Planning to hire JavaScript development team? Here's everything you need to know about this dynamic programming language and tips to remember while you hire a JS development team.

The world of programming language undergoes constant evolution in order to meet the increasing demands of businesses and users. Arguably, there are around 2500 programming languages in the world. And nobody has the accurate count.

However, there are a few languages which are highly powerful and equally popular. JavaScript is one among it.  Be it mobile, web, Internet of Things, or server, JavaScript developers can fit their creations everywhere now.

JavaScript, which is mostly abbreviated as JS, is a high-level interpreted programming language. It has become one of the most popular technologies used by programmers across the globe. According to GitHub’s Octoverse 2017, it is the most popular programming language in the world. The Stack Overflow’s Annual Survey of 2018 points out that 71.5% of professional developers use JavaScript. The report, furthermore, states that JavaScript is the most commonly used programming language for the sixth year in a row.

So, what are the factors that make it attractive in the industry? Why is JavaScript popular among developers and business owners? Here is everything you need to know about JavaScript and the factors to know before you hire JavaScript developer or join hands with a JavaScript development company.

CHAPTER 1

Introduction to JavaScript

A basic introduction to JavaScript, its past, present, and future.

JavaScript is a light-weight programming language which will enhance the interactivity of the website. Before we get into the details of JavaScript, it is important to note that Java and JavaScript are not the same. Given to the similarity in the name, we intend to think both are same or connected. The fact is, Java has nothing to do with JavaScript. While JavaScript is a client-side high-level scripting language, Java is a static, compiled language.

What is JavaScript?

In simple terms, JavaScript is an object-oriented programming language used in web development. It is used primarily to enhance the interaction of the user with the web page. The language offers a vast set of frameworks and so many libraries. It is widely used in websites, mobile apps, desktop apps, games, and drones, to name a few.

The History of JavaScript

Brendan Eich, a programmer then at Netscape Communications Corporation, wrote JavaScript in September 1995. The language was named as Mocha initially, later as LiveScript, before it got the name ‘JavaScript.' In the last two decades, it has gained immense popularity in the software development world. Earlier, it was well-known as a client-side scripting language. These days, it is widely used in a general-purpose capacity, thanks to its dynamic nature and tight integration with the DOM (Document Object Model).

The Current State of JavaScript

The front-end domination of JavaScript is a thing of the past. At present, JavaScript has almost created its ecosystem with a set of rules and regulations in the software development industry. It offers an extensive list of tools which makes it well-suited for web development of any kind. With its enormous repository of frameworks, JavaScript is second to none in the industry now.

Isomorphic JavaScript, which is otherwise known as Universal JavaScript, is the type of JavaScript that runs on both the browser and the server. The best part about Universal JavaScript is that it runs on every device. It is relatively in its infancy and expected to have a great future in the coming years. However, major companies like Netflix, Google, Paypal, Facebook, Airbnb are already using Universal JavaScript tech stacks.

Also Read: List of Top JavaScript Frameworks in 2019

The Future of JavaScript

The usage of JavaScript revolved around browsers in its initial years. The scenario is no longer the same as the various frameworks of this programming language is widely used in mobile applications, drones, tablets, desktop applications and more. The Internet of Things, which is expected to transform businesses fundamentally, has started using JavaScript to integrate with the web already. 

JavaScript has become the most popular programming language and expected to have the same status in the future too. Experts believe that there will be better frameworks, which are suited for Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality programming, available in the JavaScript soon. The fame and popularity of JavaScript are here to stay!

CHAPTER 2

JavaScript Full Stack Development

The pros and cons of hiring JavaScript full stack developers and more. 

What is JavaScript Full Stack Development?

As you are aware of, web development includes both the front-end and the back-end. Hence, it requires two stacks to build a website. It was hardly possible to build a full-fledged software solution depending on a single technology.

Full-stack JavaScript development is the concept in which both the client side application and the server side processes are written in JavaScript only. The most popular full stack JavaScript is the MEAN stack which includes MongoDB, Express, Angular, and Node.js. There are more possible combinations in JavaScript which the developer can choose according to the project specifics. 

‘JavaScript full stack’ has almost become a buzzword these days in the engineering world. A full stack JavaScript developer is a professional who can develop both the front-end and the back-end in JavaScript.

Advantages of JavaScript Full Stack Development

Both start-ups and established companies are being enthusiastic about using JavaScript full stack development for their enterprise applications. This is majorly due to the numerous advantages it offers. 

