Catching the next wave – the evolution of Javascript

Looking ahead, expertise in the full JavaScript stack is anticipated as being one of the ‘must-have’ technical skills for technology experts.

Updates to the JavaScript stack – including back-end Node.js and front end React.js – are taking the industry by storm; and with organisations such as LinkedIn, PayPal, Netflix and Uber utilising it for their websites[1], it is a clear sign its usage – and the need for skilled JavaScript stack experts – will be on the up.

Why the JavaScript stack?

In the past JavaScript has been given a bad rap – it was frustrating to use and made coding a nightmare for many developers.  However the last couple of years has seen rapid evolution with a swell of updates, frameworks and libraries, and version ES6 of ECMAScript (the vanilla version of JavaScript) containing many changes to the language as well as the introduction of modules.

JavaScript has started to hit the big time. It’s now seen as cutting edge and the new way to develop web applications.

The JavaScript stack offer operates not just via the user interface but through the entire technology stack. “It is often derided as being a toy, but beneath its layer of deceptive simplicity, powerful language features await,” says the Mozilla Development Network. “JavaScript is now used by an incredible number of high-profile applications, showing that deeper knowledge of this technology is an important skill for any web or mobile developer.”[2]

Tech experts have acknowledged that the next wave of JavaScript usage has the potential to be a real hot spot. In fact it’s predicted by 2017, that nearly 50 percent of new web apps will involve complex client-side JavaScript.[3]

Don’t get left behind

Many businesses, particularly digital start-ups, have already identified JavaScript skill gaps within their organisation. As a tech expert, think about any gaps you may have and consider upskilling in this area.  Take the time to bemore familiar with the stack – especially React.js and Node.js, and look at ways you can introduce these skills into your current role.

If your business is reliant on providing leading technology, it’s time to plan ahead. Ensure that you have someone in your team that’s well-versed in the end to end JavaScript stack – upskill your current developers or look to recruit new developers that already have these skills.

So are you ready for the next wave in digital technology and development? JavaScript is evolving and quickly shaping up to be one of the must-have technical skills of the future, so it’s time for tech experts and digital businesses to take notice. Upskill or be left behind? The choice is yours.

[1] https://www.quora.com/What-companies-are-using-Node-js-in-production

[2] ‘A re-introduction to JavaScript’ – https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/JavaScript/A_re-introduction_to_JavaScript

[3] ‘Gartner Says Less Than 0.01 Percent of Consumer Mobile Apps Will Be Considered a Financial Success by Their Developers Through 2018’ – https://www.gartner.com/newsroom/id/2648515

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