The latter provides you with a complex array of different programming options that can improve your understanding and make this process easier for you. If you’re interested in coding, you need to consider high-quality certificates and certifications in Los Angeles that showcase your JavaScript skills and teach you all about this language.
What is JavaScript?
JavaScript is a web-design coding language that focuses on performing tasks that HTML and CSS can’t. These two visual languages focus on the layout of your site, text elements, pictures, and much more. HTML provides the basic framework, while CSS gives you the ability to tweak styles more fluently. JavaScript handles more complex concepts, like animations and games, and provides front-end and back-end developers with a strong element that connects the two.
Some users may confuse JavaScript and Java, not understanding how these two languages differ. Java is a useful and still popular coding language that helps with online content and much more. However, JavaScript was created by Brendan Eich in 1995 (in just 10 days!) to provide an easier and simpler way to produce websites. While it’s not the same thing as Java, it can handle some of the same tasks and provides programmers with a unique way to produce websites.
Why Become Certified in JavaScript?
Professional certifications have become one of the most important ways of standing out in various professional fields. For example, many JavaScript programmers and coders are on the market trying to get a job. However, getting certified in this field will show potential employers that you understand this job on a deeper level and can provide the high-quality support they need. It’s not always strictly necessary, but it's a great idea to have one before applying.
Put yourself in the shoes of an employer. They likely have dozens, if not hundreds, of applications to look at for each job. They probably throw out half of them right away due to missing elements, like proper job training. Then, they might look at what certifications each application possesses. If you have one or more JavaScript certifications, you’ll likely reach the next level in the job search process and will be more likely to get singled out for a gig.
That’s because certifications show potential employers that you’ve taken the time to get trained in this field and gone the extra step. While a great creative portfolio also helps you stand out, a certification gives them real proof that you’ve mastered the skills necessary for programming with JavaScript. Thankfully, they focus on multiple skills that can help you stand out even more in your field and give you the support necessary to compete for higher-end positions.
What You’ll Learn While Becoming JavaScript Certified
Mastering JavaScript properly is all about learning various skills, syntax, and tools that make this coding process easier. There are many different elements of JavaScript that make it stand out, including related coding languages, tools like Node.js, and much more. Understanding these different elements will make it easier for you to progress through your class. Furthermore, it can deepen your understanding of JavaScript and ensure you can handle it more effectively.
Handling Basic Coding Syntax
The first thing you’ll have to master is the basic syntax necessary for JavaScript. While it’s a fairly streamlined language, it takes some time to master functions, understand the basic layout of your code, and much more. Learning it is very similar to mastering Spanish, German, and other languages. You’ll have to learn about things like loops, variables, objects, classes, and much more. Once you feel comfortable with these, you’ll move on to more advanced ideas.
Programming Asynchronous Tasks
JavaScript is a unique language because it includes the concept of asynchronous programming. This concept lets the main function of the program continue to run while other tasks get completed. It’s an important thing to master in JavaScript because it can help you create responsive websites that react to your customers’ needs. Just as importantly, this ability is in high-demand, and people who master it tend to find better jobs in JavaScript programming.
Using Libraries and Frameworks
Like many modern programming languages, JavaScript integrates libraries and frameworks that can streamline your coding. These include client-side ideas that focus on what your customers need to ensure that they’re satisfied. Often, you can download free libraries and frameworks and use them for your websites. That said, there are many available online that you can try out, and understanding how to adjust your coding to them is critical for JavaScript success.
Integrating Advanced JS Skills
As you improve with your JavaScript programming, you’ll learn about concepts like React JS and Node JS. The former item is a useful library that integrates various high-quality coding concepts, while the second is a real-time tool that helps with the back end. Other tools you might master include Redux, jQuery, and TypeScript. It’s best to come to these concepts later in your certification journey to ensure you understand the basics behind them.
Coding for Multiple Browsers
In the past, many coders focused on one or two browser options, but the idea of cross-browser coding has changed that practice forever. This concept focuses on creating web pages that work well in every internet browser, requiring very advanced JavaScript skills. Once you understand the different ways that these browsers operate and can produce attractive sites for all of them, you can create better and more effective JavaScript code.
