Why Learn JavaScript? A Guide for Beginners

Once you have decided that you want to learn how to code, the next step is to choose a programming language to begin your learning journey. During your research you’ve likely come across JavaScript, the backbone of the internet.

If you are you considering JavaScript as the gateway language to your programming journey, this post will help you make your final decision. Your choice can significantly shape your career, creativity and the way that you solve problems.

It's been reported that ~98.7% of websites use JavaScript for dynamic content and advanced features1. JavaScript is not just popular — it’s essential.

The purpose of this piece, is to outline reasons why JavaScript stands out, what it can offer you as an emerging developer, and also highlight some of its potential flaws.

Armed with this information, you will be better equipped to decide if committing to JavaScript is the right choice for you.

Why JavaScript?

Javascript is well known for its versatility and ubiquity in the tech world. In recent decades, the evolution of this popular language has become fundamental to the explosive growth of the internet. JavaScript has become an indispensable tool for modern developers shaping the digital landscape.

From enhancing websites dynamic functionality, to powering complex server-side software applications, JavaScript’s presence is extensive.

Let’s explore why it might be a good fit for you — and consider the limitations to ensure that you’re making a well-informed decision.

Wait, Not Sure What JavaScript Is? Start Here!

If you're completely new to programming, or unsure what JavaScript even is, consider reading my previous post “Why Bother Learning Programming Anyway?” to understand the context of this discussion better.

For a deeper exploration of which programming language to start with, check out “Which Programming Language Should I Consider Starting With?“. These resources will help you make informed decisions as you begin your programming journey.

An Important Note

While I do have a professional bias towards JavaScript — having spent a good chunk of my career working with it and its associated tech stack — my intention here is to help you make an informed decision for yourself and your specific goals.

JavaScript’s Role and Impact

JavaScript is a programming language that continually adapts and evolves, opening doors for developers across nearly every sector of the tech industry. It’s evolution is fuelled by it’s wide spread and varied adoption by developers the world over.

Deeply embedded into the backbone of a staggering amount of modern websites, JavaScript has entrenched itself as a key player in the tech industry.

JavaScript’s versatility is tightly coupled with its ubiquity; It’s multi-purpose nature emerged as a direct by-product of it’s sustained use over many years.

Think of JavaScript as a Swiss Army knife in your programming toolkit. One that is versatile enough to solve a wide variety of problems.

Versatility and Opportunities

The multipurpose nature of JavaScript makes it an excellent choice for those who are new to programming. Whether you are undecided about your particular tech career path or seeking a versatile skill set, mastering your craft in JavaScript will open you up to many different pathways:

• Web Development

• Frontend Engineering

• Mobile App Development

• Server-side Development

• Automation and Scripting

• Automated Testing

Whether you're aiming to build a career in tech or focused on creating your own applications, JavaScript is a solid choice for both of these goals.

Beginner Friendly

Compared to other complex programming languages, JavaScript is considered to have a far gentler learning curve.

JavaScript is classified as a "high-level" programming language, which means that it is designed to be easily readable by humans, using common constructs from natural language that provide a sense of familiarity.

Unlike "low-level" languages that are closer to machine code and can be more challenging to understand, high-level languages like JavaScript are simpler to grasp, making it more accessible and easier to manage for new developers.

Working with JavaScript provides real time results during the development process. As you write code, you will receive instant feedback. For a new programmer, this immediate visual response and the ability to see your code's output in real time can make the abstract parts of programming easier to comprehend.

This familiarity to natural language and instant gratification while coding will help you stay motivated as you navigate the novice stages your learning journey.

Accessibility

I would argue that JavaScript is one the most accessible programming languages. It is open source, relatively straightforward to learn, and it is supported by a robust, engaged community.

Due to its wide spread adoption, the number of active JavaScript developers is in the millions. The larger the participation in any community, the more resources become available. There is strength in numbers.

There is an abundance of resources, frameworks and libraries available to assist you as you learn and grow as a JavaScript Developer. Examples include React for building immersive user interfaces, Node.js for server-side programming and countless tutorials and community forums.

The number of quality courses and materials produced by passionate developers is awe-inspiring. This wealth of resources means that you are far more likely to find materials that resonate with your personal learning style, resulting in a more engaging and effective learning experience.

What are the flaws of JavaScript?

No programming language is without its challenges and JavaScript is no exception.

Weirdly, a few of the reasons I outlined above which make JavaScript unique and so widely used, are also some of the reasons why JavaScript can be a pain to use and work with.

• Inconsistencies: JavaScript has some quirks and inconsistencies that can be confusing to beginners. Due to its rapid evolution, there are some oddities that have persisted in the core of the language.

• Overwhelming Ecosystem: The amount of libraries and frameworks that are available can be daunting even for seasoned developers. Constant change in these areas result in a JavaScript developer needing to be continually learning to stay up to date.

• (Potential) Performance Issues: There may be some use cases which require heavy computation, which JavaScript will not be well suited for compared to other programming languages.

Examples of JavaScript Being Used In the Real World

Evidence of JavaScript’s versatility and popularity is littered across the digital landscape.

From powering the dynamic user interfaces of the worlds most popular platforms like Facebook and Google, to powering immersive features in apps like Instagram and X.

The utility of JavaScript is not limited to the big players. It is widely used by smaller companies and startups, who leverage JavaScript to bring their creations to life.

For example, React is a JavaScript library that was written and is maintained by Facebook. It is used to build dynamic and innovative user interfaces. Meanwhile, Node.js, a JavaScript runtime, enables full-stack development and it has been a core part of many platforms like Netflix and LinkedIn.

JavaScript's role is not limited to web development. It has an ever-expanding presence in the mobile application development space as well as sectors like IoT and automation. It's applications are broad and it has the potential for powering many future technologies.

My Experience

My first programming language was C#. This was not the best fit for me when I was starting out, and I found myself struggling with it initially. My primary reason for learning how to code was to build my own software products.

When I discovered JavaScript and realised it can be used to build across the stack, it changed the trajectory of my career.

I built a successful career in the tech industry based on a skillset rooted in the JavaScript tech stack. It is what I know best, and the reason why I love teaching it.

The Bottom Line

If the benefits outlined in this post appeal to you, and you feel ready to dive in. Do not hesitate.

Yes, this is an important decision to make. Don’t allow yourself to get bogged down by overthinking and hesitation.

Decide, commit and then embark on becoming the best developer you can be. As with most things in life, it’s ultimately going to come down to what you make of it.

Remember that the programming journey is a flexible one, certainly not linear. Take comfort in the fact that once you master the basics in one programming language your ability to pivot towards and learn additional languages, becomes exponentially easier.