Why JavaScript ?

Among all programming languages, why focus on JavaScript and its related technologies?

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Rafael Oliveira

4 min read

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Alright, let's dive into why I'm all in on JavaScript. It's not just about picking a programming language that gets the job done. It's about betting on a language that's pretty much the 'Swiss Army knife' of coding. JavaScript started off simple in 1996, sure, but nowadays? It's like the heart and soul of both the stuff we see in the frontend and the magic of the backend, especially with Node.js reshaping how we think about JavaScript in recent years. It's literally learning one language and being able to do the job of two.


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But hang on, as we step into 2024, it gets even more interesting. JavaScript's evolution isn't slowing down, it's powering up and driving innovation in both frontend and backend development. We're seeing game changing integrations like WebAssembly, a cutting-edge technology that boosts JavaScript's performance by allowing it to execute code written in languages like C, C++, and Rust at near-native speeds right in the browser. This is a big deal because it means JavaScript can now handle tasks that were previously thought to be beyond its reach.

The world of JavaScript is like a never ending tech party. There's always something new popping up - features, frameworks, packages – you name it. And let's talk about PWAs ( Progressive Web Applications ), they’re set to have its moment in 2024. With JavaScript at their core, PWAs blur the lines between web and mobile apps, offering a native app-like experience without the need for installation or going through Apple/Google store. This is huge because it makes web apps more accessible and versatile than ever before. In my personal portfolio web app you can find ClimateScoop, a project I've built that does offer PWA and offline capabilities.

Being part of the JavaScript community isn't just about having cool tools to play with, but being part of a community that's constantly pushing boundaries and innovating. Got a problem? Chances are someone's already figured it out and shared the solution, which is pretty awesome.

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And here's the kicker – JavaScript isn't a choice just for today but for the future too. With regards to areas like machine learning ( TensorFlow.js as a prime example ), JavaScript is expanding its reach. Its role in AI and ML will only grow, enabling the creation of innovative, AI-driven web apps that can learn from user interactions because it runs on the browser. There are so many possibilities here.

We're also seeing a strong emphasis on security and privacy in JavaScript's future. With the growing concerns around data breaches, the JavaScript community is focusing on best practices to create a more secure web environment. Think of features like enhanced encryption and secure coding practices, ensuring that user data stays safe.

And don't forget about serverless architectures. JavaScript isn’t limited to the frontend anymore. I expect to see more scalable, event-driven, and cost-effective serverless applications built with JavaScript, changing the way we develop and deploy backend services. The lines between front and back are already merging with technologies like Next.js for example.

So, why JavaScript? The answer lies in its extraordinary versatility and the dynamic community driving its continuous evolution. Perfectly aligned with our modern needs and ambitions, JavaScript is more than just keeping up – it's setting the rhythm, continuously expanding and evolving in the tech world. In my opinion, it’s the ideal choice for anyone eager to build modern applications and enjoy the creative process. Despite being one of the first programming languages, JavaScript remains at the forefront of technical innovation. Working with it is not just productive, it's pretty fun too!

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