What’s JavaScript Used For?

The 14th annual Stack Overflow Developer Survey dropped yesterday. The findings about AI use and distant work are extremely particular to the 2024 tech panorama. However there’s one information level that is still constant 12 months after 12 months: JavaScript is as soon as once more the most well-liked programming language. The language’s recognition and endurance stems largely from its versatility.

Whereas initially designed for front-end improvement, JavaScript’s intensive record of related libraries and frameworks have prolonged its utility. Now, you need to use it for absolutely anything — together with back-end, cellular, and sport improvement. Beneath, we’ll delve into the explanations behind the language’s recognition and its many functions.

In the event you’d desire to get proper into and begin studying the best way to code with JavaScript, try our Study JavaScript course.

What’s JavaScript?

JavaScript is a programming language that allows dynamic interactions on web sites. It’s a cornerstone expertise of the online, alongside HTML and CSS, and is important for creating interactive net functions. Novices typically begin with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to grasp the fundamentals of net improvement. Learn by the profiles of Codecademy learners and also you’ll discover that almost all of them select JavaScript as their first language.

Why is JavaScript so well-liked?

When it was first developed in 1995, JavaScript was meant to be a light-weight language used to make net pages extra dynamic. It added easy results, like exhibiting and hiding components with the clicking of a button — nevertheless it wasn’t lengthy earlier than builders realized that it might do rather more.

In time, JavaScript turned one of many few languages that could possibly be utilized in nearly each net browser. At the moment, most of these different languages have fallen by the wayside, leaving JavaScript as the one programming language that can be utilized in each well-liked browser.

The subsequent large break for JavaScript got here when builders began experimenting with it exterior of net browsers. They utilized it to the again finish of net servers, the place it processed the info utilized by the entrance finish. After the rise of smartphones, it discovered use in a number of cellular improvement instruments that create apps that run on each the Android and iOS platforms.

Enjoyable reality: Codecademy learners spent essentially the most time taking our JavaScript programs final 12 months, making it the favourite language within the bunch. In one other article, we discover extra of the explanations behind Javascript’s recognition.

What’s JavaScript used for?

JavaScript is utilized in each trade to create all kinds of functions. Let’s take a better take a look at its makes use of in net improvement, cellular improvement, sport improvement, and extra.

Entrance-end net improvement

Entrance-end builders use JavaScript (together with HTML and CSS) to create the components of an internet web page that customers see and work together with of their browsers.

Earlier than JavaScript, net pages solely served static content material. JavaScript gave builders the power to offer their customers with a dynamic net expertise, including animations and different interactive components. While you click on a button on an internet site, and a aspect panel opens or a modal slowly comes into view, that’s JavaScript at work.

However JavaScript does greater than that on the net. You may also use it to create single-page functions (or SPAs) that run on one HTML web page to present customers a easy navigational expertise.

Again-end net improvement

JavaScript can also be well-liked with back-end builders. Again-end net improvement (often known as server-side improvement) includes creating the code that runs on an internet server. When a browser hundreds an internet web page, it makes a name to a distant server. Server-side code then parses the web page’s URL to find out what the person is requesting earlier than retrieving and reworking the required information to serve again to the browser.

Node.js is a JavaScript framework generally used for back-end improvement — a lot in order that many back-end JavaScript builders discuss with themselves as Node.js builders.

Wanna attempt it for your self? Take your first steps into back-end improvement by studying the best way to create a back-end app with JavaScript.

Sport improvement

You may also use JavaScript to create 2D and 3D video video games that run in net browsers. As browsers get extra highly effective, web-based video video games are evolving past easy platformers. Now, JavaScript frameworks like Phaser.js mean you can create extra superior video games rapidly and simply proper out of your browser.

Cell improvement

For years, cellular builders needed to commit themselves to both Android or iOS, as every platform makes use of completely different programming languages. Android builders would be taught Java or Kotlin, whereas iOS devs most well-liked Swift or Goal-C.

Now, with the rise of cellular improvement frameworks like React Native and Ionic, you need to use JavaScript to create apps that run on each platforms.

Digital actuality (VR)

Digital actuality is a factor once more, as units just like the Oculus Rift and Valve Index have made it extra typically accessible. Now, you need to use JavaScript to create functions for each of them.

A-Body is a well-liked JavaScript framework used to construct digital actuality experiences in net browsers. In the event you’re concerned about constructing your individual VR functions, begin by Studying A-Body.

Synthetic intelligence (AI)

JavaScript can also be used to develop synthetic intelligence, as libraries like TensorFlow deliver the ability of machine studying to JavaScript builders. Builders can use these libraries to create machine studying fashions that predict future occasions primarily based on previous information and categorize information and pictures.

How lengthy does it take to be taught JavaScript

There’s no arduous and quick reply to how lengthy it takes to be taught a language, partially since you’re by no means actually completed studying. Like different languages, studying JavaScript can take a number of months to a 12 months. All Codecademy programs and paths are crafted for self-guided studying, providing you with the ability to set a tempo and schedule that matches your wants. Sometimes, we recommend investing anyplace from 5 to fifteen hours every week in coding if you wish to make a fast profession change — although bear in mind, everybody’s objectives, lives, and schedules are distinctive.

JavaScript code examples

Right here’s a easy JavaScript snippet that demonstrates fundamental syntax, together with variable declaration, a perform, and a loop:

// Declare a variable
let message = "Good day, world!";

// Perform to show the message
perform showMessage(msg) {
  console.log(msg);
}

// Name the perform with the variable as an argument
showMessage(message);

// Loop to show numbers from 1 to five
for (let i = 1; i <= 5; i++) {
  console.log("Quantity: " + i);
}

Study extra about JavaScript

JavaScript is not only a programming language used to create neat results in net browsers. It’s a well-respected, highly effective language that’s climbed to the highest of recognition charts over the previous three a long time.

JavaScript’s versatility and big selection of functions make it a useful addition to any developer’s tech stack.Prepared to begin utilizing it your self? Study its fundamentals in our introduction to JavaScript. Or, in case you’re searching for one thing extra superior, try our full record of JavaScript programs and tutorials.

This weblog was initially printed in Might 2021 and has been up to date to incorporate new information factors, programs, and particulars about JavaScript.