Introduction
Many beginners in the coding world find themselves at a crossroads, trying to decide which programming language to learn first. The default choices often are Python and Java, primarily because both are heavily marketed towards beginners, particularly in college programs. However, the choice of a programming language is crucial and can significantly impact the efficiency of learning. Wrong choices might lead to wasted time and slower progress towards one's goals. This article aims to explain why we vehemently recommend JavaScript (JS) for most beginners.
But first, let's talk about the specific cases in which you would learn other languages over JS.
When to Choose Other Languages
- Python: If you are absolutely certain that you want to delve into machine learning or data science, Python is the right choice, as it is the dominant language in these specializations.
- Java: Many larger companies, having been around for a long time, are still using Java for some of their backend applications. Therefore, Java is relevant to them, and we recommend considering it for those who are specifically determined to work on complex backend systems. That said, mastering backend engineering is quite challenging - and perhaps nearly impossible without massive amounts of work - for a beginner, who will struggle to replicate a large-scale system on their own. Starting with frontend and full-stack development is the path we recommend for most people, as it provides a more clear path to achieving a hirable level of skill (more on this later).
- Swift, Objective-C, Java/Kotlin: If you have a strong inclination towards mobile development (you'll probably want to specialize just one of iOS or Android), then these languages are the most suitable. Swift and Objective-C are relevant to iOS, and Java/Kotlin for Android. Still, Javascript is a competitive language for mobile development (more on this later).
The Case for JavaScript
As a beginner, it’s likely that you are still unclear on exactly what you want to do. It's hard to know before diving deeper into the coding landscape as a whole. Therefore, we strongly recommend JS due to its flexibility and broad application spectrum. With it you can build almost anything - from frontend to backend to websites to desktop apps to mobile apps and more. This is not the case for other languages, as Javascript is the predominant frontend language, and many other languages are meant for specifically desktop or mobile development. The flexibility of JS allows you to learn necessary skills while and specialize later on as you become more aware of your own interests.
Now we will expand on these points and provide yet other reasons why we recommend JS:
Frontend Dominance
JavaScript is the primary language for frontend development. Proficiency in JavaScript and its frameworks (we recommend React.js from a job quantity perspective) is indispensable for showcasing your skills through interactive and well-designed user interfaces.
It is extremely difficult to dive straight into backend engineering while avoiding frontend. Usually, in order to break into the industry, you will want to have some interesting projects to display. The majority of the time, this includes providing a nice visual interface for the viewer (ahem, a potential employer) to interact with your application.
Versatility
As mentioned before, you can build almost anything with JS - websites and cross-platform mobile apps with beautiful frontends and efficient backends. This contrasts with Python or Java, which are typically more specific to backend development. People who begin with these languages later realize they'll benefit from also learning JavaScript for frontend development. If you will likely have to learn JS anyway, and you can build almost anything with it, why not start with it?
As far as for mobile development, a JS-based framework called React Native allows you to build a mobile application for both iOS and Android in one go. Another popular language + framework combination is Dart + Flutter. Dart + Flutter is extremely similar to JS + React Native. So by learning JS + React Native, you're also almost adding Dart + Flutter to your skillset as well.
If you want to specifically be an iOS or Android developer, we'd recommend you learn the languages mentioned earlier that are specific to those platforms. But by choosing JS, you're not necessarily preventing yourself from being a mobile developer if you decide that's what you want later on.
Clear Path to Employment
Learning JavaScript offers a straightforward path to employment - HTML -> CSS -> JS & DOM Manipulation -> React.js -> Node.js. Once you reach a decent understanding of React.js, you can start applying to frontend positions. Trust me, having to learn just four technologies to become potentially employable is not bad in the grand scheme of things in this industry.
Faster to Gain Comprehensive Knowledge
Since JavaScript allows you to make full-stack applications, learners can spend less time learning multiple coding languages and more time understanding the many other crucial aspects of software engineering. Knowing more high-level coding topics will benefit you more as a beginner trying to break into the industry than knowing more languages. Such topics include databases, caching, deployment, scalability, reliability, security, system design, testing, continuous integration, cost analysis, agile processes, and more.
In other words, building impressive projects (that involve a lot of the above coding topics) is more important than being able to make smaller-scale things in multiple languages. This comprehensive understanding is beneficial both for your communication in interviews and ability to transition smoothly into your first role.
Lastly, learning another language is not too difficult a task for a good developer. Many jobs will hire you based on your abilities, knowing that you'll have to learn a new language and trusting that it won't take you too long.
Robust Job Market
For all the reasons above, Javascript is the most desired coding language in terms of number of job postings.
The JS community is dynamic and innovative, constantly releasing new exciting technologies for both frontend and backend development. This means that the job market for JS developers is not static but evolving as these new technologies will create future employment opportunities.
As far as developer popularity, JavaScript continues to be one of the most commonly used languages in the industry, with 64% of developers worldwide using it.
Conclusion
To recap, JavaScript stands out as the most versatile and beginner-friendly programming language, suitable for those who are yet to decide their specialization in tech. It offers a direct path to frontend development roles and equips learners with a broad range of skills necessary in the tech industry.
If you want help with learning Javascript, join my Facebook group, where you can get key insights from me and other professional developers and join live discussions with like-minded individuals.
That's all for now. Thanks for reading, and best of luck on your journey.
- Jared
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