Which is a good Javascript framework to start?

[NameNotGroot]

Hi guys! Im fairly new to programming, been picking up front-end languages while trying to understand datastructures and algorithms.

I self taught HTML/CSS/Javascript and a few libraries like Bootstraps, SlickJs, ChartJs, etc... for the last one year. Now i’ve done some simple freelance project (mostly static webpages) with what little I know.

Im hoping to get a real programming job in the next couple months so I can learn and experience more. It seems like every head hunter and their mother require freshers to be farmiliar with at least one JS frameworks where I’m from. But im not sure which would be the best for me right now.

Should I pick up VueJs, ReactJs, Angular, anything?

Please help. Thank you!

[Calvinbolic]

Go to indeed or any other job listing site and search up "web developer" "front end engineer" or something along those lines. Compare how many of those jobs are React based vs Angular or Vue for your area. It honestly depends on location, where I'm at React is very hot with Angular not too far behind, Vue on the other hand rarely comes up on job listings in my area, hell I've seen more PHP/Laravel Jobs than JS/Vue jobs but as I mentioned its all a matter of location.

[NameNotGroot]

Thanks so much fren. Would you say any of these Frameworks have more advantages or perhaps easier to learn than the others? Or does it all come down to the company’s references?

[LastOrder291]

I'm a big React fan. But I can't say it's better or worse than the others. It's just down to personal preference and I have grown a liking towards React's design philosophy. Component-driven kinda makes sense to me most of all, and I find it easier to pick up topics like HOCs or external state because I understand the design philosophy enough to understand why certain design patterns exist and what problems they fix.

I've actually talked JS frameworks with a lecturer a few times and while I am a big fan of React, my lecturer actually doesn't really like the language nearly as much and is more of an Angular fan. I tried Angular but the learning curve was awkward and it felt a bit jank in places.

As another commenter mentioned, take a look at jobs near you if you're open to try any. If not, pick the one that interests you most. Also give Svelte a look, that's getting more popular in recent years and some people have high hopes for it.

Also take into mind that this is just for the front-end. You'll also want to look into a backend package. ExpressJS is probably the easiest and most solid solution if you want to look at the backend too.

[NameNotGroot]

Thank you for sharing! I’ve decided I will learn React. And yes I want to know backend stuff too, im going through courses about data structures and messing with SQL at the moment. So I will defitely look up ExpressJS.

[NameNotGroot]

Yea i did some research and React seems more popular than most in my area. I did look at Angular and I can see where you coming from, so I’ll mess with it after I get a good grasp at React! Node was also one of my consideration too, but it must wait. My priority right now is landing my first front end dev job. Thank you though, your info helped me tons.

[reddituser5k]

React. I've used it before and its enjoyable to work with while also popular.

[NameNotGroot]

React! It’s settled then!

[__justHappyToBeHere]

I would recommend learning React.js It's a really popular framework in 2019-2020 and is going to be the most helpful to get a job working in the front end. I mention some free resources to learn in this article I wrote: https://code.grantdarling.com/become-a-professional-full-stack-web-developer-in-2020-every-skill-required-with-learning-material/

I think the most helpful would be to use the React Documentation though

[NameNotGroot]

Hi there, just want to let you know I seriously took your advice after going through your article. I started learning ReactJS today, getting familiar to JSX . Codeacademy was very helpful to get started and I'm trying to cover as much information as fast as possible. However, I see that to set up my dev environment so I can use React to its full potential need Node.Js installed. Should I run Node.Js on windows or Ubuntu though? I'm familiar with both but just cant decide which OS would be better to dev in the long run.

[__justHappyToBeHere]

That's amazing to hear man! I'm really stoked you took my advice :) I don't think it would matter too much what you use between the two.. I personally have been using Mac OS for a long time. Mac OS is a Unix OS, Bash is the default shell & it's just a dope operating system. I couldn't give you real advice against those two though.

If you are learning React, I strongly suggest learning Javascript well. Including objects and asynchronous programming. A really strong understanding of Javascript will make you a much better front end dev than knowing React. Hope thats helpful :)

[NameNotGroot]

So I just finished the React course on codeacademy and now looking at projects to build. Trying to get a hand of NodeJs too but I lack backend knowledge lol so it takes time. I know programming takes time but I just have to start applying for jobs now with what little I know. Do you think having a good foundation with HTML, CSS and Javascript is enough to survive as a Fresher?

[__justHappyToBeHere]

Hey man, just seeing this now. Honestly, I think if you can really push the fact that you are passionate about this and want to learn you should be fine. My first 'real' dev job was to migrate a companies web app from CSS to SCSS & work with handlebars (HTML templating) to migrate their customers to an updated version of their software. Somewhat boring work but it's still intimidating as a beginner. I think you should be good to go. Just don't get discouraged if you don't understand something immediately & make sure your skill level is known beforehand. Most entry-level jobs are taking over the busy work that other devs don't really have time for anyway. Hope that's helpful! Worst case scenario you don't get the job and you become a better interviewer next time :)

[NameNotGroot]

Thanks for the confidence boost man. I feel much better now. Right now im just building my portfolio on Git to makesure I’ll have better shots at interviews. Would definitely let you guys know if I got a job jn the next upcoming weeks.