Become a Modern Frontend Developer in 2021 with JavaScript

 

JavaScript is a dynamic scripting computer language that has seen a surge in its popularity over the years to become one of the most commonly used programming languages. JavaScript development companies can implement most of the complex features on a given web page and make it perform many more important tasks than simply displaying static information. From dynamically updating content and controlling every kind of multimedia to installing interactive maps and even animating 2D or 3D graphics, hiring a JavaScript developer offers the complete package.

 

JavaScript has become one of the most trending languages in 2020 and businesses – whether big corporations or small start-ups – are going to the lengths of hiring remote JavaScript developers to meet the growing demand. Let’s see what this technology has in store for us:

 

Reasons for Popularity of JavaScript

 

With more and more businesses hiring JavaScript programmers, let us understand the potential of the language. The core client-side JavaScript programming consists of various features that allow programmers to achieve the following competencies:

 

·       Store important and useful information inside variables.

·       Operate on strings (pieces of text).

·       Run codes in case certain events take place even in a specific order on a web page.

 

So, when certain information is provided or the occurrence of certain events is confirmed on the client side, the above features can come into play. The functionality built on top of client-side JavaScript language presents the user with a myriad of options. Application Programming Interfaces (commonly known as APIs) provide the business owner with many more options to use in the JavaScript code. These APIs provide a ready-to-use code that can perform certain functions and can be easily incorporated within a programme.

 

The APIs can further be divided into two categories –

 

·       The Browser API

·       Third-Party APIs

 

The browser APIs are already built into the web browser and are able to expose data from the surrounding computer environment to do useful complex tasks. For instance,

 

• The DOM API allows a user to manipulate HTML and CSS. The user can use this API to create, remove, or change the HTML and dynamically apply new styles to a particular page.
• The Geolocation API helps retrieve  geographical information for the web page. Google Maps use this API to find current location of a user.
• The Canvas API allows users to create animated 2D or 3D graphics. Websites can make use of this API to produce some very creative, engaging, and interesting graphics for users.
• Various Audio and Video APIs allow users to create some very interesting content with multimedia. A web page can make use of these APIs to include functions like playing an audio or video in a web page, grab a video file from your web camera to display on someone else’s screen, and more.
  
  

Third-Party APIs are not intrinsically a part of the browser by default. They are, as the name suggests, developed by third party developers and are available to use for free or for a small amount. A JavaScript developer simply has to take the code and information and add it into his own code for the web page.

 

There are many interesting and useful third-party APIs available, and a dynamic and active community of JavaScript developers keeps updating this list with new inventions.

 

Third party APIs can be simply added to the original line of code and improve the functions performed by the web page, like displaying your latest tweets on your website, displaying snippets from your blog on your home page, embed custom maps in your website, and more.

 

Becoming a Skilled JavaScript Developer in 2021

 

With the ever-increasing popularity of JavaScript and the increasing number of businesses opting for it to create their websites, this is the right time to upgrade and better your programming skills to cash in on the trend. In order to become a modern front-end JavaScript developer in 2021, the following points need to be borne in mind:

 

1.     The Application Context

 

JavaScript can be effectively applied in almost every situation. There is a large library of contexts where JavaScript can be useful and it can redefine the way technology is used or applied for that purpose. While the language and its syntax remains the same, but with the knowledge of the common patterns and key concepts, a programmer can easily master the context and the frameworks that are required to realize a product.

 

If the programmer uses Electron, he should take care of installations, dependencies, and hardware support. If the programmer uses Ionic, he needs to supplement his skills with a good knowledge of mobile device hardware, layers, and display screen resolutions as well as portability. Additionally, the programmer needs to understand the key differences that separate iOS from Android. So even with the same language, frameworks and tools can vary a lot. The most important thing that a developer needs to take care of is the application context in its entirety.

 

2.     ECMA Script Versions and Frameworks

 

JavaScript has come a long way and has changed over time to include different standards that require different JavaScript solutions. the language specifications greatly depend on the context of the web page to be built. Browsers need supporting systems in order to allow the code for specific features to function in the most efficient manner. There are a number of frameworks that use TypeScript to allow more freedom to code without worrying about support as they make use of Rx and polyfills to make the code work. Angular is an example of this kind. As a developer, if you are aware of the basic differences between pure JavaScript, jQuery, Angular, TypeScript, and other ECMAScript versions, you can achieve more and save time.

 

3.     Always Make Use of the Best IDE

 

As JavaScript development has become more complex with time, it is difficult to code with UltraEdit, BBEdit, or Sublime. These tools work well for small projects, but as the size of the product increases, these tools cannot be used. If the code is written in NodeJS, Angular, React, or Ionic, these texts do not provide any useful feature as they do not work towards the goal. It is essential, therefore, to use the IDE that you are comfortable with and has a good debugger as well as lint and syntax helpers. This tip can help you save precious time, make the coding process fun and hassle free, and ensure that the right results are obtained.

 

4.     Organize Your Code

 

One of the most important advice that can be given to any JavaScript developer is to be as organized as possible. JavaScript has become a very powerful and complex programming language over time. It is excellent for coding for complex features in a web page, but can get confusing. Certain negative features of JavaScript, like insufficient support for object manipulation and management that leads programmers to struggle with prototypes, can become an irritant in a large programme. Since the language is so versatile and provides lightning-fast codes, these negative features do not get any weightage. In order to write the best possible code with JavaScript, it is important to not be in a rush. Keeping the big picture in mind while writing the code, and always being mindful of the design pattern will go a long way in helping you write a code that is effective, efficient, and professional.

 

Another important point to be kept in mind is that the code needs to be organized using the design patterns and errors need to be resolved on the spot. If the errors are ignored, they build up to a point where the app or page completely stops working and, owing to the interconnected nature of the code, is almost irreparable. The best way to handle JavaScript errors is by simply implementing try-catch blocks and create custom classes that represent custom exceptions. Once this step is done, you can simply put them together as required.

 

5.     Trust the JavaScript Superpowers

 

Believe in the new improved features of JavaScript and use the latest ECMAScript features and Rx-supported operators. This will not only let you code faster, but also improve the code readability and flexibility. Asynchronous code can be managed and even manipulated by using Promises and Observables. They may be hard to apply but they are encouraged as they provide improved possibilities. If the platform support is compliant, you can even make use of the web workers, dependency injection, SQLite interfaces, and more. Applying advanced techniques supported by JavaScript can help you build great apps that find favour with all types of audiences.

 

JavaScript has become a very advanced programming language over the years and it is essential to improve and upgrade your skills to match the current development requirements that clients can have. A modern JavaScript not only possesses complete understanding of how the language was being used previously, but is also constantly improving his skills to incorporate the latest techniques and libraries into the code that is created. With the right set of skills and knowledge, JavaScript codes can be made simpler, and yet more powerful.