JavaScript is a programming language that is used to make webpages more interactive and dynamic. It was developed in 1995 by programmer Brendan Eich. Before the creation of JavaScript, webpages were just a collection of text and images. On its “What Is JavaScript (JS)” page, Amazon Web Services explains, “Historically, webpages were static, similar to pages in a book. A static page mainly displayed information in a fixed layout and did not do everything we now expect from a modern website.” It says that JavaScript fundamentally changed what was possible in a webpage, stating, “JavaScript emerged as a browser-side technology to make web applications more dynamic. Using JavaScript, browsers could respond to user interaction and change the content layout on the webpage.” Today, JavaScript is used for a significant percentage of webpages.
What Can You Do with JavaScript Training?
JavaScript is a fundamental programming language, used in a significant percentage of webpages, applications, and games, so if you plan to work in programming or web development, you’ll probably need to learn this language. Stack Overflow conducts a yearly survey of developers, asking about the tools that they use, and JavaScript tops its list of most popular programming, scripting, and markup languages. This language is used by about 62 percent of developers. Stack Overflow states, “JavaScript has been a mainstay in the developer survey and on Stack Overflow since our first survey. The most popular programming language has been JavaScript every year we have done the survey except for 2013 and 2014.”
What Will I Learn in a JavaScript Class?
JavaScript
JavaScript has its own unique syntax, which is the way that words and phrases are arranged within this language. When you take a JavaScript class, you’ll learn that syntax and how to read and write with JavaScript. You’ll also learn about objects, methods, properties, variables, and functions, which are all important to understanding this language.
Libraries and Frameworks
There are several libraries and frameworks associated with JavaScript, which are likely to be covered in a class. Libraries and frameworks are collections of prewritten code that can help you accomplish many development tasks more quickly. jQuery and React are two popular JavaScript libraries, and Node.js and Angular are popular frameworks.
APIs
An Application Programming Interface (API) is a tool that allows communication between applications, and when you take a JavaScript class, you’re likely to learn about APIs. APIs are a fundamental part of working with JavaScript because they allow you to get data from external sources and integrate it into your webpage or application.
Debugging
No matter how carefully you write your code, you’re likely to make mistakes sometimes. Even a tiny error can mean that your code doesn’t work properly, so an important part of working with JavaScript is learning about debugging, which is the process of finding errors in your code and fixing them.
Problem-Solving
Problem-solving is a fundamental part of working with JavaScript or any coding language. For example, you’ll need to figure out the best way to complete specific tasks. You’ll also need to test your code and may find problems in it that need to be solved. Many JavaScript classes will cover problem-solving skills, for instance, teaching you how to break down your problems into smaller steps and think logically about how to solve them.
How Hard is It to Learn JavaScript?
Most people find that JavaScript is a relatively easy language to learn because it has a fairly simple and flexible syntax. This language also has a large and active online community that can be a great source of help for beginners and experts alike. If you already know another coding language, the JavaScript learning progress is likely to be easier. Regular practice will also help improve your skills and make you feel more confident, making the overall learning experience easier.
What Are the Most Challenging Parts of Learning JavaScript?
Even though JavaScript is easier to learn than some other coding languages, it can still be challenging. To learn JavaScript—or any new coding language—you’ll need to learn a new syntax and set of rules. If you’ve never learned a programming language before, you’ll also need to shift to a new way of thinking. All of this can be challenging. Experts advise focusing on the basics first, and mastering those before moving on to more complex skills. A live JavaScript class can also make the learning process a lot easier because you’ll get guidance from an expert.
How Long Does It Take to Learn JavaScript?
The length of time it takes to learn JavaScript depends on the level of fluency you’re looking to attain. Most people can learn the basics within a few weeks and be coding fairly comfortably within six months. If you want to use JavaScript at a professional level, however, it will take longer to learn. Many experts estimate that mastery takes a year or more. The learning process will also be influenced by how much experience you have, and how much time you devote to practice.
Should I Learn JavaScript in Person or Online?
JavaScript classes often come in both in-person and online formats. Each of these has its own advantages and disadvantages. The best format will depend on your unique situation. In-person classes tend to be the most engaging since they take place face-to-face. They may also have the least distractions because they run in a classroom that is dedicated to learning. Another advantage of learning in-person is that it’s often easy to interact with your fellow classmates, which can enhance the learning process and also lead to valuable networking opportunities. A disadvantage of online learning is that you need to commute to a classroom. Not only can this be inconvenient, but it means you’re limited to classes that take place nearby.
Live online classes are a popular alternative to in-person ones. They eliminate the need for a commute since all you have to do to attend is log in online. Like in-person classes, they are live and you can ask questions and get feedback on your progress. In some online classrooms, the instructor can even see and control your computer if you give permission. When you learn live online, you may also find that you have more class options, since you can attend from anywhere that you want. A disadvantage of this format is that you’ll need to provide your own equipment and software.
A third learning option is an on-demand class. This format is also online, however, it is not live. Instead, you work through pre-recorded material, going at your own pace. The biggest disadvantage to this format is that you don’t have access to a live instructor. An advantage is that you have a lot of flexibility because you direct the pace of your learning. In addition, on-demand classes are typically less expensive than live ones.
Can I Learn JavaScript Free Online?
The internet has numerous free JavaScript resources which can be useful if you’re just starting to learn this language, or if you’re thinking about learning it. You can use free resources to gain a better understanding of what JavaScript is and how it is used. Some coding schools offer free JavaScript resources. For example, Noble Desktop provides several free JavaScript resources, including several short, free videos on its YouTube channel. YouTube also has many short, free JavaScript videos on a variety of different topics. If you’re serious about mastering JavaScript though, you'll probably end up enrolling in a paid class where you’ll be guided through all the skills and concepts you need to know and can ask questions and get feedback and tips from a JavaScript expert. Many paid classes also include a certificate that you can use as evidence of your new skills.
