How much Javascript will I actually have to know/use in front-end development?

Question

So I am pretty good with HTML and CSS, and I finally started on JS. I'm most of the way done with the course here and theres still ALOT I dont understand; I am learning all this to build a portfolio and shoot for a web dev position. I've started making one using templates, but I was wondering how heavily I will I REALLY be using JS and what for? I'm a good way through my portfolio site and haven't used a bit of it yet, JUST HTML, CSS, and flash... I get the concept of how it works, but not the function?

Answer 1

Try to understand basics and fundamentals of programming and how you computer works with data. Also learn some discrete math and algorithms. Sign up on GitHub and read sources of other programmers projects. Then try learn JS from syntax, base construction and many practices of course. And then don't forget to grow everyday a little.

Answer 2

I was finding the JavaScript course here difficult to follow and found this Q & A very helpful.
Thank you. 😊

Answer 3

Let me note that I also know how to find code online as needed and plug it into a site, and then research why it works the way it does... I can plainly see why HTML and CSS are musts with web development on the front end, but I just don't see HOW its useful on the back end.

Answer 4

A good web dev position should know JS. There are so many flavors out there, but I would focus on the basics. In my opinion, it is something that can be learned on the job (meaning the more you use it the better you will learn it), but in the northeast of USA, I would think it would be hard to get hired as a web dev without at least a basic knowledge of JS.

Answer 5

@Michelle Dougenik

Thank you for the honest answer! I live in the Southeast in Atlanta (there are quite a few dev jobs down here, it seems!) and I think I do get it on a basic level. Part of me finishing (I have about 4 more hours of learning left probably until I'm done with the course) has to do with me wanting to be able to at least say truthfully that I have an understanding of it in interviews and on my resume. So focus more on HTML and CSS for right now?

Answer 6

This comment will probably get deleted, lol, but if you are only using SoloLearn to learn js, I highly suggest trying a different resource. I am on here refreshing my java skills so I have looked at the Java class and (through no fault of the creators) its just too complicated to teach in the way they have it.

Now I am a bit old school (I don't know all the JS flavors all the kids use these days), but I teach a Girls Who Code club to high school students and one of the resources used is KhanAcademy. It really explains the concepts very clearly and slowly. Maybe you can check them out? I think there are other good sites for learning JS but I can't think of them right now.

Last, if you haven't been to W3Schools yet, I prefer to go their for looking up (or diving deeper) on JavaScript concepts, because they show usage, examples and then have a built in editor to try for yourself. Keep going with HTML and CSS, but also put some JS in their too. I know CSS has come a LONG way towards interactivity, but unless you are developing static websites for customers, most web apps need to have some forms and logic. Find a project that interests you and try to do it in JavaScript. Its fun, I promise!

Answer 7

@Michelle Dougenik

Thank you so much! As someone who teaches a class, your word is golden, thanks! I'll hop on there tonight.

Answer 8

@Jennifer H

No problem! C: I thought something was up since it was making so little sense...

Answer 9

I've been studying on here and on w3schools. I have to say using both has made what I've learned so far much less confusing. I like the code playground here better for mobile. Now that I'm really getting into it, I'll have to try practicing with them on desktop. The advice I've seen repeated most often is to use multiple sources to learn from and that is probably the best advice you will get.