JavaScript Industries in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a tech center in California and a city that provides many unique career opportunities in various fields. The sheer sweep and scope of the region means that you’re likely to find something that interests you, no matter what you enjoy doing. Just a few markets in Los Angeles that will need a professional with JavaScript skills include:
- Web Design: Obviously, web design firms will need people who fully understand JavaScript. This may include front-end and back-end jobs, though most JavaScript comes in the front end. Thankfully, there are many web design companies in Los Angeles that may need you, which should make finding a job a little easier.
- Ecommerce: The ecommerce field has become huge in recent years, with many people shopping online almost exclusively. Los Angeles is filled with ecommerce development teams that may need JavaScript professionals like you. That’s because they might require someone who can set up safe money-transfer portals for purchases.
- Marketing: The marketing industry only expands as the economy grows, and Los Angeles is filled with over 30 different marketing teams that might need a JavaScript programmer. That’s because this field often needs someone who can create high-quality websites that meet a customer’s needs in a streamlined and efficient style.
- Financial Services: While LA isn’t as big of a financial center as New York City, it’s the second-largest city in the country and has many banking and lending firms that may need JavaScript programmers. That’s because they need someone who can provide safe digital portals for money transfers that can keep their clients’ funds safe.
- Healthcare: Los Angeles is a massive city, and there’s a heavy need for high-quality healthcare centers, such as hospitals and doctor offices. Often, these firms need on-site JavaScript programmers to handle their websites, particularly telehealth portals. These help doctors connect with patients and provide care in the patient’s home.
Each of these industries has a slightly different need for JavaScript programmers. For example, web design teams typically need a diverse array of JavaScript coding professionals who can provide the hands-on support needed to produce effective and attractive websites. Note that the many LA careers within these markets are diverse and provide fun and engaging job tasks.
JavaScript Careers in Los Angeles
The best JavaScript careers in Los Angeles work within the markets mentioned above and provide you with a unique array of potential job opportunities. We carefully researched each option to ensure that you know what you’re getting into if you apply for positions like:
- Web Developer: Web developers need JavaScript skills to produce attractive websites. When you get this job, you’ll also practice other coding languages, like HTML, CSS, and even Python, so be prepared for that. Los Angeles web developers make about $77,000, a bit less than the $81,000 national average reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics focused on the Web Developer field.
- Quality Assurance: When you work in Quality Assurance, you may use JavaScript to create programs that check software quality and effectiveness. These experts make $74,000 in Los Angeles, well below the national average of $124,000. Growth rates in this field are about 25%, which is very high and promising.
- Data Analyst: As a Data Analyst, you can make about $84,000 or lower than the national average of $112,000 per year. Working as a Data Analyst is a smart idea for those who are interested in advanced careers, particularly in government work. Thankfully, Los Angeles has a heavy need for such professionals right now.
- Programmers: Though general programmers don’t use JavaScript as much as Python or even C++, there’s still a heavy need for it in many Los Angeles firms. You’ll make about $77,000 in Los Angeles, which is below the $98,000 wage reported by the BLS. There’s a likely decline in this job’s need in the next 10 years, though jobs will still be available.
Employers for these careers may prefer people with a JavaScript certification, though others may demand it. However, before you schedule your certification exam, knowing the differences between a certificate and certification is important. Too many people make the mistake of not understanding these variations and end up picking the wrong option for their needs.
Should You Pursue a Certificate or Certification
JavaScript certificates are typically something you earn after completing a job training program. For example, you can take any programs listed in the next section and earn a physical and digital certificate showing off your skills. This option is a great idea if you’re a beginner and need to learn about JavaScript. In fact, getting a certificate of completion is often a smart first step towards getting certification once you’ve earned more experience.
By contrast, certification is a professional-grade designation that you can add to your resume to show off your abilities with JavaScript. You take an exam to earn a certification and don’t get specialized training from the certification team. Instead, you need experience with JavaScript even before you take the class, often real work time with it. Certificate classes can help prepare you for certification, but the test itself is designed for people with higher skill levels.