Why Javascript should be the first language you learn
When you start programming, do you ask yourself: What language do I want to learn, or what product do I want to build?
Either way, Javascript is a great first language to learn. Here is why:
Javascript conforms to ECMAScript. This means that it will be compatible with all modern browsers, no exception. It is the DOM-controlling language.
This means that you will be able to build a web app or website on all platforms. Talk about product versatility. You will have to code only one time what will run on any computer. It will save you time, as you will write less code, and money, as you won’t need to pay anyone to help you build your web app.
It is a high-level language, given its flexibility.
High-level languages are programmer-friendly. They are easy to code.
They are also a productivity boost, as the higher the language, the more comprehensive its standard library will be.
High-level languages can also be easy to learn, as they contain a plethora of built-in functions that will facilitate your programmer’s life.
JS is multi-paradigm. You won’t need to learn too many environments. Let’s say, for example, you want to use some properties of functional programming; Instead of learning C++, Java, or any other functional programming language, you’ll use JS. As a programmer, you need to learn to capitalize your time as much in your learning as in your work.
Now, some would say, being a dynamic-typed language, JS is not suitable for beginners. I beg to differ. I started programming in Java, but if I were to start over again, I would do it with Javascript. Why? Because its dynamically typed nature forces you to grasp the essential mechanics behind your code. You have to knowingly use different variable types, because it makes sense, not because the language forces you to do so.
If you’re not convinced, you can always use Typescript or Flow. Both are static type checkers that allow a developer to check for type errors while programming.
It has curly bracket syntax. This is a verily under-estimated advantage of JS. In JS, you need to contain functions, conditions, iteration loops, objects, etc., in between curly brackets. This makes for more readability of code and thus maintainability, especially for beginners.
Also, even though JS was used for a long time only for client-side transactions, it can be used for the server-side too now, thanks to engines like Node.js. All you’ll need to learn are one of the frameworks that go with it, like Express.js, Koa.js, etc.
What about React Native? One cannot talk about JS without at least mentioning it.
React Native is a mobile application framework created by Facebook. It is cross-platform and is all the code you need to write to develop a mobile Android or iOS app, an Android TV or a macOS app, and more. Now tell me that’s not a perk!
You also have the Electron framework, which is behind many major open-source desktop projects like Github Desktop, Atom, Wordpress Desktop, Visual Studio Code, and Whatsapp Desktop. All this, done by the sheer power of Javascript and its derived tools.
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The idea is that you can use Javascript to build cross-platform apps, which means it is supported across multiple devices such as computers, mobile phones, and TVs.
Imagine that: learning one language and a couple of tools to build an entire web app, desktop app, or mobile app from top to bottom and have a ready-to-use commercially available product.
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