How Long Does it Take to Learn JavaScript?

How Fast Can You Learn JavaScript?

Written by: App Academy

Published on: January 3, 2024

What is JavaScript?

JavaScript is a high-level, interpreted programming language that’s fairly easy to understand and execute. That’s why, along with Python, it’s one of the first programming languages that novices often learn.

This language is used primarily for web pages and provides interactivity and dynamic elements that can’t be achieved with HTML or CSS alone. While HTML and CSS provide browsers with direction for how to display a website through defined characteristics like the header, descriptions, etc., while JavaScript executes real-time features that update without a visitor having to refresh their browser. Two of the most common examples you may have come across on the web are interactive maps and scrolling videos.

JavaScript is also well known for its versatility. It can run in a browser, on a server, or on virtually any device that has a JavaScript engine.

How Does JavaScript Compare to Other Programming Languages?

Like other languages, JavaScript has variables, operators, data types, and functions. However, its dynamic and loosely typed nature sets it apart. It’s similar to languages like Python in its simplicity and readability, but differs in the way it handles object-oriented programming. In some aspects, JavaScript is similar to Ruby in its object handling and function closures.

Here is a list of five popular coding languages and their primary characteristics to help you differentiate:

LANGUAGECHARACTERISTICSJavaScriptDynamic, loosely typed, uses a prototype modelPythonHigh-level, interpreted, supports multiple coding paradigmsRubyDynamic, reflective, supports multiple coding paradigmsJavaObject-oriented, class-based, designed to be portable across platformsC++Low-level, compiled, supports multiple coding paradigms

Why Learn JavaScript?

JavaScript is not just another programming language — it’s a key driver of the modern web. This crucial communicator adds dynamic, interactive elements to otherwise static HTML pages. As to why you should learn it? Here are several benefits to knowing JavaScript.

What Can You Do With JavaScript?

From building interactive websites to developing complex web applications, JavaScript is everywhere. Its role in front-end development is well known, but with the advent of Node.js, JavaScript has also established a strong presence in back-end development. It’s used to create real-time network applications, browser-based games, and even develop mobile applications with frameworks like React Native.

With JavaScript, you can also:

Add interactivity to a website to make it more UX and UI friendly
Update and change HTML and CSS
Create dynamically updating content
Calculate, manipulate, and validate data
Animate images and create 2D and 3D graphics
Control multimedia
Build comprehensive, database-driven apps
Build games

Learn More: What is JavaScript Used For?

Jobs That Use JavaScript

In today’s digital world, JavaScript is important for many careers, including software engineering. It’s used in front-end web development, back-end development, full-stack development, and mobile app development. It’s also crucial in fields like data science and machine learning, thanks to libraries like TensorFlow.js. Website administrators, quality assurance, and many more programming-related jobs also use JavaScript regularly.

That makes JavaScript especially important to learn for anyone looking to enter the field of programming, no matter the particular specialty. This also means there’s a lot of opportunity for those who have experience in JavaScript, giving you many career options and companies to choose from.

In addition to that, JavaScript programming can be a lucrative career choice, with salaries hovering between $130,000–$168,000, depending on your location.

JavaScript Popularity

Consistently remaining among the top developer languages, JavaScript is one of the best coding languages for developers to learn. Its ubiquitous nature means that there are continuous updates and developments of new frameworks and libraries, not to mention the large supportive community.

Cross-Platform Development

When paired with platforms such as React Native, JavaScript can be used to develop applications for nearly any platform. Windows, iOS, MacOS, Linux, and Android are all compatible with this code language, which means you have a broader range of job opportunities and the kinds of projects you can take on when you know JavaScript.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML)

Although Python is the dominant language used in AI, JavaScript is making inroads to AI and machine learning through libraries like TensorFlow.js and Synaptic.js. This additional knowledge can give you a competitive edge when applying for jobs.

Freelancing Opportunities

Because it’s used so widely, JavaScript knowledge allows you to take advantage of the high demand for developers in the freelance space. Individuals and companies of all sizes will contract with freelance JavaScript developers for one-off and ongoing projects. Bonus: this helps you build your programming portfolio. Or you can even turn JavaScript freelancing into your own business.

Classes Are Affordable (and Sometimes Free)

Learning JavaScript has never been more accessible, with an abundance of resources available online including tutorials, video courses, documentation, bootcamps, and more. There are even dedicated JavaScript classes that are free (or very affordable).