JavaScript is a scripting language used to develop web pages, essential for creating interactive and dynamic user experiences online. Regardless of your familiarity with the term, you’ve likely engaged with features fully or partially powered by JavaScript, from simple animations to complex web applications.
This language’s versatility extends to various uses, including animating web page elements, validating form inputs, fetching and displaying data without refreshing the page, and building sophisticated web applications that operate seamlessly across devices. But what specific functionalities does JavaScript enable?
Let’s explore the types of things that JavaScript developers can accomplish and how they can help your business.
JavaScript’s Many Uses
JavaScript has remained a popular language due to its many applications. Let’s go over the most common JavaScript uses.
1. Interactive Websites
Before JavaScript, web pages were confined to basic HTML and CSS, making them static and lacking interaction outside of following hyperlinks.
JavaScript’s purpose for being developed was to provide web pages with a way to be dynamic. With its adoption, web pages became able to change content on the fly, add animations to elements, and play media such as music and video.
The main use of JavaScript is web development. It is used ubiquitously, and the World Wide Web wouldn’t exist as it is today without it.
2. Applications
An extension of websites, web applications also became very popular in recent years. Their ability to be used in browsers anywhere, no matter the platform, has made them an attractive option for developers looking for cross-platform mobile development.
Over the years, many JavaScript frameworks have surfaced to help developers create their applications and publish them to the web faster. Some examples include:
- AngularJS
- React
- Vue.js
- Node.js
- Ember.js
- Svelte
- Meteor
Most of these are focused on creating a front end for the application, but Node.js is a notable entry since it allows developers to create a back-end. This is important since it allows a web application to be fully developed using JavaScript solely as the programming language.
React also has React Native, which lets you use React primitives to develop native mobile applications. If you’re looking to develop a web application with the possibility of eventually developing native mobile versions, React is a great choice.
3. Games And Other Virtual Experiences
As web browsers are becoming ever more powerful in terms of rendering capabilities, graphics-heavy applications that were previously hard to run on a browser are becoming easier than ever to develop and deploy.
Frameworks such as Phaser have allowed game developers to create 2D interactive experiences that can run in the browser. As for JavaScript examples for 3D development, Three.js (library) and A-Frame (framework) are some popular options. These can also be used to make games and even AR and VR experiences.
Why Use JavaScript? Is JavaScript Really Needed?
JavaScript provides many features that make it extremely useful when dealing with dynamic content, which is a staple of modern web pages and applications. That’s why it remains as the most popular language, according to StackOverflow’s users, for both professional and hobby use.
It is especially important if you want to create any sort of dynamic web content. Despite its web-based origins, it has become a universal language that has many applications, and that can be used in just about any programming project.
The Pros and Cons of JavaScript
| Pros | Cons |
| Simple and easy to learn | Not easy to debug |
| Fast, interpreted language | Low client-side security |
| Works well with other languages | Lacks support for multiple inheritance |
| Lowers server load by working client-side | It can work differently depending on the browser being used |
Looking For JavaScript Developers? We Can Help!
JavaScript is an especially important language for web development, but it also has many uses outside of it. For that reason, it’s essential for any business to have someone or even a team proficient in JavaScript.
If you’re looking for developers to bolster your company’s ranks, then we’ve got the solution! DistantJob has access to many expert JavaScript developers and even framework specialists such as Angular developers, Vue.js developers, Node.js developers, and React developers, which are sure to fulfill your specific needs. We have a rigorous vetting process that matches your business with the most qualified candidates that fit your company’s culture. Interested? Get in touch with us today!
