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The IT field is continuously improving and its evolutionary process never ends. A continuous improvement is therefore a key feature and programming languages, in an attempt to keep up with this endless race, often suffer the weight of a continuous improvement. However, it is such continuous improvement that highlights which languages are the winners of the digital age and which instead do not perform (or do not keep up the pace) as they should or as we would have expected. However, if you're wondering if we're going to declare a winner today, we won't. The truth is that every programming language (at least some of the most used and in-demand) is great for specific use cases. Python is usually mentioned among the most successful emerging programming languages and this is absolutely true. However, what is not usually emphasized is the area of application in which a programming language excels. Python is certainly one of the kings to sit on the throne but it rules and shines in areas such as data science, machine learning, AI and data analysis. What about creating an app? Or a website? Python can do it indeed and there are a plethora of libraries and frameworks specifically developed to create websites (such as Django) but according to experts, the undisputed king for such task is someone else.
History & development
According to Stack Overflow reports, JavaScript is the world’s most used language. Why? As specified by various statistics, 98% of websites are partly (or almost fully) written in JavaScript. But let's take a step back.
JavaScript (JS) was invented by Brendan Eich in 1995. It was developed for the popular web browser Netscape 2. Initially called "Mochan" and later "LiveScript", it was later renamed "JavaScript". During its first evolutionary phase, the syntax of JavaScript took in part inspiration from Java, with which they have very little in common except the name. Apparently, Brendan Eich, conscious of the Java dominance at that time, strategically picked a similar name to get marketing attention.
JavaScript was primarily designed for front-end web development, i.e. the client layer. Thanks to its simplicity, it has become the choice number one for creating dynamic and interactive websites. In recent years, thanks to the birth of the Node.js framework, JavaScript has finally expanded its boundaries: Node.js in fact allows users to apply JavaScript language outside a web browser, therefore, in addition to being applicable on the back-end, server layer, it can also be adapted to create applications and softwares. Some of the companies that make the most of the synergistic potential of JavaScript and Node.js are LinkedIn, Microsoft, Paypal, IBM and Netflix.
Job opportunities
The JS community is one of the most active and JavaScript and its frameworks, libraries and tools get substantial updates and improvements weekly. That is one of the reasons why JavaScript is among the most requested skills for programmers. As mentioned earlier, JavaScript is now the leader in web development and, together with Python, the demand for specialized profiles far exceeds the number of profiles currently available. As of now, LinkedIn demand for JavaScript Developers in the US exceeds 37,000 listings and 38,000 in Europe. According to DevSkiller statistics, collected in 143 countries, almost 40% of IT companies are looking for Junior profiles with JavaScript knowledge.
What about salaries? In Europe, salaries average just over €45,000 and almost $93,000 in North America, according to Glassdoor data. Salaries are obviously related to the level of knowledge of such profiles. Although JavaScript is mainly a front-end developer skill, adding further skills such as other programming languages, thus upgrading one's profile to full-stack developer, increases job opportunities and salary expectations.
Why should you learn coding?
Despite the learning curve misconception regarding programming languages - and leaving aside all the memes about the loneliness of programmers - learning a programming language is not a task for aerospace engineers. You don't have to be Albert Einstein or Elon Musk to learn Python, JavaScript or Solidity. But why should you learn coding?
- Competitive salaries: based on your skills, the amount of languages you know and the use cases for those languages, your salary will certainly be higher than the average salary. Some programmers earn more than $100,000 a year. So what are you waiting for?
- Coding and soft skills: a good programmer is a profile with skills that go beyond writing code. Being organised, having problem solving skills and being a team player. Even if programming won't be your main focus, having such experience helps building a solid CV.
- Numerous job opportunities: try to google JavaScript, C#, Python or any other programming language and you will be surprised by the amount of ads available. We are talking about dozens of thousands of ads. What if that job opportunity is on the other side of the world?
- Remote work: In the post-pandemic era, working from home is the new normal. It doesn't matter if your company is based in Italy, Germany, the United States or India. You will always have a chance to expand your work collaborations wherever you are.
- Flexible working hours: programmers work on a project basis. They surely have deadlines to meet but also the ability to manage their working hours. That allows a better work/free time arrangement. Such a luxury indeed.
- Express creativity: you don't have to be a musician, painter or sculptor to express your creativity. Learning a programming language is like learning English, German or Chinese. If you are studying English, once you have acquired the basic knowledge, nothing keeps you from becoming the new Shakespeare. Programming, once basic logic has been acquired, allows you to give life to softwares, applications, websites and much more. Endless possibilities!
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Sources:
https://insights.stackoverflow.com/survey/2020#technology-programming-scripting-and-markup-languages-professional-developers
https://careerfoundry.com/en/blog/web-development/javascript-developer-salary-guide/