How to Learn JavaScript - 241 Bootcamps to Get You Started

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By: The SwitchUp Team
Last Updated: August 23, 2019

What you need to know about JavaScript

JavaScript is one of the most widely used languages for the web. It became the most popular scripting language1 because it is lightweight, high-level, and uses instantaneous compilation. JavaScript's most common features are first-class functions, prototype-based object-orientation, and dynamic typing.

Brendan Eich developed JavaScript in 10 days2 in 1995 while working at Netscape Communication Corporation. It uses the ECMAScript specifications standard and its wide use and popularity make it an excellent programming language for developers to learn. If you are looking for a bootcamp that teaches JavaScript, jump to our comprehensive list below.

What is JavaScript used for?

JavaScript is used at both ends of the development spectrum. It helps make web pages interactive using both client-side and server-side programming. JavaScript is the driving force behind the activities of a web page. It helps prime user engagement through the creation of dynamic and user-friendly web applications.

Before JavaScript, users had to endure static web pages, which couldn't deliver timely content updates or react to user activity in real-time, and pages were devoid of the responsive features we take for granted today. JavaScript has advanced beyond its traditional role of scripting web browsers and is currently used to develop games and mobile apps as well.

Why learn JavaScript?

Web browsers remain the most used application, whether on mobile devices or desktops. JavaScript is the only language native to the web browser. Because it's currently the most important scripting language for the web3, JavaScript is crucial to learn in order to start developing web applications.

Stack Overflow's annual survey cited JavaScript as the most popular programming language with 67.8% of respondents in 2019. The demand for JavaScript among employers is just as robust, with the 2019 Devskiller Global Technical Hiring & Skills Report showing that 70% of companies seek to hire JavaScript experts.

JavaScript is essential to creating dynamic web components. Therefore, JavaScript is indispensable to enhance audiences' user-experience. The program is also relatively easy to learn and implement so it can be a universal language for many coders.

Who should learn JavaScript?

Anyone who wants to be relevant as a developer must learn JavaScript. This is because JavaScript is now everywhere. Its ubiquity and explosion in popularity compelled Jeff Atwood, the Stack Overflow co-founder to release a statement which is now known as the Atwood's Law: “Any application that can be written in JavaScript, will eventually be written in JavaScript.4

JavaScript is also necessary to develop a responsive web application by manipulating the Document Object Model (DOM) on the browser to create a richer interaction with web pages for users. However, the advantages of learning JavaScript extend beyond the browser since it can also be used for server-side programming.

What kinds of jobs can you get with JavaScript?

Programmers can get a variety of web development jobs using JavaScript, especially building the visual parts of a website such as the front-end, user-facing components. Apart from front end development, JavaScript full stack developers can use new systems like Node.js to delve into back end infrastructure.

With the versatility the language provides and emerging technologies such as HTML5 Canvas, JavaScript developers are also hired to develop browser-based games.

An entry-level JavaScript developer in the United States can earn an average of $71,191 annually. JavaScript developers with a bachelor's degree, more than 2-years of experience, and extra qualifications can earn an average annual salary of $117,729 in the United States.

What are libraries in JavaScript?

Libraries in JavaScript consist of reusable functions that allow for easier application development. In a library, each individual function is written to accomplish some type of useful task. Developers design libraries to target certain operations like handling AJAX calls, framework setup, or DOM manipulation.

JavaScript libraries provide high levels of abstraction and implementation of features that have gained acceptance among users such as auto-completion, uniform cross-browser interface, graphics, and so on. Examples of some popular JavaScript libraries are JQuery, Backbone.js, and Polymer.

What are frameworks in JavaScript?

A JavaScript framework is a pre-written, tried, and tested JavaScript code that developers can use for routine programming tasks instead of rewriting entirely new code. They have become an important aspect of front end web development. These JavaScript frameworks provide a template that developers can use to build a website or web application around. Frameworks often consist of a collection of JavaScript code libraries.

Frameworks circumscribe the entire application by providing a structure that keeps code- especially a large codebase- organized. The difference between a JavaScript framework and a library is the control of flow. React, Angular, Vue, and Ember are some examples of popular JavaScript frameworks.

Learn JavaScript at bootcamp

Students can use courses and bootcamps to expand their JavaScript skills. It's important to research and compare each to find the best fit. For those with the goal of becoming a JavaScript developer, programs like those at Udacity, Ironhack, and Hackwagon Academy allow students to choose JavaScript as their stack. To begin your search, use our comprehensive list of bootcamps that teach JavaScript to find a program that meets your needs.

Comprehensive list of JavaScript Bootcamps

Locations: Online, Gothenburg, Stockholm
Courses: Craft Academy's 12-week intensive coding bootcamp
Subjects: Angular, AngularJS, CSS, HTML, JavaScript +3 More

We believe that traditional education teaches students to do well on tests, rather than give them actual knowledge and experience. At Craft Academy, we provide neither grades nor diplomas. Instead, we help you develop the tools you need to be successful. Our course is unique, not just in intensity, but in approach. We provide a structured daily learning plan, projects, assignments and challenges, and continually push your limits to achieve the fastest learning possible. All...
Locations: New Orleans
Courses: Prep, Bootcamp, Immersion
Subjects: AJAX, CSS, Express.js, Front-End Web Development, Heroku +7 More

Operation Spark offers a digital education program for low-opportunity individuals based in New Orleans, Louisiana. Started initially as a summer program, Operation Spark now runs intensive year-round bootcamps, and students are immersed in the fundamentals of HTML, CSS and JavaScript in the Node.js environment. Operation Spark also offers apprenticeships and the opportunity for graduates of their programs to work in real production cycles for clients. In addition to the three-month, 700 hour, full-time Immersion program,...
Locations: Online
Courses: Part-Time, Financial Technology Bootcamp, Full-Time, Full Stack Web Development Bootcamp, Part-Time, Data Analytics Bootcamp, +1 More
Subjects: Algorithms, Blockchain, Bootstrap, Cryptocurrency, CSS +13 More

