Decreasement of JavaScript popularity amongst engineers
JavaScript has been consistently holding the top position of the TIOBE index among all other programming languages. Though many new languages have been discovered, the fame of JavaScript never goes down. The majority of experts cannot deny the fact that JavaScript is one of the most powerful and effective languages ever created and is the most widely used programming language in many areas.
But, we also know that every coin has two sides; similarly, JavaScript can not run away from this fact and therefore it has also got its own limitations and benefits; what we call it is a pros and cons of JavaScript. Last time, JavaScript started to lose its popularity after being the most popular programming language for more than 8 years. What's the reason for it? First, let's take a look at its advantages - how JS managed to be the most famous PL for such a long period of time.
But, we also know that every coin has two sides; similarly, JavaScript can not run away from this fact and therefore it has also got its own limitations and benefits; what we call it is a pros and cons of JavaScript. Last time, JavaScript started to lose its popularity after being the most popular programming language for more than 8 years. What's the reason for it? First, let's take a look at its advantages - how JS managed to be the most famous PL for such a long period of time.
Good and bad sides of JavaScript
1
JavaScript is simple
Any language can be considered as simple if it is easy to learn and understand. The syntax of JavaScript is straightforward, easy to write, learn, maintain, and understand, the code is easily debuggable.
Moreover, JavaScript is less complex than the languages like C and C++, because many of the complex features of these languages are being removed from JavaScript such as explicit pointers concepts, and storage classes.
Any language can be considered as simple if it is easy to learn and understand. The syntax of JavaScript is straightforward, easy to write, learn, maintain, and understand, the code is easily debuggable.
Moreover, JavaScript is less complex than the languages like C and C++, because many of the complex features of these languages are being removed from JavaScript such as explicit pointers concepts, and storage classes.
2
Inherently fast
Speed is at the heart of everything JavaScript does. As an interpreted language, it doesn't have to be compiled every time it's run, making development and debugging faster to start with. Additionally, JavaScript finds more speed by running as a client-side script—executing in the browser without connecting to the server and saving valuable resources for every additional user.
The speed and savings of JavaScript are individually small, almost trivial, but add up to great effect across large teams and hundreds of thousands of users. Still, looking for the right team for your project? If you need help selecting the right company, tell us what you need. We can do the work for you and connect you with up to 5 companies within 72h that match your need- all for free.
Speed is at the heart of everything JavaScript does. As an interpreted language, it doesn't have to be compiled every time it's run, making development and debugging faster to start with. Additionally, JavaScript finds more speed by running as a client-side script—executing in the browser without connecting to the server and saving valuable resources for every additional user.
The speed and savings of JavaScript are individually small, almost trivial, but add up to great effect across large teams and hundreds of thousands of users. Still, looking for the right team for your project? If you need help selecting the right company, tell us what you need. We can do the work for you and connect you with up to 5 companies within 72h that match your need- all for free.
3
Rich Interfaces
JavaScript gives developers the tools required to create engaging interfaces to interact with users and provide added value. The abundance of strong interface design has, however, been something of a double-edged sword for service providers.
As interfaces have improved and grown over time, users have come to expect a much higher standard of design. Now, rich interfaces and highly-engaging design has become standard for services to attract new users. The bar for web developers to meet when it comes to user interfaces in the current state of the internet is consistently rising.
JavaScript gives developers the tools required to create engaging interfaces to interact with users and provide added value. The abundance of strong interface design has, however, been something of a double-edged sword for service providers.
As interfaces have improved and grown over time, users have come to expect a much higher standard of design. Now, rich interfaces and highly-engaging design has become standard for services to attract new users. The bar for web developers to meet when it comes to user interfaces in the current state of the internet is consistently rising.
4
Popularity
JavaScript is ubiquitous across many platforms today. Some of its most popular use cases amongst developers include:
So, if JavaScript has so many positive sides, then why has it fallen from 1st place to 2nd and lost about 8,5% percent of total PL users? Let's look.
JavaScript is ubiquitous across many platforms today. Some of its most popular use cases amongst developers include:
- Server-side programming with Node.js
- Cross-platform mobile application development
- Desktop applications using frameworks such as Electron
So, if JavaScript has so many positive sides, then why has it fallen from 1st place to 2nd and lost about 8,5% percent of total PL users? Let's look.
1
Client-side Security
In programming for the web, JavaScript code is by design available to be viewed at the client's side. This can open up avenues of attack for malicious parties looking to gain access to related systems, do damage, or deny others access. Developers should take care not to expose sensitive information or leave access details or debugging codes on paper. It's the main problem of JavaScript and the reason why many sites change their platform.
In programming for the web, JavaScript code is by design available to be viewed at the client's side. This can open up avenues of attack for malicious parties looking to gain access to related systems, do damage, or deny others access. Developers should take care not to expose sensitive information or leave access details or debugging codes on paper. It's the main problem of JavaScript and the reason why many sites change their platform.
2
Browser Inconsistency
When developing for the web, there are many cases where JavaScript is interpreted differently depending on the browser it is being viewed on. This may happen within a single platform, and the problem only exacerbates from using browsers on other platforms also, such as mobile devices or tablets. This results in users receiving inconsistent experiences when accessing the same server.
Often users need to be asked to try the same action on a different browser or platform when an error occurs during an operation on the website. It is a clumsy workaround at best that will leave your services seeming unprofessional and unorganized. Some mitigation, by employing extensive testing and quality assurance, can help to alleviate these issues. The costs of these measures are going to rise as services grow.
When developing for the web, there are many cases where JavaScript is interpreted differently depending on the browser it is being viewed on. This may happen within a single platform, and the problem only exacerbates from using browsers on other platforms also, such as mobile devices or tablets. This results in users receiving inconsistent experiences when accessing the same server.
Often users need to be asked to try the same action on a different browser or platform when an error occurs during an operation on the website. It is a clumsy workaround at best that will leave your services seeming unprofessional and unorganized. Some mitigation, by employing extensive testing and quality assurance, can help to alleviate these issues. The costs of these measures are going to rise as services grow.
3
Debugging on the web can be inherently tricky
Simply building something and running it in a browser offers limited tools for solving problems and debugging code. Since the web browser is not first and foremost a developing tool, it's more limited than the suites and tools afforded to other languages such as C++ or Java.
This problem is becoming less and less significant over time, but it still merits some consideration. The amount of JavaScript tools available for developers has nevertheless continued to increase in recent years.
Now, let us see how these factors determine JavaScript's place at the popular PLs top.
Simply building something and running it in a browser offers limited tools for solving problems and debugging code. Since the web browser is not first and foremost a developing tool, it's more limited than the suites and tools afforded to other languages such as C++ or Java.
This problem is becoming less and less significant over time, but it still merits some consideration. The amount of JavaScript tools available for developers has nevertheless continued to increase in recent years.
Now, let us see how these factors determine JavaScript's place at the popular PLs top.
Dynamic of JavaScript popularity according to GitHut 2.0
Despite these factores, JavaScript is still in use and takes 5th place in PLs popularity top-list with 9,286% of total programming language users.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to the article, the main reason is the rise of alternative programming languages like C++ and Java.
It's unlikely that JavaScript will become obsolete, as it is still a crucial language for web development and has a large developer community. However, its popularity may continue to decrease as new languages emerge.
Yes, developers should still learn JavaScript, as it is still widely used and an important language for web development. However, it's also beneficial to learn alternative languages to expand one's skill set.
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