What should I learn after Javascript?

(• Reading Time: 3 minutes •)

After learning JavaScript, there are 3 major paths I recommend you explore:

1. Build projects with basic JavaScript
2. Learn a popular framework based on JavaScript
3. Shift focus to a completely different programming language

 

1. Build projects with basic JavaScript

The main reason for building projects with basic JavaScript is that you'll deepen you knowledge. Most times, the things you learn will skip you mind if you don't use them.

It's not just with JavaScript. It's with every part of programming.

Practice or lose it.

If you're looking for projects to build with JavaScript, start with these fun programming projects for beginners and beyond.

 

2. Learn a popular framework based on JavaScript

If you're looking for a web development job, either as a frontend or fullstack developer, you'll need to learn a framework.

I recommend that you look up which frameworks are most popular in your area and then use that to guide your choice.

Here is a list of top 10 JavaScript frameworks. Personally, I recommend:

• How to develop with React because it's insanely popular
• Express (Node.js framework)
• Angular
• Vue.js

Frameworks or libraries like React can take some time to get used to. Whatever you do, do not pick up two at the same time. You'll only confuse and discourage yourself.

Choose one and stick with it – for at least six months.

Once you master one, it'll be easy to use that knowledge to shift into another.

 

3. Shift focus to another programming language

I don't recommend shifting to another language unless you've tried to build projects in JavaScript or mastered a framework. If this is your case, I recommend going with Python.

You can follow this guide on what to do after learning the basics of Python.

There's this temptation to learn multiple languages and add them to your CV that you know so much.

But it's better to be a master at one; than to be “familiar” with many.

In the end, someone who knows a specific domain deeply will be hired over another person who knows multiple things a little bit.

Why?

Because going deep into one space shows that you're also committed and can see things through. Sadly, not many can do this. And you don't want to fall into the category of people who can't.

 

Closing out

Learn the basics of JavaScript then either build projects with it, learn a framework based on JavaScript or shift to another language.

That's all for now.

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Heads Up - I love research so I tend to back my advice and approach with concepts from Behavioral Psychology and Neuroscience.