Rutgers Bootcamps offer 12-week, full-time and 24-week, part-time web development courses, and 24-week, part-time Data Science and financial technology (FinTech) courses. The full stack curriculum includes HTML, CSS, JavaScript, jQuery, Bootstrap, Express.js, Node.js, databases, MongoDB, MySQL, and Git. The data curriculum includes programming in Excel, Python, R programming, JavaScript charting, HTML/CSS, API interactions, SQL, Tableau, fundamental statistics, machine learning, and more. Enjoy close collaboration with other professionals while receiving hands-on experience. The fintech curriculum covers...
Locations: NYC
Courses: Front End Web Developer Career Course - Online Campus
Subjects: Bootstrap, CSS, Front-End Web Development, Git, HTML +7 More

Think Academy is an online and off coding bootcamp, designed to turn students into full time professional web developers through one-on-one expert mentorship, and group pairing sessions. Throughout the course of our program, students will build real world applications. This way they learn to solve real problems while collaborating with classmates. You will work 20-40 hours per week depending on your schedule. The curriculum averages about 3 months to complete but you decide how fast...
Locations: NYC, Pittsburgh
Courses: Summer Intensive
Subjects: CSS, HTML, JavaScript

All Star Code prepares young Black and Latino men for tech careers by providing mentorship, industry exposure, and training in Computer Science. The flagship program, the Summer Intensive (SI), is a FREE six week program designed to give high school boys the access and exposure they need to become successful tech entrepreneurs. Through real-world experiences at top tech companies, and hands-on, project-based learning, All Stars finish the program with both coding skills and an entrepreneurial...

Start Your Career with a Top-Rated Bootcamp

Locations: London, Los Angeles, NYC
Courses: GLOBAL ACCELERATOR PROGRAM: Coding & Design Summer 2017
Subjects: C, C#, C++, CSS, HTML +8 More

CI is an accelerated learning provider offering private post-secondary, non-degree granting, full-time immersive in-person courses that combine intensive classroom-based workshops and seminars, practical work experience-based training and a link to potential employers. For students and recent graduates, CI’s programs provide the skills, experience and links to employers necessary to launch successful careers in today’s competitive and rapidly evolving employment landscape.
Locations: Online
Courses: Part-Time, Full Stack Web Development Boot Camp, Part-Time, Product Management Boot Camp, Full-Time, Full Stack Web Development Boot Camp, +1 More
Subjects: Agile, Bootstrap, CSS, Cyber Security, Data Analytics +19 More

UCLA Extension Boot Camps offer 12-week, full-time and 24-week, part-time web development courses, as well as a 24-week, part-time cybersecurity course and an 18-week, part-time product management course. The full stack curriculum includes HTML, CSS, JavaScript, jQuery, Bootstrap, Express.js, Node.js, databases, MongoDB, MySQL, and Git. The cybersecurity curriculum offers hands-on training in networking, systems, web technologies, databases, and defensive and offensive cybersecurity. The product management curriculum teaches in-demand product management skills, starting with the essentials....
Locations: Online
Courses: Javascript Best Practices, Try IOS
Subjects: CSS, HTML, iOS, JavaScript, Ruby

Code School is an online learning destination for existing and aspiring developers that teaches through entertaining content. Each course is built around a creative theme and storyline so that it feels like you’re playing a game, not sitting in a classroom. They combine gaming mechanics with video instruction and in-browser coding challenges to make learning fun and memorable. With over 60 courses covering HTML/CSS, JavaScript, Ruby, Python, .NET, iOS, Git, databases, and more, Code School...
Locations: Atlanta
Courses: Intro to Professional Web Development
Subjects: Career Coaching, CSS, Domain Management, Front-End Web Development, Git +3 More

Refcode was established to help refugees to qualify for skilled jobs in Atlanta, GA. It is a service of the Refugee Career Hub which is managed by Friends of Refugees. This program has been opened up to everyone (not just refugees) so that refugees will have an opportunity to expand their social and professional networks, learn about American culture, and hopefully develop a friendship with someone in the greater Atlanta area. The first Refcode class,...
Locations: Kansas City
Courses: Tech Smart KC
Subjects: .NET, AngularJS, C#, CSS, HTML +4 More

Centriq Training is an IT technology training firm in Kansas City. Boasting 25 years of training experience, Cintriq offers Corporate Training to current IT Professionals, Developers or Managers, as well as TechSmart KC: an accelerated, 4 month, full-time bootcamp for people interested in starting a new career in IT. During the 4-month bootcamp, students participate in live, instructor-led classes with hands-on activities. At the end of the course, students prepare a final project to present...

Best Bootcamps received an average 4.55 of 5 based on 31119 reviews.

References

  1. About JavaScript. [online] Available at: https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/JavaScript/About_JavaScript [Accessed 10 August 2020]
  2. Cassel, D. (2018). Brendan Eich on Creating JavaScript in 10 Days, and What He’d Do Differently Today. [online] Available at: https://thenewstack.io/brendan-eich-on-creating-javascript-in-10-days-and-what-hed-do-differently-today/ [Accessed 10 August 2020]
  3. Plourde, S. (2019). Why are we creating a JavaScript-only World Wide Web? [online] Available at: https://itnext.io/why-are-we-creating-a-javascript-only-world-wide-web-db8c3a340b9 [Accessed 11 August 2020]
  4. The Principle of Least Power. [online] Available at: https://blog.codinghorror.com/the-principle-of-least-power/ [Accessed 11 August 2020]
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