Today's JavaScript situation
An Introduction: terminology and history
JavaScript (JS) is a high-level, dynamic programming language primarily used to create interactive and dynamic content on websites. It allows developers to add features like animations, form validations, interactive maps, and other user interface enhancements directly in the browser. Beyond the web, JavaScript is also used for server-side programming (using Node.js), mobile app development, and even desktop applications, making it a versatile and widely-used language in software development.
JavaScript was created in 1995 by Brendan Eich while he was working at Netscape Communications. It was initially called Mocha, then renamed to LiveScript, and finally to JavaScript to capitalize on the popularity of Java. Despite the name, JavaScript is not related to Java.
JavaScript was designed to be a lightweight scripting language that could run in web browsers, allowing for more interactive and dynamic web pages. It quickly became a core technology of the web, alongside HTML and CSS. In 1996, Microsoft introduced JScript, a similar language, to Internet Explorer to compete with Netscape.
To standardize JavaScript, the language was submitted to the European Computer Manufacturers Association (ECMA), which led to the creation of the ECMAScript standard in 1997. Over the years, JavaScript has evolved significantly, with major updates like ES6 (ECMAScript 2015), which introduced features such as classes, modules, and arrow functions.
Today, JavaScript is a versatile and widely-used language, not only in web development but also for server-side programming (with Node.js), mobile apps, and more. It remains a crucial technology for building modern web applications.
JavaScript was created in 1995 by Brendan Eich while he was working at Netscape Communications. It was initially called Mocha, then renamed to LiveScript, and finally to JavaScript to capitalize on the popularity of Java. Despite the name, JavaScript is not related to Java.
JavaScript was designed to be a lightweight scripting language that could run in web browsers, allowing for more interactive and dynamic web pages. It quickly became a core technology of the web, alongside HTML and CSS. In 1996, Microsoft introduced JScript, a similar language, to Internet Explorer to compete with Netscape.
To standardize JavaScript, the language was submitted to the European Computer Manufacturers Association (ECMA), which led to the creation of the ECMAScript standard in 1997. Over the years, JavaScript has evolved significantly, with major updates like ES6 (ECMAScript 2015), which introduced features such as classes, modules, and arrow functions.
Today, JavaScript is a versatile and widely-used language, not only in web development but also for server-side programming (with Node.js), mobile apps, and more. It remains a crucial technology for building modern web applications.
Pros and cons of JavaScript
1
Interactivity
JavaScript enables dynamic content, making websites interactive and engaging, which enhances user experience.
JavaScript enables dynamic content, making websites interactive and engaging, which enhances user experience.
2
Versatility
JavaScript can be used both on the client-side (in browsers) and server-side (using frameworks like Node.js), making it a full-stack language.
JavaScript can be used both on the client-side (in browsers) and server-side (using frameworks like Node.js), making it a full-stack language.
3
Wide Adoption
As a core technology of the web, JavaScript is supported by all major browsers, ensuring compatibility and a wide range of use cases.
As a core technology of the web, JavaScript is supported by all major browsers, ensuring compatibility and a wide range of use cases.
4
Large Ecosystem
A vast ecosystem of libraries and frameworks (e.g., React, Angular, Vue.js) helps developers build complex applications more efficiently.
A vast ecosystem of libraries and frameworks (e.g., React, Angular, Vue.js) helps developers build complex applications more efficiently.
5
Asynchronous Programming
Features like callbacks, promises, and async/await allow for non-blocking operations, improving performance, especially in web applications.
Features like callbacks, promises, and async/await allow for non-blocking operations, improving performance, especially in web applications.
1
Security Vulnerabilities
Being a client-side language, JavaScript can be exploited for malicious purposes (e.g., cross-site scripting), posing security risks.
Being a client-side language, JavaScript can be exploited for malicious purposes (e.g., cross-site scripting), posing security risks.
2
Browser Differences
JavaScript behavior can vary across different browsers, leading to compatibility issues that need to be handled.
JavaScript behavior can vary across different browsers, leading to compatibility issues that need to be handled.
3
Performance Issues
JavaScript can sometimes be slow for heavy computations or when dealing with large amounts of data, as it runs in a single-threaded environment.
JavaScript can sometimes be slow for heavy computations or when dealing with large amounts of data, as it runs in a single-threaded environment.
JavaScript developers salary comparison (US, Germany and Ukraine)
Graph 1. JavaScript developers salary comparison per month in US, Germany and Ukraine
source: glassdoor.com
On Graph 1, there are information about salaries of JS developers in 2024. Developes from United States get the biggest salaries, as the demand for JavaScript devs is extreme, because the language is one of the most used at the moment, especially in the web-development. German salaries take the second place in the comparison. Ukraine is known for its low salaries in comparison with the other countries, and this situation is not an exception.
The current situation
Nowadays, as the most of the time, JavaScript remains one of the most popular programming languages. It is widely used for web-, server-side, mobile app development, and even desktop applications. Here are some statistics that highlight its popularity:
- Stack Overflow Developer Survey 2024: According to the latest survey results, JavaScript has consistently been the most commonly used programming language. In 2024, around 62.3% of developers reported using JavaScript, making it the most popular language among respondents.
- GitHub Octoverse 2024: JavaScript continues to be one of the top languages used on GitHub, with millions of repositories and contributions. It remains in the top spot for the most commonly used languages, indicating its widespread adoption among open-source projects.
- TIOBE Index: In the TIOBE Index, which ranks programming languages based on search engine results, JavaScript consistently ranks in the top 10. As of recent rankings, it is often among the top 6 languages. In August 2024, it takes 6th place in the Global TIOBE Index.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course, it is. Just like past years, JavaScript has been occupying top-10 places in TIOBE Index.
JavaScript is popular primarily because of its versatility and essential role in web development. It runs in all modern web browsers, making it a universal language for client-side scripting. Additionally, JavaScript's ecosystem has expanded to server-side development with Node.js, enabling developers to use a single language across both front-end and back-end.
JavaScript is unlikely to lose popularity soon because it's essential for web development, has a vast ecosystem and community, supports full-stack development with tools like Node.js, and continues to evolve with regular updates. Its widespread use and versatility keep it highly relevant.
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