might use instead of or to complement JavaScript.

Skills in C Programming Languages

C is strictly a procedural programming language that differs from JavaScript, which is not only a procedural language but also an object-oriented programming language. By contrast, C is a static programming language. Being static means that C’s functions are restricted to the same files where they are defined. C programming is compiled in advance and used in embedded computers and applications.

Without question, JavaScript is currently a more popular programming language among Computer Programmers and Web Developers, but many do use C. However, any experienced Programmer will likely be familiar with both languages, as many believe that knowledge in C programming complements skills with JavaScript. Comparatively, JavaScript is the more versatile programming language that allows Developers to build nearly anything they would like. 

Skills in Python

Python is an object-oriented programming language with built-in data structures that many Programmers and Developers choose for creating web pages and apps. Python is a programming language that is relatively easy to read and understand and has become the most used language for introducing newcomers to programming. Python is a versatile programming language that can lead to finding careers as Python Programmers, Data Scientists, or Web Developers. It is also the preferred language for many Programmers and companies, making it an attractive option for various industries and projects. 

Python supports modules and packages that allow for system modularity and code reuse. As one of the fastest programming languages that require few lines for coding, Python focuses on readability and simplicity, which makes it easy to learn, read, and maintain. Python can also be run on various platforms using the same interface.

Noble Desktop offers a variety of live online courses for training in Python, including the opportunity to get the Python Developer Certificate.

Skills in Java

Because of the similarity in names, people often confuse Java and JavaScript. However, programming languages have little in common aside from being programming languages.

Whereas JavaScript works mainly as a client-side programming language in web development, Java is an object-oriented language that can do most things that Programmers need for performance, including almost any ecommerce function and other service-side responsibilities.

Programmers mainly use Java to help businesses connect with customers. Organizations as diverse as Google, Uber, Twitter, PayPal, and Tesla use Java for back end web development, transferring payments, and facilitating user interfacing. Many companies use Java for creating apps, with Swing, a Java API that helps develop desktop applications, and Java EE, a Java platform for designing web apps.

JavaScript Libraries and Frameworks

While there are undoubtedly other programming languages to use instead of or in addition to JavaScript, JavaScript itself offers a variety of options through related frameworks and libraries:

Skills in React

React is a JavaScript library used on the front end of websites and apps for creating user interfaces. Although Facebook developed React, it is a free and open-source library used as a framework for developing single-page websites, mobile apps, social media platforms, and other interactive media.

React has become a popular choice among Web Developers due to its versatility and relative ease of learning. React courses begin with the basics, such as learning how to compose components, which is the foundation of React itself. React is composed of a small block of code referred to as components.

Noble Desktop offers a variety of live online React courses and bootcamps that train students to build responsive websites using React.

Skills in Node.js

Node.js is a server-side JavaScript framework that works on cross-platforms. It is an open-source framework that drives asynchronous I/0 as an event-driven architecture. Node.js can run on Windows, Linux, Unix, macOS, and other operating systems.

As a back end JavaScript framework, Node.js facilitates real-time chats on platforms like Twitter or LinkedIn and data streaming for companies like Netflix.

To be clear, while many describe Node.js as a JavaScript framework, it is not that nor a programming language. Some might define Node.js as a runtime environment that runs on a programming language to help run frameworks.

Noble Desktop provides opportunities for picking up skills with Node.js through live online JavaScript Development with Node, Express & MongoDB.

Learn JavaScript Skills with Noble Desktop

Noble Desktop offers hands-on JavaScript training opportunities that meet the needs of various learning styles and scheduling considerations. 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. 

Noble Desktop’s 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 Desktop also offers a JavaScript Development Certificate, which takes JavaScript learning 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 have the chance to apply their learning to specific projects and build up a portfolio that can be used when applying for jobs in the field. 

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 them polish their resumes and portfolios and give them tips on how to stand out in a competitive job market.

Key Takeaway

• Working as a Computer Programmer or Web Developer requires skills in coding and programming languages.
• JavaScript is among the most popular programming languages used by companies and organizations. 
• While Computer Programmers and Web Developers may have training in a specific programming language, it’s a good idea to be familiar with various programming languages.
• Having skills in C programming languages can complement skills with JavaScript.
• Python is a versatile programming language that can lead to several career possibilities.
• Java is an object-oriented programming language that can do virtually anything a Programmer wants, including ecommerce functions.
• JavaScript itself offers a variety of frameworks and libraries.
• React is a JavaScript library for front end web development and user interfaces.
• Node.js is a server-side JavaScript framework that works on cross-platforms.
• Noble Desktop provides training in various programming languages, including JavaScript, Python, and JavaScript libraries and frameworks.