Why You Should Learn JavaScript in a Bootcamp

Coding remains an important technical skill in 2022, with countless industries seeking coding-savvy professionals for their tech teams. That said, learning to code can seem daunting to the uninitiated — especially since the craft is practiced in multiple languages. It can help, however, to start by learning a single language as a foundation for mastering coding in general.

In this article, we will explore the process of learning JavaScript, a prevalent coding language used by developers across a variety of industries and specialties. Specifically, we will discuss the importance of honing JavaScript abilities in a coding bootcamp.

Four Reasons to Learn JavaScript in a Bootcamp

Originally introduced in 1995, JavaScript has endured as one of the most popular coding languages in the world. In fact, according to Stack Overflow’s 2020 Developer Survey, JavaScript was ranked as one of the “most loved” coding languages among surveyed developers, recording a 58.3 percent approval rating. JavaScript was also ranked the second “most wanted” language by the same survey.

A chart illustrating that JavaScript is the most loved coding language among web developers.

Such findings are a testament to JavaScript’s enduring usefulness and accessibility. And, as a result, JavaScript is an ideal gateway to learning to code.

While there are many ways to approach learning JavaScript, one of the most practical, efficient, and cost-effective ways is through a bootcamp. These courses teach coding fundamentals in a fast-paced yet comprehensive learning environment, using real-world projects to teach the in-demand skills that employers are seeking in candidates. Many different types of coding bootcamps are offered, but it’s important to take the time to find the right one — one that has credibility and will stand out to employers, such as Columbia Engineering Coding Boot Camp. Make sure to do your research so that you’ll be happy with your choice and gain the career success a great bootcamp can enable.

There are a number of reasons that bootcamps are a great way to learn to code. Let’s explore the top four reasons that make bootcamps a great fit for new JavaScript coders.

Accessibility and Flexibility

Accessibility is a cornerstone of most coding bootcamps, as incoming learners usually come from a variety of backgrounds — often with unique scheduling needs. Bootcamp participants may be established learners supplementing a degree, new tech professionals looking to increase their hiring marketability, or career upskillers interested in pursuing promotions or role changes with their current employer.

Regardless of motivation, bootcamps benefit aspiring coders of all experience levels, giving learners the flexibility to engage with the material, their instructors, and other learners on a schedule that works with their busy lives. Columbia Engineering Coding Boot Camp, for example, offers its immersive digital curriculum to both full- and part-time learners of various skill levels (in either a 12- or 24-week course). Given JavaScript’s enduring popularity and range of uses, this type of personalized learning is a great way to become proficient in the language’s characteristics and applications quickly and efficiently.

Practical Curricula

Most bootcamps offer a welcome challenge for aspiring coders. These courses tend to be fast-paced and intensive, shaping their curricula around practical, hands-on learning.

Bootcamp learners are usually given a chance to complete coding projects that simulate real-world experiences and showcase crucial coding skills and techniques in action. Projects featuring JavaScript may include JavaScript-oriented web development, browser coding, and broader applications — most of which speak to JavaScript’s primary purpose in making digital entities more interactive.

Portfolio Opportunities

Project-based learning is not only beneficial for honing hard coding skills — it can also help new coders establish a professional portfolio highlighting their work. Following bootcamp completion, a coding portfolio is a valuable asset to have in your initial job search. It serves as a comprehensive summary of your experience in a variety of coding literacies, demonstrating your skill set and helping you stand out in a large pool of candidates. Columbia Engineering Coding Boot Camp provides ample opportunities to practice JavaScript through projects rooted in full stack development, webpage creation, data structures, and algorithms. These types of portfolio projects not only demonstrate your overall abilities, but also show employers you have the specific skills they require of their employees.

More Job Opportunities

In addition to helping learners create their first professional portfolio, most coding bootcamps equip their certificate recipients to pursue a wide variety of positions. JavaScript skills in particular have proven to make aspiring coders more marketable in many tech industries — some of which value bootcamp certificate holders in high regard as potential employees.

In the web development industry, nearly one in three hiring managers reported hiring a bootcamp certificate recipient for open developer roles (according to HackerRanks’s 2020 Developer Survey). And, 53.6 percent of managers cited JavaScript as their most wanted coding fluency among all prospective hires. By learning JavaScript in a bootcamp, you will reflect the needs of such hiring environments, proving to managers that you are fully prepared to accept a job and hit the ground running.

The following are a few leading positions that make use of JavaScript coding skills:

A graphic representing different job opportunities available to those fluent in JavaScript.

Web Developer

As illustrated above, web developer roles have become a promising career path for coding bootcamp certificate recipients — especially those skilled in JavaScript. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of web developers and digital designers is projected to grow 13 percent from 2020 to 2030, which is 5 percent faster than the average for all occupations. This is, in part, due to the expansion of e-commerce, an increase in digital globalization, and the continuing rise of mobile device usage in everyday life.

Salary information, according to the CareerOneStop (2020):

  • Median annual wage in the US: $77,200
  • Median annual wage in New York: $84,600

Broadly speaking, these professionals create and maintain a web entity’s layout, functionality, and usability (all of which may involve JavaScript’s interface-related functionality). Developers may also meet with clients and other internal department stakeholders to discuss site needs and design-related ideas.

