JavaScript developers are some of the most in-demand tech professionals these days. The language can be used for a range of purposes, although it’s most commonly associated with creating interactive elements on frontend development. It’s fairly easy to learn, and if you already know HTML and CSS, the learning curve will be even smaller.
Whether you’re looking for JavaScript development services to help you create your next product or considering learning the language yourself, here are some skills all JavaScript developers should have.
Up-to-date knowledge of the language
With frequent updates, trends, and news, it’s important for JavaScript developers — and really any professional — to stay up to date with the language and its goings-on. You should also stay abreast of developments in the world of coding in general. To do so, you might subscribe to tech and programming publications and newsletters, create email alerts, read forums about JS, scan Twitter for insights, or use other methods.
Frameworks
React, Angular, and Vue are three of the most popular frameworks for implementing JavaScript. There’s plenty of argument as to which is the best, but no matter what your preference, all JavaScript developers should familiarize themselves with at least one of these frameworks. Doing so will save you time and streamline the development process, because you’ll have reusable code to customize, rather than inventing the wheel.
Environments
More specifically, you should also learn Node.js. This environment will allow you to write both the backend and frontend of websites and applications in JavaScript. This is especially important for JavaScript developers who are full-stack, meaning they work with both the server and the user side. Node.js is easy to learn and implement, scalable, and customizable. And like JavaScript, it offers plenty of support and a large community.
Design
You may think that you’re a programmer who doesn’t need to worry yourself with the aesthetics of your product. Or, if you’re working with onshore or offshore JavaScript development services, you might assume design strictly falls under the purview of the graphic designer or UX designer.
But JavaScript developers, particularly those working with the frontend of your product, need to be able to work closely with the designers to execute the client’s vision. As a developer, you’ll be advising on what’s feasible and communicate effectively with both your team members and the client. Knowing basic design concepts is essential for this.
HTML/CSS
Together with JavaScript, HTML and CSS are responsible for coding the frontend of a product. Chances are, you already know these languages if you know JS. But if you don’t, it’s important to review the basics. They will help you do everything from customizing fonts to creating paragraph breaks. For JavaScript developers, these are basic yet necessary functions.
Testing and debugging
Testing is essential for JavaScript development services. There is a wide array of easy-to-use tools available for both unit and end-to-end testing. They will help you debug your product during the development phase, as well as ensure that it’s functional and usable.
JavaScript development companies will likely have quality assurance (QA) testers on staff to assess the final product for bugs and defects, as well as overall usability and performance. However, the JavaScript developers themselves must be responsible for testing components and features during the development phase.
Soft skills
In addition to these technical skills, there are also plenty of soft skills: interpersonal, non-quantifiable attributes that are not industry-specific that JavaScript developers should have. They include:
• Communication: For JavaScript development outsourcing, for example, teams will need to communicate with clients and stakeholders, keeping them apprised of the project’s progress and more.
• Problem-solving: When issues arise, both within the coding process and concerning other matters, you must be able to come up with solutions quickly.
• Collaboration: Most JavaScript developers work in teams. Even if they don’t, they must be able to collaborate with stakeholders during the project.
• Adaptability: Projects often don’t go as planned. JavaScript developers must be able to change direction and adapt at the drop of a hat.
If you’re considering using JavaScript development companies for your project, make sure to find evidence of these skills in portfolios, reviews, and more. If you or someone on your staff has knowledge of the language, you can also interview candidates about these competencies. After all, you’re entrusting a lot of responsibility to these professionals, so it’s important to know how they’re going to approach your project.
