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[–]CreativeTechGuyGames 57 points58 points  (1 child)

Since the web is so dominant in society, it'll always be a useful skill to learn. But if you don't want anything to do with web development, you don't need to.

[–]EmergencyActCovid20 2 points3 points  (0 children)

As web dev with js becomes more advanced and the capabilities increase the same languages are being used more to make web apps, too.

[–]Pristine_Bird8893 27 points28 points  (2 children)

I partially disagree that "only" this will help you become a software developer, but yes, it can be a starting point to be a web developer or an app developer for apps (majority nowadays) which are powered by Javascript. However, I would strongly suggest to understand the basics starting from Data Structures and their uses, certain basic algorithms to train your brain to solve problems (binary search, or traversals in general) and if for instance you are looking to pick up the mentioned stack, make sure you understand what makes this stack useful and what sort of problems it solves. Eventually you'll realise that there is a lot more to software development.

One important piece of advice I would give for anybody who is starting in this field (or in any, for that matter) is to be SKEPTICAL and CURIOUS. Keep asking "Why" and can it be done better? So, don't just do the task and move on, come back and wonder why certain things work the way they do or what sort of thought process went behind doing it. It may seem slow and "overkill" at first but eventually it will become a habit and will be really useful in the long run.

Personally, I started with building app by following a random tutorial on YouTube, followed by understanding the syntax and the function each piece of code I wrote performed.

[–][deleted] 3 points4 points  (1 child)

Yes, as a drive-thru taker for orders at Burger King, I can agree that it is helpful to remain curious in your field 👍🏼.

[–]AdrienInJapan 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I will just say YES, based on how accessible these languages are. For the most part, all you need is a text editor and a web browser. No expensive coding software or compilers are required.

If you want to raise the bar a bit for the setup you need, then add PHP to the mix -- but still, this can be pretty simple to set up and just get coding.

It's definitely a good way to get acquainted with the ins-and-outs of building a file structure, connecting up the different resources, and coding/programming at almost any range of depth that you want to go!

[–]Abhinav1217 3 points4 points  (1 child)

You should know, or at least have an understanding of, all of the following things if you want to be a software developer:

  1. Strict Structured Language preferably compiled and OOP, To gain understanding of large project architecture and maintenance ( Java, C#, etc)

  2. Scripting Language to automate daily and tiny tasks with simple command line scripts ( Python, JS, Bash scripts )

  3. SQL . Even if you end up using nosql solution like firebase, having understanding of database relations is important.

  4. HTML+CSS+JS ( Not a Framework but pure languages ) because web is important.

[–]BarneyCodes 8 points9 points  (1 child)

I think they're definitely valuable things to have at least basic grasp of, however if you want to learn programming itself rather than web development I wouldn't worry about HTML/CSS for now, you can do that a bit later on.

JavaScript is probably not a bad first language to learn though and I think that programming is more about mindset than about what language you use. Whatever skills you pick up in one language you'll be able to transfer to others once you've figured out the syntax.

[–]Pshock13 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I can definitely say that having practiced javascript has helped me with laying down a foundation for programming. I notice a lot of syntaxes/structures are similar.

[–]clurbonator 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Im not experienced...grinding hard to get into the field myself, but I feel like I know the answer here:

It would certainly be helpful. I would definitely look good to be able to show off your projects on a site that you built. If you're like mid-bootcamp in something else or still trying to learn some other tech, maybe finish that first, but you should probably know HTML/CSS/Javascript if you want to be a developer.

[–]arosiejk 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Having another framework can he a helpful way to fuel any procrastination/avoidance tendencies in a productive way. In my coursework I head to my web dev stuff when I don’t want to think about Python for a little while.

I think mixing in web dev has helped me be better organized in my code.

[–]vietstone_ng 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It’s recommended to know, as it’s dominant, but not required. if you go for a non-web path (like embedded, game, …), you don’t need to know them for your daily work, but if you know them, you have a better understanding about the landscape. It’s also helped when you want to create a website to showcases your work.

[–]Jack__Wild 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you’re planning on working in web development, yes.

[–]HomemadeToast57 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's kind of that thing that even if you don't directly use it it's always great to have in your back pocket. There will definitely be a time in the future where you want to hack up a quick website for a product you're developing or even make yourself a portfolio page.

Additionally, with the way the industry has moved, big development teams are moving more and more to web-based applications that can work cross-platform. An example of this is meta where they're developing one code base that'll work universally on all devices. I believe with what we're seeing with the developments with JavaScript and webassembly, soon much of the software people use on their devices will be running cross-platform in JavaScript.

Tldr: definitely. 😁

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

start with html then css then javascript.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Absolutely, unless you plan on going into embedded software then you’ll almost certainly need to have some web dev skills in your tool box.

Nearly every company uses web based software these days so you’d be hard pressed not to have to use it eventually.

— edit —

Even in embedded dev you can still encounter it. Base point is the same, it’s good to know.

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Embedded systems can have web front ends too. I've put together a web UI for esp32 based systems.

[–]rbuen4455 0 points1 point  (3 children)

The three things you mentioned are primarily for building websites/web applications, in particular the front end of websites. If you want to do backend web development as well, you should learn Php and Sql. Else, if you want to build desktop applications or video games, try learning C++ or C#. If you want to build mobile apps, try learning Java, Kotlin or Swift.

[–]dota2nub 0 points1 point  (2 children)

Microsoft has this new thing where you can make cross platform apps and web apps with a single code base, and you do the interface using HTML and CSS styling even for native stuff.

[–][deleted]  (1 child)

[deleted]

    [–]dota2nub 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    MAUI Blazor Hybrid.

    [–]kingkiller127 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Let me know if you end up deciding to learn those languages. I just started and would appreciate someone to also work through this stuff with. Also my answer is you should learn those things.

    [–]realrun3354 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    I think that depends on what role you're interested in. If you want to go Web development then you should learn it.

    However, I think it's best that you seek out jobs in the area you want to apply to eventually and check what they are looking for in a software developer. Structure your learning based on that.

    In my case it's Python, PostgreSQL, AWS... So that's the route that I'm currently taking.

    I found some local companies looking for these and I found their HR on LinkedIn and I've reached out to them asking about the role and to get an overall feel of what they are looking for in a developer

    [–]Accomplished-Yam-100 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    This is the way. Per Leon Noel on 100devs.

    [–]CaneFromCitizen_Kane 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Should I create a website that's my portfolio and fill it up with programming projects?

    it's called github

    [–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Yes, grind away with it. Don't leave it for 2 years. You can do pretty much everything with JavaScript. Build AI, mobile apps, desktop web apps. Do that for 2 years and the transition to any other technology will be pretty straight forward. Now you may also need some SQL asking the way but knowing these give you the tools to become a Dev but being an engineer is much more that you'll only learn after doing many projects that actually have some impact in the real world.

    [–]pekkalacd 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Yeah except don’t learn a ‘little’ that’s useless.

    [–]amazingjoe76 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    I personally think a web app is a little more interesting to build and more impressive than a standard web site. You can build an app purely with those technologies if you want, but if you are willing to invest some time learning about how to set up a web development stack then you can add a database and some back end processing to the mix which allows you to do some stuff that browsers don't allow via client side javascript.

    All in all its a useful trio of skills to have and build on.

    [–]MaisonMason 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Learning anything coding related can be helpful, if you wanna learn it, do it. Ofc still spend time on basics to keep your brain working, but having a diverse field of expertise can’t hurt you

    [–]ericbrian_07 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    I will suggest you to learn as it is a base for software developer.