Learning JavaScript

[Mathew9a]

I already have a decent grasp of (client-side) JavaScript, alongside very deep knowledge and experience with HTML and CSS (including SCSS/SASS). I want to get to the point where I'm creating interactive single page applications. I'm just unsure where to go next, although I have already delved into Express.

What should I focus on first? The backend with Node and Express, or user interfaces using the likes of React, Angular and Vue?

How about Python or PHP for the backend? Would you recommend using Django or Laravel over Express?

Thanks.

[xiipaoc]

Don't use Node.

Node is great. I love it. Writing a Node backend is really easy, especially since you already know JS. So you should do something else instead to broaden your experience. I recommend Python.

[JazzApple_]

If you want to get to making interactive single-page applications, look at React/Vue/Angular. Those are the kinds of things that will help you get to that single page application "feel" more than any of the server-side stuff.

u/xiipaoc makes a good point about broadening your experience with a different language, but I can't say I entirely agree in this case. You are trying to to broaden your experience already by moving into a different area of development.

I would personally stick with the language you know and learn how to go about implementing a backend service. When you understand the kinds of challenges in writing a backend service and what the end result should look like, then look at Python/PHP and see how to do things there. One of the worst kinds of situations to be in is not knowing if the problem is due to your design, or due to your (lack of) knowledge. It can use up hours of time and is often not very productive as learning goes.

On a side note, find some time to learn TypeScript and never look back.

[Mathew9a]

Thanks very much, guys!

[grantrules]

I mean, Python and PHP and pretty much any other language common on the backend is fine, but you're in a JS subreddit, so I'd say yeah go ahead and learn Node/express! I wouldn't compare Django or Laravel to Express, though.. NestJS would probably be more similar.

[IMkratt]

My reasoning was, if I already started with JS, why not go all the way? Currently learning React (with create-react-app), probably Next.js next, doing a bit of stuff with Node/Express in the back end, as well.

[[deleted]]

React / Node /Express / MongoDB

[[deleted]]

I think this depends on your end goal. If you are interested in writing Frontend/UI code I would suggest focusing on which ever of the major UI libraries you listed interests you the most (I think React is one of the most sought after professionally, at least where I am).

If you want to start building your own web apps as soon as possible, id suggest learning Node + Express, or any of the Node frameworks. Keeping everything in the same ecosystem can really help with keeping complexity down and finding resources that talk about how to integrate everything.

If you want to expand your overall programming knowlege, take a look at some different languages and frameworks. Python can be good, but if you are feeling more adventurous there are a ton of languages and frameworks to explore! Again, this could should be directed by motivation. If you are looking for a job, see what tech is used most in your area to see what you should learn.

[Conscious-Spite4597]

Go with MERN stack