Read here the benefits of opting for JavaScript full stack development.

It saves time and money 

One of the significant advantages of hiring a full stack developer is that the same person can switch between the front-end and back-end development. This, in turn, helps to save time and money for the client.

Cost-effectiveness

Hiring a full stack developer is a cost-effective option as you do not have to pay a specialized front-end developer and another back-end developer for your website. An experienced JavaScript development company that offers full stack development will do the job for you efficiently at a reduced cost.

A better understanding of the design structure

When two teams work with two different technologies for the same website, slip-ups are common. On the other hand, when a single team works for the web application on JavaScript frameworks, there will be better understanding related to design structure and source codes within the team.

Free toolset 

Most of the full stack tools and frameworks in JavaScript are open sourced and free for developers. Therefore, you don't have to spend extra on expensive subscriptions or licenses.

Best-suited for SMEs

A large organization may sometimes require specialized workforce for the front-end and back-end development and maintenance. In the case of small and medium enterprises, full stack development is best-suited due to the cost-effectiveness and more natural upgrade.

Disadvantages of JavaScript Full Stack Development

No technology is perfect. JavaScript is not free of drawbacks. Although there are various advantages of choosing JavaScript full stack development, one needs to be aware of the cons as well.

• Insufficient for heavy computation – Sometimes, full-stack JavaScript development can cause delays if your web application involves any form of heavy computation.
• Young technology - JavaScript full stack development is relatively a young technology which, in turn, limits its knowledge base.
• Drawbacks of each tool – Full stack development combines different devices, and no machine comes without disadvantages.  The technical limitations of each tool will show up in full stack as well.

MEAN Stack & MERN Stack – Which One to Choose?

The traditional way of combining JavaScript, HTML and CSS is not considered to be feasible for large enterprise applications now. Therefore, developers prefer to work with web stacks these days to meet the rising expectations of enterprise applications.

There are mainly two web stacks which are popular among full stack developers. They are:

M. E. A. N.  – MongoDB, ExpressJS, AngularJS, NodeJS

M. E. R. N.  – MongoDB, ExpressJS, ReactJS, NodeJS

The choice of MEAN or MERN solely depends on two factors – the specific requirements of the project and the familiarity and experience of the developer. Both these stacks are evolved out of JavaScript and are front-end frameworks. 

As you see it, MongoDB, ExpressJS, and Node.js are common in both the stacks and the critical difference between the two is AngularJS and ReactJS. Google and the community primarily maintain AngularJS, and it suits best for Single Page Applications (SPA). If you are looking for hybrid or multi-page web interfaces, ReactJS should be given priority.

 CHAPTER 3

Understanding JavaScript Frameworks 

Take a dive into the fascinating world of JavaScript Frameworks.

It is the endless line of frameworks in JavaScript that makes the coding faster and easier for the developer. Know more about JavaScript frameworks here.

In simple terms, the JavaScript framework is an application framework written in JavaScript to build websites or website applications. The framework defines the entire application design and makes the coding easier and faster. There are numerous options available in frameworks and the developer can choose the right one depending on the project specifics. 

Examples of the JavaScript frameworks are Meteor, AngularJS, Backbone, React, Vue etc. Read more about the most popular frameworks here.

React 

It is one of the most appreciated JS frameworks for creating user interfaces. It is a flexible front-end JavaScript which is used by major companies like Facebook, Uber, Whatsapp, Airbnb Dropbox, Instagram, to name a few.  If you are looking forward to building an advanced user interface, then React makes the right pick. You can read more about React here.

Angular 

Angular is another popular JavaScript framework that is best suited for building dynamic single-page applications. It is often a preferred framework for businesses as it offers amazing features and runs in multiple platforms. It is a robust platform for web development and drastically cuts down the coding effort. Google is one among the major companies that use Angular in its applications.

React Native 

It has taken mobile app development to all-new levels. This works best for developers working on cross-platform development using the web, mobile, and desktop at the same time. It comes with a very simple UI, and developers can quickly build apps if they are familiar with React. However, the navigation and transitions in React Native are not satisfying enough.

Node.js

It is an event-based framework which has a vibrant ecosystem. It works super quick in operations and can be easily installed and executed. It is best-suited for applications that involve high data processing. Major brands like Linkedin, Medium, Uber, eBay, etc. use Node.js for their applications.

