How To Become A JavaScript Developer: A Step-By-Step Guide

Updated 24 March 2023

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IT professionals use JavaScript (JS) to create interactive websites and web and mobile applications. JS developers build front-end and back-end applications, perform code analysis and ensure that the application works as intended. Learning how to become a JS developer can help you decide if you want to pursue a career in this field. In this article, we explain what a JavaScript developer is, outline their roles, responsibilities and skills and discuss how you can become a JS developer.

What Is A JavaScript Developer?

A JavaScript developer is an IT professional that uses JavaScript, a lightweight object-oriented programming language, in web development, building interactive web and mobile applications, games and server applications. Programmers use JS for the following reasons:

Speed: By reducing the time required to establish a connection with a server, JavaScript speeds up program execution.
Simple to use: JavaScript is easy to use and understand, which makes it easier for developers to implement complex solutions.
Interoperable: Due to its compatibility with other programming languages, many developers choose JavaScript to create applications.
Rich interface: Developers can use various features, such as drag-and-drop components and sliders, to create websites that are dynamic and engaging.
Versatile: Developers can use this language for both front-end and back-end development, which makes it versatile.

Related: What Is JavaScript?

Duties Of A JavaScript Developer

JS developers perform the following duties:

Develop and optimising a site's performance
Designing and developing user-facing features and user interfaces for multiple platforms
Designing and modifying complex applications
Assessing the feasibility of UI/UX designs
Conducting requirements analysis, code analysis, risk assessment, user interface design and quality assurance
Developing web applications in collaboration with front-end and back-end developers

How To Become A JavaScript Developer

Follow these steps if you want to become a JS developer:

1. Complete your 10+2 or higher secondary

You can pursue a career in JS development by clearing 10+2 or equivalent examinations from a recognised board. The study of physics, chemistry and mathematics is essential for those seeking a bachelor's degree. As an additional subject, you may choose to take computer science to learn the basics of programming and various concepts that you may require in the future.

2. Earn a Bachelor's Degree

JS developers typically have a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, information technology or a related field. Many employers prefer candidates with an Engineering Degree in Computer Science or IT, such as a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) or Bachelor of Engineering (BE). You can also consider getting a Bachelor of Computer Application (BCA) or Bachelor of Science (BSc) in computer science or IT. Make sure you research these courses thoroughly before enrolling.

3. Learn programming languages

After your graduation, focus on strengthening basic programming concepts, object-oriented programming, basics of HyperText Markup Language (HTML), Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) and the basics of web development. Learning these concepts can help you build a strong foundation for using JS in your projects. For a better understanding of JS, consider enrolling in courses, reviewing study guides and consulting the official documentation.

4. Enhance your skills

You can improve your skills with following these steps:

Obtain relevant certifications

Including relevant certifications can enhance your credibility and improve your employability. Some relevant certification courses are:

Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA)
Certified JavaScript Developer
CIW – JavaScript Specialist
Microsoft – Certified Solutions Associate

Stay up-to-date with recent technologies

Update your knowledge of the latest technologies and research areas. Here are some ways you can stay current with the latest developments:

Taking part in workshops, live events and seminars
Reading journal articles and research papers
Improving coding skills by participating in hackathons and coding events
Following the work of other professionals and industry experts
Staying up-to-date on existing frameworks and learning new ones
Developing mobile and web applications as part of mini-projects

Focus on improving your soft skills

Collaboration skills, leadership skills and the ability to foster a positive work environment are some qualities employers seek in candidates. Here are some ways you can improve your soft skills:

Learning through active participation
Enhancing your communication skills by taking additional courses
Adapting to workplace changes
Emphasising teamwork
Making improvements based on feedback

5. Create your resume

The professional summary section of your resume is a great place to list your skills. You can do this to give the interviewer a better understanding of your professional background and work experience. When describing your work experience, explain how your skills helped you achieve your goals. If you have no prior work experience, you can list the projects you completed as part of your coursework. You may include a link to your portfolio with your projects. By doing this, the interviewer gets a better understanding of your technical skills and can assess your suitability for the job.

Review the job description to be sure that you are adding skills and including keywords the employer may search for when reviewing resumes. For example, you can consider including keywords such as HTML, CSS, AngularJS, React, jQuery and JavaScript in your technical skills section.

JS Developer Skills

JS developers use a combination of hard skills and soft skills to advance in their careers. Their expertise may include JS tools, software design structures, data structures, coding and knowledge of various frameworks. Graduates in this field can also take additional certification courses to improve their skills. Here are some examples of skills that these professionals require:

Hard skills

Here are some examples of hard skills that JS developers use on the job:

Coding skills

It is essential for JS developers to have in-depth knowledge of the JavaScript framework, error handling techniques, data models, Data Object Model (DOM) creation and manipulation, event handling and front-end frameworks. Some front-end frameworks include:

jQuery
Angular
React
Node.js

JS developers can also benefit from the knowledge of asynchronous programming. Programmers use this concept to execute various tasks in parallel without having to wait for a task to complete before scheduling another one.

Client-side technologies

Professionals who specialise in client-side web development have better career prospects. By leveraging client-side technology, they can create visually appealing, user-friendly interfaces. Client-side technology includes languages such as:

HTML
CSS
JavaScript
Bootstrap

Budget design

By understanding budgets and finances, JS developers can implement cost-effective software development methodologies. This requires them to prepare a project budget to allocate necessary funds for resources, including people and technology. They are also responsible for monitoring the budget allocation and making sure that it does not exceed the set limit.

Soft skills

Here are some examples of soft skills that JS developers use on the job:

Communication skills

JS developers are responsible for presenting the finished product to non-technical audiences. Having excellent communication skills enables you to present the application and its functionalities to the client. As part of large projects, you may work with professionals from other domains to design and develop various solutions. Communication skills help you build trust among colleagues, improve teamwork and foster a positive work environment.

Time management

JS developers may work on multiple projects simultaneously. Some of their duties include developing software solutions, fixing bugs, maintaining existing projects and improving an application's style and usability. Organising their work well and completing tasks on time is easier when they have an effective time management strategy. They can effectively manage their time by setting priorities, creating to-do lists and delegating tasks.

Problem-solving skills

The ability to solve problems and create logical solutions is important for these professionals, as this skill often helps them complete complex projects and accomplish business goals. The steps in problem-solving include having a clear understanding of the requirements, conducting feasibility analysis, designing and developing software to solve the problem, testing the applications for bugs and deploying the solution for external use. This ensures that the solution meets the client's needs and functions as intended.

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