So, you want to know all the places where JavaScript is used in software development? Well, you’re in luck, because today I am going to break down each category in which JavaScript has been used and how it is used. If you’re reading this article you are probably dipping your toes in the world of JavaScript and you want to know why JavaScript is, or isn’t, worth learning. By the end of this article, I hope to answer that question.
So without wasting any time let’s dive right into the article!
1. Frontend Web Development
The first and most important use for JavaScript is in frontend web development. When JavaScript was originally created, it was meant to be a scripting language to be used within your web browser. To this day, the main purpose of JavaScript continues to be ‘in-browser’ front-end web development.
This is what JavaScript is most well known for in the developing world and the main purpose to learn the language. If you are a web designer or developer interested in creating programs within web browsers, JavaScript is the language for you.
Since its inception in 1995, JavaScript has matured a lot. Although once hated by developers, JavaScript is no longer a kiddie language that isn’t taken seriously in the development world. It is now a powerful language that allows you to create whatever you want within a web page. Whether it be video games, impressive animations, or creating a complete frontend state management systems.
In simpler terms, JavaScript rules the frontend development landscape and is here to stay for the long run. If you are interested in design or are a programmer with a visual mindset, JavaScript is most certainly the programming language for you!
2. Backend Web Development
In more recent years, JavaScript has also migrated to being used in backend development, also referred to as server-side development. This has been made possible with the help of node.js, a JavaScript runtime environment that allows JavaScript code to be run within your computer and on remote servers.
Although JavaScript isn’t commonly used on the backend for enterprise or large software projects, it has become increasingly popular with startups due to its quick turnaround time and simplicity of writing both the frontend and backend in the same language.
Regardless, if you want to learn full-stack development (frontend + backend), JavaScript is the only language that can do both, and a great choice to get you started!
3. Mobile Apps
Outside of web development, JavaScript is also used in mobile development. If you are looking to create an iPhone or Android app, you can use your JavaScript skills to turn your ideas into physical apps as well. Two of the most popular JavaScript frameworks to build JavaScript mobile apps are React Native and Iconic. Both of which rely on React.js to work.
The best part about these JavaScript frameworks is that you can create cross-platform applications with these languages. While many languages were created specifically for iPhone or Android apps, these JavaScript frameworks can build both. Allowing you to be more flexible with where your apps go and save you time in creating the same app in two separate languages.
4. Desktop Applications
Desktop development has really hit a downward trend since the 1990s. Regardless, it is still a category of development that needs to be done from time to time. For that reason, Electron was created. A JavaScript framework to create desktop apps for Mac, Windows, or Linux.
Electron uses Chromium and Node.js so you can create your app with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript in all three operating systems to create your apps.
Allow Electron has been known to have its issues, it is used in major desktop applications, such as Visual Studio Code, WhatsApp, and Slack.
5. Virtual Reality
Last but not least, JavaScript has more recently found its place in virtual reality! Using the WebXR Device API, you can write JavaScript code for virtual reality applications such as this.
Virtual reality has become the hot new craze in 2022. The ability to write virtual reality code in JavaScript has just pushed the abilities of JavaScript one step further.
If you have any interest in building virtual reality applications, JavaScript is a great language to start learning today!
Summary: Where Is JavaScript Used?
So that’s about it! All the places where JavaScript is used in 2022. As you can see, JavaScript is a very powerful language with many applications. Although JavaScript can’t be used for everything it is certainly a good first language to get you started in your programming journey or as an additional language under your programming toolbelt.
JavaScript is the king of frontend development and that is unlikely to change. However, JavaScript is also used heavily in backend development, mobile app development, desktop development and virtual reality.
If you are new to JavaScript and want to know a good place to start learning, check out these great resources.
As always, happy coding!