MeteorJS

With an endless list of packages and libraries, this framework is one of the easiest for developers. It runs smoothly on both desktop and mobile phones.  It offers seamless communication between the server and the client. One of the drawbacks of using MeteorJS is that it heavily relies on the connectivity.

Vue

Vue is a very popular JS framework for front-end development. It is called as a progressive framework which means it can adapt to the needs of the developer. Adobe, Alibaba, Grammarly, Xiaomi, etc. are some of the top companies that make applications based on Vue.

EmberJS

If you are a start-up, then Ember would be a perfect pick for your web application. One among the earliest of JS frameworks, Ember comes with a huge online support community. It is one of the preferred choices for single page applications. However, the API is complex, and the steep learning curve makes it one of the difficult languages to learn.  

The list of JS frameworks is not limited to those that are mentioned above. There are numerous frameworks in JavaScript and choosing the right one needs a thoughtful approach. It is important to note that all the frameworks have its own set of pros and cons. 

Also Read: Comparison Between The 6 JavaScript Frameworks 

Choosing a JavaScript Framework for your Web & Mobile Applications 

Selecting the right JavaScript framework often becomes a tough decision for clients, given to the multitude of options available.  The following tips would help you in the decision-making process.

• Know your requirement – Set your requirement list which should include factors like data binding, testability, dependencies, templates, modularity, browser compatibility, third-party functionalities, responsiveness, ease of use, etc. This will help you in comparison of different frameworks and identify which one would suit best for your requirement.
• Duration of the project – If you are looking for a small project that needs fast development, you can go with Angular. However, if you are planning for a massive project, you might need frameworks like Ember. The key takeaway is the size, duration and dependency of the project are significant factors that should determine your choice of framework.
• Maintenance – It should be one of the key considerations while you choose the framework. Ideally, it is better to choose a framework that is easy to maintain.  You should give a thought on the availability of developers that are comfortable working with the chosen framework.

Although the developer will enjoy a lot of space for creativity and experimentation in JavaScript frameworks, the front-end development is a make or break factor of the project in the long run. For business owners, the easier way is to hire a professional agency with experience in working on JavaScript frameworks like Angular, React, Node.js, EmberJS, etc. It will save time and reduces effort as expert developers can suggest the best option depending on your project.

Why Start-ups Should Consider JavaScript Framework?

When we speak about web development for start-ups, JavaScript is one among the top choices for entrepreneurs these days. Continue reading to know why JS frameworks are best-suited for start-ups.  

• Efficiency – JS frameworks come with a predetermined set of patterns and functions. Those websites which require a huge set of coding can be completed fast and efficiently using frameworks in JavaScript.
• Accuracy and Speed – One of the major advantages of using JS frameworks is that it ensures accuracy with speed for the users of your website.
• Cost-effective – Start-ups often face cash crunches in its initial days, and may prefer to work on a limited budget for the tech development. Frameworks offer a cost-effective solution for start-ups as a set of web applications comes with each framework. This will cut down the overall development cost drastically.
• Security – JavaScript frameworks are highly secured and are supported by larger communities to debug issues in its security. For business owners, cybersecurity is a prior obligation and JS frameworks ensure high protection against cyber attacks.

JavaScript Framework for Enterprise Applications

So, is JavaScript well-equipped for enterprise applications? It is an oft-repeated question but does not have a one-word answer. It depends on several factors including the complexity of the project requirement. In the last few years, JavaScript has come a very long way and has become a preferred choice for developers for enterprise web applications as well. React, Angular, Node, Vue, Ember are among the top JS frameworks for enterprises.

However, there are only a handful of JavaScript frameworks that work well with enterprise applications. The best way is to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each framework against your project requirement and reach a decision wisely.

CHAPTER 4

Hiring Javascript Developers

Everything you should know while hiring JavaScript developers.

When it comes to hiring JavaScript developers, you can choose between building an in-house team and outsourcing the job to a remote developer or dedicated team in a software solutions company. For SMEs and start-ups, and even for large organizations, creating a highly-skilled team of professionals in a short time span can become a Herculean task.  

For example, let's assume you need a team of ten people including two senior developers, four mid-level developers, and three testers, and one business analyst in a month or two. It becomes a prodigious task and might not be budget-friendly. 

That explains why many companies prefer to work with a remote team that has a proven track record in developing JavaScript applications. However, building an in-house team may prove beneficial on a long-term basis.

