Any application that can be written in JavaScript, will eventually be written in JavaScript
Jeff Atwood
Why is JavaScript So Popular? This is a question I see a lot, and today we are going to answer it. Whether mobile phone applications, HTML-coded websites, or just embedded systems, Javascript can be found everywhere. Some say it’s the foundation of programming, while others find the statement debatable. But statistically speaking, there are over 1.8 Billion websites on the internet today, and 95% use JavaScript.
So what exactly has made this old yet simple language so popular in the modern era? Well, there are many reasons, and we have tried our best to list the best ones for you, so without further ado, let’s get started!
JavaScript Perfect For Every Level Of Programmer
We live in a busy world, and everyone wants tasks completed on time. Javascript is great at getting started quickly. Furthermore, unlike most other languages like Java which require a whole setup, every browser supports JavaScript. All you have to do is open your browser, navigate to Developer Tools, and you can start messing around with Javascript straight away.
You can also use JavaScript in an Integrated Development Environment or “IDE” and on code editors if you want a more reliable environment to code.
Additionally, most programmers find it convenient to start with, whereas if you are an intermediate developer, the language can help you problem-solve. And the best part about it is that you can even use your code snippets and a mix of plug-ins to put together something awesome, even if you don’t know much about coding.
Javascript is a great language to learn if you already know HTML and CSS and want to start making your websites a little bit more interactive.
Why is JavaScript So Popular? It Offers Resourceful Frameworks & Libraries
Now JavaScript being easy is one of the many reasons for it being trendy; the real deal is with the frameworks and libraries that it offers. The frameworks and libraries of JavaScript make the whole process of application development performant and efficient.
Some of the well-known libraries of JavaScript that you can find on the internet include jQuery, React JS, and D3.js, whereas the popular frameworks include Angular, Vue, Node, and Express.
Why is JavaScript So Popular? It has Event-Based Programming
Another reason JavaScript is extremely popular is that it supports Event-Based programming, which makes web pages interactive. For instance, JavaScript has inbuilt functions like “onHover” and “onClick.”
Functions like these wait for the user to make a move and then execute a specific section of code. The language itself can generate dynamic content. You can experience this when you click on the comment icon on Instagram. The clicking on the icon was the event leading to executing a particular block of code.
Implementing an “onScroll” function can allow you to make cool interactive things like a sticky header with Javascript.
Works Perfectly For Backend Programming
You’ll find the undeniable reason for this language’s immense popularity is that it’s perfect for backend programming. This is because coding in JavaScript is considered one of the easiest to maintain web development languages. Furthermore, it is cost-effective to build using JavaScript.
Node.js makes the language popular yet perfect for the backend, and companies like NASA, Uber, Walmart, and eBay have spoken positively about the language being perfect for backend programming.
Final Words
JavaScript is immensely popular today and will continue to grow in the upcoming years. Whether it’s backend or frontend programming, the libraries and frameworks are constantly updated to make development convenient and easy for developers.
