How to Become a JavaScript Developer

A Javascript developer creates and implements codes using the Javascript language. They work with websites and apps that use Javascript to create some of the on-page aspects. A Javascript developer oversees all stages of Javascript usage in a particular project.

Javascript is a coding language that creates moving and dynamic features of a webpage or app. It can be used for a variety of things, including moving images, auto-fill forms, or slideshows of images. Popular real-world examples of Javascript are the Netflix design – including its movie previews and its dynamic scrolling functions – the Uber application, and the interface of the popular game Candy Crush.

Created in 1995 by Brendan Eich, Javascript was intended to make the internet a more application-focused platform. However, it was not used widely until the 2000s. Nowadays, it is used across the internet and other applications for many different purposes, leaving plenty of work opportunities open for Javascript developers.

A Javascript developer is an expert in this coding language and uses this expertise to develop different websites and apps.

Javascript developers’ duties include:

• Looking at pre-existing webpages and applications to see how a redesign could benefit from Javascript.
• Implementing features of Javascript into new webpages and apps to enhance user experience.
• Consulting with other professionals – coders, UI or UX designers, or business managers – and discussing opportunities for using Javascript in more products.
• Writing the Javascript code that converts ideas into machine-readable language.
• Testing Javascript apps to look for bugs or faults in the design.
• Keeping updated on Javascript developments.

Most people who want to become a Javascript developer begin their education with a degree in computing, maths or another tech-related subject. Throughout their tertiary education they should develop a particular interest in Javascript.

Plenty of Javascript developing knowledge can be self-taught. It is a step up from learning HTML and CSS, but it is a relatively easy coding language to learn. There are plenty of online Javascript developer courses available. After enlisting on one of these, a candidate can go through the entire subject – from variables and conditionals to much more advanced topics. It is also beneficial to obtain a Javascript developer certification.

In a Javascript developer interview, an applicant will be quizzed for their general programming knowledge. They may be asked to do a task like to build a click counter on a webpage; this is a simple Javascript task that will prove that the candidate knows how to code.

Being a Javascript developer requires patience, as the process isn’t always linear, and teamwork, as Javascript is often just a small part of a web page or app. The ideal candidate will also need problem solving abilities, creativity and strong analytical skills.

Javascript developers may find themselves working irregular hours on certain projects, outside 9-5 or even at weekends. That being said, the pay for specialists is high and compensates for unsocial hours.