Compared to other programming languages, such as Java or PHP, JavaScript is one of the easiest languages to learn. Ultimately the time it takes to master it will depend on several factors, such as previous experience in web development, your dedication, and the learning method you choose.
How long does it take to learn JavaScript from scratch?
If you are new to the world of programming, you may actually have an advantage learning JavaScript because you will not have to “unlearn” any habits from studying other coding languages. The difficulty of learning from scratch will lie in having to understand the basic concepts before being able to start writing your code.
The time it takes will depend on the dedication, study method, and the amount of practice you put into it. If you invest at least a couple of hours a day to understand the different JavaScript concepts and practice regularly, it could take from 6 months to 2 years to master it.
These are the main factors that will influence your learning curve:
Previous programming experience: Those who are brand new to the tech world, will probably start with a flatter learning curve. If this is your first coding language or even your first coding experience, it will take a little longer to grasp the general coding concepts as you learn JavaScript itself.
Dedication: This is pretty straightforward. The more time you invest in studying and practicing JavaScript, the faster you will learn.
Learning Method: There are many ways to learn JavaScript, find the method that works for you but make sure it involves a lot of practice, not just theory.
Lifestyle: The more time you have to devote to learning JavaScript and the more organized you are about your learning process, the faster you’ll be able to pick it up.
Why Learn JavaScript?
JavaScript is a very versatile language that allows you to create programs of all kinds due to its functional and object-oriented grammar. Mastering JavaScript is an important step on your way to becoming a professional developer and creating wonderful web applications. It is one of the most widely used languages worldwide and its learning curve is easier compared to other languages. Another advantage of learning JavaScript is that, because of its popularity, the support network is large and active.
** In the today’s job market JavaScript is in great demand for web app development** as well as for mobiles and desktop. The majority of developer positions require knowledge of JavaScript, independent of the size of projects involved.
Also, in case you are wondering about salaries, programmers who are proficient in JavaScript are some of the best-paid professionals, receiving annual salaries of approximately 80,000k as a junior.
How long does it take to learn JavaScript well enough to get a job as a developer?
In general, to get a job as a junior JavaScript developer, you need to have a firm grasp of JavaScript basics and a good amount of practice. It can take a few weeks or several months to get there, depending on your previous experience and your dedication.
If you are new to programming and want to learn JavaScript to get a job, we recommend starting with structured online resources or a course. You can refer to this comprehensible guide to learn javascript. Once you have learned the basics, you can start gaining experience by building your own projects. You can also find an online or local learning community where you can connect with other JavaScript developers.
Here is a list of the most in-demand jobs if you have JavaScript skills:
- Front-end developer
- Artificial intelligence engineer
- Web developer
- Database administrator
- Data scientist
- Mobile application developer
- Blockchain developer
- Software quality assurance specialist
- Video game programmer
Obviously, some jobs require more knowledge than others. It's important to research what is required and be proactive about acquiring any missing skills. It’s also a good idea to practice for job interviews with full stack developer interview questions so you’re well prepared to answer and create a positive impression.
How do I make sure I learn JavaScript properly?
Besides constant practice, it is important to explore your options and find the learning method that best suits your personality and your goals.
Here is some advice for aspiring developers to facilitate the learning process:
Start with the basics. They’re the foundation for everything else. Find a mentor. Having someone to guide you can be beneficial to you. Join a support community. The most popular ones are on GitHub, Slack, MDN, and Stack Overflow. Practice every day! We know we’ve said this a lot, but this is the only way to keep advancing and to help fixate what you’ve learned. Follow a tutorial project online. Make sure it is recent as JavaScript evolves fast. Take a course, either paid or free. Do not compare yourself to other developers. Some will learn faster, and some will learn slower. Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses. Take care of your mental health. It is very easy to get frustrated at the beginning and that’s normal. Every programmer has gone through it. It is important to rest properly though and to clear your head from time to time, without neglecting your goals. The fastest and most efficient way to become a full stack developer. is certainly to join a coding bootcamp. They're purposefully designed to teach you the most important skills in the shortest amount of time.
Can I learn JavaScript on my own?
It is possible to teach yourself JavaScript, but it will probably take quite a bit longer. Make sure you find high quality learning resources, set realistic goals and stick to your schedule. There are a great number of online tools and tutorials, a lot of information at your fingertips and many people willing to share their knowledge. Even if you’re set on learning on your own, we still recommend finding a mentor who you can touch base with once in a while.
What can I expect from learning JavaScript?
I know it can sound intimidating and it can be overwhelming not knowing where to start, but we've all been there! Don't hesitate to lean on other developers and listen to their experiences, but also remember that it's your personal process and every head is a world. Maybe the most important aspect is to keep your motivation going!