Industries That Use JavaScript
As one of the most popular programming languages, JavaScript is used in many different industries. Any company that needs to provide engaging and interactive user interfaces is likely to use JavaScript. Tech, finance, healthcare, entertainment, marketing, and education are just a few of the areas where you’ll find this language. Many large companies use it, including PayPal, LinkedIn, eBay, and Netflix. Toronto is one of the largest cities in Canada and has many job opportunities that include using JavaScript. According to the City of Toronto website, Toronto is a global hub for technology. It says, “The city is home to the largest technology hub in Canada and third largest in North America, with 24,000 companies and 289,000 technology workers.”
JavaScript Job Titles and Salaries
JavaScript Developer
A JavaScript Developer uses JavaScript to create software and web applications. They may work alone or as part of a team. JavaScript Developers need to be proficient in JavaScript and its libraries and frameworks. In most cases, they also need to know how to use HTML and CSS.
They also need to be skilled in source control, responsive design, and debugging. JavaScript Developers need strong problem-solving and communication skills. Indeed reports that a Toronto JavaScript Developer earns about $150,000 yearly.
Web Developer
Web Developers create and maintain websites. Most are proficient in several coding languages, usually including JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. They also know how to use the libraries and frameworks associated with those languages, and they are skilled in responsive design and version control. Some Web Developers specialize in specific types of development such as front-end or back-end development. This job requires strong problem-solving and communication skills. According to Indeed, the average salary for a Web Developer in Toronto is $65,000 yearly.
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, test, and maintain a variety of types of software applications. Some specialize in specific types of design such as operating systems or video games. Software Engineers need to be good at coding and debugging, have good attention to detail, and have strong problem-solving skills. A Software Engineer in Toronto has an average annual salary of almost $86,000, according to Indeed.
User Experience Designer
User Experience (UX) Designers work to ensure that digital products such as applications and websites are as functional and user-friendly as possible. While JavaScript is not usually a requirement for this job, it is an asset. Other skills that UX Designers need include expertise in wireframing, user research, and design. Communication skills and empathy are also necessary. According to Indeed, a UX Designer in Toronto earns about $146,000 yearly.
JavaScript Classes Near Me
Seneca Polytechnic runs a JavaScript class through its Part-Time Studies program. This course covers essential JavaScript concepts and constructs. Students will learn about selection, sequence, variables, objects, and arrays. They will learn to write programs with JavaScript and also learn about good programming style. Seneca Polytechnic has multiple campuses in the Toronto area.
NobleProg is an international training company that offers onsite live JavaScript classes for residents of Toronto. Its JavaScript Basics class covers fundamental concepts, including reference types, object-oriented programming, anonymous function, browser object model, document object model, events, and debugging. There is also a NobleProg class called JavaScript—Advanced Programming, which covers more advanced concepts like design patterns.
Another JavaScript training option is the Front-end Developer Course with JavaScript, which is offered by Lighthouse Labs, which has multiple Canada locations, including one in Toronto. This is a multi-week course where students learn to build and style landing pages and websites with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Students will also learn to use jQuery and will learn about responsive design. This course comes with one-to-one mentor support.
Noble Desktop is a coding and design school based in New York City, and it runs both in-person and live online JavaScript classes. This school is licensed by the New York State Education Department. All classes come with a certificate of completion and the option of a free retake within one year. The JavaScript Development Certificate is a multi-week class designed to provide the skills you’ll need for a career in web development. You’ll learn the fundamentals of JavaScript programming. You’ll also learn to use React and Node.js to create dynamic web applications, work with databases using MongoDB, and create APIs with Express.js. In addition, you’ll learn how to create a JavaScript runtime environment, and you’ll learn about JavaScript types and management. Throughout the course, you’ll work on projects that you can include in your portfolio. In addition, you’ll get eight one-on-one mentoring sessions that you can use to get extra help with challenging topics, or for resume and job search advice.
Another certificate option is the Full-Stack Web Development Certificate. In 2024, this course was awarded Best Full-Stack Developer Bootcamp by Forbes Advisor. In this program, you’ll learn how to code, create, and maintain web applications. Instructors will cover front-end skills including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. They will also teach you how to use the MERN tech stack for building web applications, including managing databases and working on server-side development. The class also covers deployment and version control, and you’ll work on real-world projects that you can include in your portfolio. Ten one-on-one mentoring sessions are included.
Noble Desktop also runs a JavaScript Programming Bootcamp, which is a multi-day course that covers the essentials of JavaScript programming for creating web applications. Covered skills include variables, conditional logic, functions, DOM manipulation, arrays, loops, async events, APIs, OOP, and 3D libraries. The goal of the class is to give students the skills they need to work on practical web design projects. Another JavaScript option is a short class called JavaScript for Front-End, where you’ll learn about variables, loops, arrays, and functions, and how to use free pre-made JavaScripts. You’ll also learn to animate any content on a webpage.
JavaScript Corporate Training
JavaScript is used in many different industries and having employees who understand this language can be an asset to almost any company. If you’d like to train your employees in JavaScript, Noble Desktop offers corporate JavaScript training. Instructors have both teaching experience and experience using JavaScript in the real-world. They can run either onsite or live online training sessions, with a variety of flexible scheduling options available. Employees will leave the training with a variety of support materials such as handouts and access to training videos, that will help reinforce what they have learned.
You can also train your employees by buying vouchers for Noble’s regular group training classes and letting employees enroll individually. With this option, you can choose which classes are available to your employees. Noble offers a discount with bulk voucher purchases. For more information about corporate training options, or to schedule a free consultation, email Noble Desktop.