Hello, World!

So you're a beginner trying to get your feet wet with Javascript. If you're anything like me (when I started out), you are terrified of this massive daunting language and have probably been putting it off for about 3 months now. Well, worry no more! Just like with every other programming language, you have to start from somewhere. With practice, you will get better! This logic never disappoints.

What is Javascript?

The year is 1995 and internet users at Netscape are livid! "Why are these web pages not interactive!" they asked with ire. Lucky for these irate individuals, a man by the name of Brendan Eich was born 34 years prior and had a solution. Brendan fathered the Javascript programming language that year as a way to add programs to the Netscape Navigator Browser. Javascript has since been adopted by all modern mainstream browsers and has enabled the development of all the modern websites that we love and enjoy today(e.g. This website!).

Now let's move past the unwarranted History lesson and talk about what Javascript really is. Javascript is an interpreted programming language. Interpreted programming language basically means that the instructions that make up the program are directly executed, and not translated into machine code. On the other hand, A compiled language uses a compiler to translate the instructions into machine code, which is then executed. Javascript is interpreted at runtime by the client browser. And just in case you're wondering, you are the client! A Javascript interpreter is built into every modern web browser, e.g Mozilla, which believe it or not was co-engineered by Brendan Eich! Such a legend. Pardon my excitement, I just wish these were the stories our college professors told us.

Why should you learn Javascript?

I mean, as if it being the most popular programming language in the Milky Way isn't reason enough? (Do not quote me on that). Here are more reasons why you should learn Javascript:

• Versatility
  Javascript is an incredibly versatile language with several use cases and applications. Think about it. Is there a single piece of software on Earth that is used more than web browsers? I don't have the numbers to back it but I really doubt there is. As such, Javascript has more applications than an amateur blogger like myself can mention. Web development (obviously), game development, server-side scripting, mobile app development, and a whole lot more. Just to take the pressure off yourself, you don't have to master all the aforementioned fields, but it is good to be aware of the limitations, or lack thereof.

• Utility
  Learning Javascript today will set you up for limitless opportunities in the future. It all falls back to "Learning the fundamentals,". All the popular frameworks may come and go; Angular, Vue, jQuery, React, Web3, and all the other 69 frameworks that come out this week (It's just Tuesday btw). Guess what the common denominator is of all these hot and juicy technologies? Javascript! It is my belief that having a good foundation and grasp of vanilla Javascript will enable you to pick up any framework in the span of a week. (You know, before it gets canceled by some techfluencer on Youtube).

• Demand
  Javascript as a programming language has stood the test of time and continues to do so. And just like you, your grandkids will probably get roped into the politics of which Javascript framework is better than the rest. It is a very in-demand language thereby making it a good tool to add to your arsenal if you are looking to get employed. At the moment of writing this(06/07/2022), a quick google search has shown me that The average salary for a javascript developer is $111,490 per year in the United States. These numbers rarely go down; so do your future self a favor and learn Javascript today.

With the surge of new technology and businesses migrating into more tech-aligned operations, Javascript is only going to get bigger and better. Even with the monetary benefits aside, it is an interesting programming language that is definitely with exploring. I actually wish I started sooner.

A treat!

While in your browser:
Option 1:

• hit ctrl + shift + i
  

Option 2

1. open your browser menu (should be on the top right/left)
2. open more tools
3. open developer tools
4. at the bottom half of the screen you should see a clear console
5. type the following:

   console.log("Hello World!");
   

6. hit the return key
7. Viola! You are a Javascript developer! (Although your competence is questionable)

Yes. You can now add Javascript to your resume and start setting up interviews with Google - Good luck with that btw.

Nw, on a serious note, it's time to get to work now. Make use of numerous resources on and off the internet. Remember:

Do not practice till you get it right. Practice till you can't get it wrong

Thanks for reading!

This is my first of many official blog posts. I intend to write a series of articles on Javascript fundamentals and treat this blog as a learning log for myself. I hope it will help someone other than me.