Frameworks and JS Libraries

A library is a set of plugins and extensions that speed up the use of JS when developing a site. Using them helps reduce common multi-line operations to a structure that can be done with a few lines of code. A lot of them have been created. The most popular frameworks among developers have gained such frameworks as React, Vue.js, Angular. However, there is life beyond the Big Three.

Frameworks have their advantages and disadvantages, and it is very important to understand which platform is ideal for the project you are developing. However, you only need to start studying them when you have thoroughly understood all aspects of the language (JavaScript).

Versioning

Version control is the process of recording and controlling changes to source code. This is so that in case something goes wrong, you do not have to start over.

The version control system allows you to track previous changes and gives you the opportunity to return to a previous version of your work. It is also indispensable for teamwork on large projects. Git is one of the most used version control systems, and if you’re serious about web development, you need to learn how to use it.

Testing and Debugging

Testing is an important component of development. To ensure that the final version of your project does not contain errors that greatly upset users, you must definitely arrange a preliminary test drive for it and debug the code in problem areas.

The most common testing methods are: functional , unit . There are also Mocha and Jasmine development environments designed to speed up and simplify the testing process.

soft skills. Non-technical skills

Here are some of the non-technical skills an ideal front-end developer should have:

Creativity

Achieving the vision presented by the designers requires the ability to think creatively as there are usually several correct approaches to designing a functional and beautiful front end. After all, by and large, client-oriented development is an art form.

Communication and team work

You must be able to get along with the boss, other developers and the client. And also help others, know how to ask for help if necessary, competently optimize working time and be always ready for changes and innovations.

A responsibility

Here it is worth writing about the prompt solution of tasks and meeting deadlines. Remember: your reputation and earnings depend on how you feel about work.

Other qualities that a browser interface developer should have are highly dependent on the specific project and its requirements. With a little practice and self-awareness, most of them can be developed.

How to start the path in the profession?

At the very beginning of your journey, the list of front-end technologies required by employers in vacancies can be intimidating. So many abbreviations and unknown names, and when is it all to be taught? However, you should not be upset. Even an experienced developer does not have to know absolutely everything. In order not to beat around the bush for a long time, let’s immediately decide what you really need to start your career:

Start with the basics of HTML/CSS. Learn the specifications, practice adding elements to the page and styling them.

  • Learn about how the web works. What happens when you open a site in a browser, how the client-server model works, and what is the HTTP protocol.
  • Pick (and explore) a development environment or code editor (IDE). Of course, you can write in a notepad, but why, if there are many convenient specialized programs for these purposes.
  • Having studied the work with markup and styles, you can begin to master the programming language, in our case it is JavaScript.
  • Learn Git. It will take your coding skills to the next level.
  • Learn the basics of the popular framework. This will not only speed up your development at times, but also allow you to add a spectacular entry to your resume.
  • Do some study projects and build a portfolio out of them.
  • Of course, the list can be continued, but these seven points will be enough for a beginner to start. If it is difficult for you to study on your own, a smart decision would be to take courses with a mentor at one of the well-known IT academies. But this is not necessary, because there are many free materials on the Internet from publicly available sources – only the very desire to learn and the patience to bring everything to the end are important.

Prospects in the profession and salary

Looking at the typical salaries of a JS programmer in the screenshots above, you will draw your own conclusions. One thing is for sure: there is no easy money to be made in this industry. You must be attentive to details, understand the needs of the market and constantly improve yourself.

And then success will surely come to you. The road will be mastered by the walking one!

What to choose – frontend or backend

Front-end development – for those who:

  • Ready to communicate a lot about the product with those who are not involved in programming.
  • Wants to see the results of his work in the form of a specific interface.
  • Ready to update knowledge constantly and a lot.

Back-end development – for those who:

  •  Prefers more “technical” and mathematically complex programming, ready to understand algorithms.
  • Wants to communicate less with designers, marketers, and other non-technical professionals.
  • Ready for the fact that the result of the work will not be visible.
  • Wants to have more choice between different programming languages, technologies and fields of activity.
  • Wants to work with more stable technologies that do not change several times a year.

And you don’t have to choose – there are so-called full-stack developers who work with the frontend and backend at the same time. This requires you to study more information, but it allows you to write both the client and server parts of the application completely on your own. Often, newcomers who have not yet decided on become full stacks – so they can look at the work in general terms from all sides, and then go deeper and become a professional in a particular area.

Maria Fassi
http://spinelwebstudio.com

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