Working with a Remote JavaScript Team

While you plan to work with a remote team of developers for your entrepreneurial venture, there arise a lot of concerns as we have mostly seen the office-based work culture. However, working with a remote team need not be stressful and complicated if you execute it well. 

Here's everything you should know while you hire a remote team for JavaScript application development. 

Hire the Right Developer/Team

A survey conducted by Stack Overflow in 2017 states that 62.5% of programmers use JavaScript for web and mobile application development. Hence, finding a remote team or person to work on your project is not anything complicated. However, choosing the right team is very important as it is critical to your business. If you are joining hands with an outsourcing company, you can ask these key questions. 

The initial step of hiring a developer or a team is to analyze the information available about them. If you are working with a remote team, you should examine certain factors like their expediency, consistency, portfolio, maintenance support, online reviews, etc.

If it is a single person developer, make sure you inquire about the general coding experience, expertise in the popular JS frameworks, command over JavaScript language, etc. As mentioned earlier, a JavaScript developer can be a full stack developer, front-end developer or back-end developer. Therefore, you need to shortlist and hire the relevant professional as per your project requirement.

Plan the Project Ahead

To make the whole process less stressful and productive, it is essential to plan the project expectations, deliverables, and timelines. Detail as much as you can about your project expectations and goals so that the development team can offer you the best JavaScript development services. Meanwhile, make sure you set reasonable expectations with the developer regarding timelines and deliverables. Moreover, you should have the necessary clarity about the responsibilities of both the parties. 

Role of Effective Communication

The golden rule is when the development team knows comprehensively about your project and goals; they are in a better position to build the best-suited web application for you. Effective communication plays a crucial role in determining the success of a remote web development project. It is essential to communicate effectively before and after you hire the developer and throughout the project.

One of the primary reasons for the failure of remote projects is a miscommunication or a lack of proper communication. The occurrence of adverse events will be less when there is adequate communication. Choosing a reputed team for JavaScript web development will help you deal with critical issues professionally. 

Develop a Culture

Building a healthy work culture online with your remote team is essential and will lead to better outcomes. While you work with a remote team, set up practices to motivate and inspire them and make them feel like a fraction of the whole team.

To ensure whether you and the development team are on the same page, you need to check-in with them routinely. If there is any concern regarding the progress of the project, it should be communicated without hesitation. Moreover, constructive feedback at the right time will result in the successful completion of the JavaScript project.

Agile For Win!

Agile development is a topic that needs to be understood while you hire a software development team. It is nothing but a project development methodology that has become a preferred choice for enterprises for building software solutions these days. It follows a set of methods based on iterative development. 

The four core principles of agile development are mentioned below:

1. Individuals and interactions over processes and tools

2. Working software over comprehensive documentation

3. Customer collaboration over contract negotiation

4. Responding to change over following a plan

Agile development addresses the client's requirements in a better way than traditional project methodologies. The iterative planning involved in agile development methodology will make it easier to adapt to the changing needs of the project. 

Also Read: Questions To Ask While Choosing An Agile Development Company

Listed below are the significant benefits of agile development.

• Engagement 

  In agile development, there is a higher level of engagement between the client and the project team. The team will have a better idea of the client's business and vision which will help them to come up with features that adds to the business value.

• Quality 

  You can be ensured of a high-quality development, testing and collaboration in agile development as the project will be broken down into small manageable units. The frequent reviews and testing help to identify defects quickly and make the iterations rapidly. 

• Transparency 

  Transparency among the stakeholders is another key benefit of agile development. The client will have an opportunity to be involved in the project throughout its lifecycle and be ensured of the progress of the work.

• Flexibility 

  The cost and timelines of the project remain predictable in agile development. Each Sprint (a set period for specific work and review) in agile will have a fixed duration and predetermined cost; hence the client will not have to bear unexpected expenditure during the project.

Conclusion

JavaScript is almost everywhere now and is expected to have a bright future. As per reports, JavaScript is used by 94.9% of all websites. Major browsers like Chrome and Firefox have recently upgraded to run JavaScript applications faster. 

Be it React, Angular, Node or Vue, most of the frameworks of this programming language has won the heart of developers and continue to evolve to suit the needs of new age businesses. It is a technology which is not going to be subdued in the coming years.

Leverage the power of JavaScript for your web application!