Information Security Analyst

Information security analysts are in high demand not only in the tech industry, but across most other global industries as well. In fact, according to the BLS, information security analyst job growth is projected to increase by 33 percent through 2029. This growing demand is due to increasing cyberattacks and heightened emphasis on digital security protocols to protect public and private sector industries alike.

Salary information, according to CareerOneStop (2020):

  • Median annual wage in the US: $103,590
  • Median annual wage in New York: $127,070

Information security analysts are one of the highest paying tech roles — and for good reason. Cyber analysts plan and protect all aspects of a company’s cybersecurity infrastructure, which is an increasingly vital consideration in a world of ever-evolving cyber threats to corporate data. Most security analysts have a strong background in computer science and programming, and they may make use of versatile languages like JavaScript when conceptualizing, implementing, and testing security software.

Software Engineer

Software engineering is another field projected to see above-average employment growth. In fact, the BLS projects growth of 22 percent by 2029, which can be attributed to continued demand for new mobile applications and more innovative, sophisticated software in industries such as healthcare, where seamless data infrastructure and administration has become paramount.

Salary information, according to CareerOneStop (2020):

  • Median annual wage in the US: $111,140
  • Median annual wage in New York: $119,120

Similarly to previous roles discussed, software engineering is a lucrative role that requires high-level coding skills. Engineers are tasked with designing and testing digital applications and programs. They often work with multiple pieces of a system or program, determining the best way to put them together and coding them accordingly. Engineers also typically document and model potential upgrades, modifications, and other infrastructural matters so they can be understood by other developers and coders. Naturally, engineers benefit from exceptional coding skills, and JavaScript fluency can help inform a variety of coding-related decisions from a user interface (UI) standpoint.

Computer Systems Analyst

Computer systems analysts comprise another in-demand technical field. According to the BLS, 7 percent growth is projected through 2029. This growth is likely linked to more organizations emphasizing IT infrastructure and critical systems, which has created a need for those able to analyze, audit, and fine-tune corporate networks at a deep, technical level.

Salary information, according to CareerOneStop (2020):

  • Median annual wage in the US: $93,730
  • Median annual wage in New York: $106,960

Computer systems analysts are essential ltech professionals, as they primarily study a company’s computer system and pinpoint ways to make it stronger and more efficient. These forward-thinking professionals must exercise a blend of broad foresight and tech-savviness to identify potential system flaws, establish a list of possible solutions, and research and test applicable technologies to determine if they are a good fit for the issue. Analysts also work in tandem with managers and other IT professionals to enact solutions quickly and effectively.

Most analysts bring prerequisite skills in programming and computer science. By learning fundamental coding languages like JavaScript, aspiring analysts will increase their ability to handle technologically complex tasks — especially those involving a system or subsequent technology’s digital framework and usability.

FAQ

Why is coding important?

Coding is the foundation of our collective digital infrastructure, and in today’s digital-first business environment, a functional web presence has become synonymous with success. As a result, many of today’s industries involve some form of coding — especially in web development — making this an important cross-industry skill. Broadly speaking, coding experience will likely increase your hiring marketability for a variety of roles.

What is JavaScript?

JavaScript is one of the most used and popular coding languages, often ranking alongside other leading languages like Python, HTML, and CSS. As a scripting language, JavaScript is primarily used to make web pages interactive (usually in features like multimedia widgets and interactive menus), and it is valued for its versatility across most modern browsers. JavaScript is used in projects ranging from websites and mobile apps to video games.

Why should I learn to code in a JavaScript bootcamp?

Compared to other leading forms of education, coding bootcamps tend to provide a more accessible, practical learning model to a variety of experience levels. Bootcamps are usually predicated on real-world, project-based learning experiences. Given JavaScript’s enduring, multifaceted use in countless industries, the language can serve as a great basis for learning general coding skills — and a bootcamp can help you learn such skills quickly, efficiently, and flexibly.

Is coding hard to learn?

Coding is often viewed as a difficult, inaccessible branch of tech learning, but it is approachable with the right attitude and work ethic. While it helps to have a working knowledge of math and digital technology, almost anyone can learn to code — so long as they are willing to dedicate themselves to a potentially intensive process. Aspiring coders should also note that, while established languages like JavaScript may be timeless, the coding world is fast-paced and ever-changing — coding literacy should be viewed as a lifelong learning endeavor.

What kinds of jobs use JavaScript?

JavaScript’s versatility and popularity have led to its use in numerous industries — among them: web development, information security analysis, software engineering, and computer systems analysis. Such roles are directly compatible with JavaScript’s multitude of uses as a scripting language, as they tend to involve some form of technical auditing, usability fine-tuning, and direct digital development rooted in an entity’s interface and general front end functionality.

Summary: Should You Learn JavaScript in a Bootcamp?

JavaScript is one of several key coding competencies impacting a range of industries — one that hiring managers continue to favor in job applicants. By learning this crucial skill, you may enhance your hiring marketability for a variety of tech-based roles.

Coding bootcamps are one of the most effective pathways for mastering top coding languages, including JavaScript. Their flexibility, accessibility, and thorough learning approach consistently give aspiring coders the skills and credentials needed for promising coding-oriented roles — many of which offer competitive, lucrative salaries.

To begin your coding bootcamp journey, consider Columbia Engineering Coding Boot Camp. In the meantime, for more information on coding-related learning, see the following guides:

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