Hi, readers! During these tough and difficult times of pandemic we all have changed tge way we lived before. Despite this unpleasant world’s issue, I consider that this is a perfect possibility to improve some of your already existing skills or to learn something brand new. So, why not observe one of the best possible variants in order to gain some new experience – to come closer to the universe of software engineering? Here we go: how to become a JavaScript developer?
JavaScript: brief overview
Java is the most popular and one of the most powerful programming languages. Security, mobility and reliability are all about Java. It is suitable for many purposes and is used almost everywhere. You can use Java to create software, computer games, and mobile applications. What is more, it has not given up its positions in the IT field for more than 20 years, and it continues to gain popularity, still creating a huge demand for Java developers.
JavaScript is an object-prototype programming language that is mostly used in web development.
How does JavaScript work?
Unlike most server-side programming languages, JS refers to the client side and it means that it is processed on the client side, namely by the interpreter of the user’s browser.
What JavaScript is used for?
As I have already mentioned, JS is used mainly to work on the front-end side. More specifically, JS is used to control the browser window, to change the content of a document when accessing the DOM, and to handle various situations that are occurring on the page.
Why is Java cool?
Back in 2016, Java took first place in the number of employees in the IT field and the number of most in-demand programming languages. Java still continues to be in trend.
Java is used in many industries: website development, super-stable and high-performance servers, Android development, and even home software development.
Who can become a Java Developer?
Actually, anyone can become a Java specialist. It is much more difficult to teach a person with poor soft-skills (good communication, teamwork, self-criticism, self-motivation, etc.) than a well-trained technical person.
Of course, the advantage of working with JavaScript is the ability to think outside the box, the desire to work a lot overtime and, as an additional plus, you will absorb a lot of knowledge from various sources.
How popular are Java programmers?
Nowadays, there are many companies around the globe, including outsourcing, that provide software development services. And they all need specialists, including Java programmers. The programmers themselves say that even if Java dies tomorrow, even in 30 years there will be a huge number of projects that will require refinement, improvement and bug fixing.
What should a Java developer know and be able to do?
A Java developer may be different in his skills, but a great Java developer should feel confident in Java Core. Java Core is the core of Java, the basics and advanced features of Java without the use of external libraries, ready-made solutions, etc.
A developer that works with Java and who creates products for web development, in addition to skills in working with Java Core, must feel confident in working with databases as well as with HTML / CSS.
To be honest, this knowledge is supposed to be enough basics, but knowledge of such frameworks as Angular, React, etc. will be a huge plus in the interview and in everyday work.
Also, there are such concepts as Full Stack Java Engineer and Backend Java Engineer.
Fullstack should know all of the above and at least Java Core. IT companies are usually looking for “Javaists” who know Spring (a set of ready-made solutions for development in Java)
Back-end specialists have to have enough knowledge of Java Core + Spring. He or she doesn’t need to know HTML / CSS / Javascript, but it will be a plus if there are relevant tasks during the projects and in case when the engineer can handle it.
A developer in Java for Android must have a good set of skills of Java Core, XML (a special language on which the user interface is built on Android mobile devices) and have at least basic skills with the Android SDK (Software Development Kit, Android development kit)
What differs a Java developer from others?
Java developers are considered as so-called hipsters and that’s what sets them apart in the world of development. In fact, there is no sharp difference, because if you know Java, then:
– in a short time you will be able to master similar languages as C # or C ++ (with “pluses” it will take more time)
– knowing the development for Android, a Java specialist will be able to switch to the development for iOS quite quickly
– having experience with the server part, you can transfer the principles of development to another language or technology (for instance, Python, Ruby, PHP, etc.)
What are the career growth opportunities and prospects of Java developers?
I will discuss this question as an example of my own experience.
Firstly, I started my way as a Fullstack Java engineer with a basic knowledge of Spring, and good skills in HTML / CSS / Javascript (including such an ancient framework as Backbone)
Then me and my team wrote applications for desktop computers and the web on GWT (Google Web Toolkit) technology, where everything is written in Java.
After that I was able to quickly switch to C# and spend some time working on the project on .NET and in parallel developing games on Unity3D (also C#).
When I had some spare time, I worked a lot and released two applications for Android, also written on Java.
Then I switched from Android to iOS (Swift language) and after the first quarter of work in parallel I supported and developed the project on two mobile platforms.
I am currently developing two projects, one on Android (Java) and Xamarin (Mobile development for multiple platforms in C#)
At the same time, my startup has a mobile application for Android, iOS, the whole server was previously written in NodeJS (Javascript), now it runs on Spring (Java) using the MongoDB database.
Accordingly, my career growth followed the standard path. Trainee → Junior → Intermediate → Senior → and, as a result, in six months I will become a software architect and in fact language or technology will no longer play any role in my job.
At the same time, a developer in Java can pass two external OCA and OCP certifications, which are equal to the Intermediate and Senior positions in many companies. And in order to pass them, you need to have a deep understanding of Java Core and work with databases in Java.
How much does a Java programmer get?
Talking a bit about money, the salary level of a Java programmer depends on the company where he works, and mainly on the customers who are in the company. The professional level of the programmer and his experience also plays a role. Junior earns less than Middle Developer, and he is, in turn, inferior in salary to a Senior-level developer.
Where to study for a Java programmer?
An amazing fact that may make you feel cool is that you can become a Java programmer without higher education. You can study all the theory and practice yourself. To do this, use online programs, video tutorials and courses. The best option will be to find an experienced mentor or teacher.
However, if you want to get a good base, choose from universities that offer lectures in “Information Technology”.
Also, to start working according to your specification, you can complete the course “Java Programmer”.
There are many resources that can help you to get up quickly and learn Java more confidently. There are also many practical tasks, etc. (for example, http://codingbat.com, http: //codewars.cometc).
Conclusion
To sum up, there are a lot of prospects in the work of JavaScript developers. The main thing is to work hard and not to procrastinate, because while you are in the position of Junior, someone already gets Senior and bites off a bigger piece of cake. Also find web developers experienced on marketing websites and mobile apps on Ramotion-web.