JavaScript has gained immense popularity over the span of a few years, which is a remarkable feat in itself. It is preferred over other languages because it enables developers to design and modify web pages in various ways and even add different features and functions to web apps. JavaScript is gaining popularity, not simply due to its simplicity and ease of use, but also because it is efficient, secure and affordable.
At the same time, advancing technologies are pushing people from technical fields to enhance their skillset to be more creative in JavaScript.
JavaScript Frameworks
Here we have listed the top 3 best JavaScript frameworks that you must keep an eye on in 2018:
1. Vue.js
Every web site, web page or internet application needs an attractive, organized, responsive and convenient user interface (UI). Vue.js, which was introduced in 2014, is an open-source progressive JS framework to build UIs.
- Offers two-way data binding similar to AngularJS.
- Works expeditiously with cross-platform solutions.
- Will power high-end single page applications (SPAs).
- Considered a mixture of AngularJS, EmberJS and ReactJS
- Quicker and leaner than React and AngularJS
- If you’ve already got the hang of hypertext markup language (HTML), CSS, and JavaScript, then getting started with Vue won’t be a problem.
2. React.JS
- Was designed by a developer’s team from Facebook in 2013.
- Is a versatile, declarative, associated and efficient JS library for building webpages
- Even high-profile applications, such as Instagram, use an equivalent UI that additionally backs the framework as “efficient” within a huge high-traffic application
- Though it has a high learning curve, a steady data flow and easy display logic within make app development relatively easy
3. AngularJS
This framework is managed by a team at Google. It was built for performing speedy and agile work.
- Angular.js – is a MVW (Model-View-Whatever) framework that is right for start-ups and small companies. Benefits include efficient coding, two-way data binding and easy testing.
- Angular2 – is for developers who want full control over their creation as they want to build anything. Angular2 is suitable for large organizations which are strictly made for the purpose of programming.
- Angular4 – with this framework, applications have become significantly more light-weight and easier to work in. Developers can not only apply codes in debug mode, they can apply codes in creation mode as well. Angular 5 was released around a month ago. Although it is feature-packed, we will have to wait for reviews.
As discussed earlier, every great web site and its features are based on the most popular JavaScript frameworks. No matter if you’re new to blogging or still thinking about creating your online store, it is worth learning the basic JavaScript functions for an effective online business.
JavaScript Libraries and Tools
Here are some of the best JavaScript tools and libraries:
- Redux-Saga: manages to sync I/O and isolate the side-effects
- Next.js : SSR with Node & Express, automatic bundle splitting, styled-jsx
- Cheerio: used for testing ReactJS components
- Babel: used to compile ES6 so that it works on older browsers
- ESLint: detects syntax errors and style issues. You can also reduce bugs in your code.
- Ramda: a function that works mostly for lenses and transducers.
An efficient web site is the foundation of an effective web site builder. Before employing certain JavaScript tools on your site, select a builder than can not only hold these features but administrate them easily.
Trends to look out for in 2018:
1. Material Design is a Must
Material Design is a skill companies are looking for in every individual’s skill set. It was developed by Google in 2014 as a set of design standards that enhances the user experience by creating neat and organized user interfaces that support responsive scaling across different screen sizes and dimensions. It’s based on Google’s material design language and provides components such as Parallax, Toast etc.
2. PWA (Progressive Web Apps)
This was one of the revolutionary concepts invented and announced by Google in 2015. The popularity of such applications is based on the efficient web development that results in a straightforward and positive user experience. Progressive web apps are web sites that resemble native mobile applications and can work offline. Shortcuts to such apps can be created and saved on the desktop. As most of the data is stored in the cache, PWA can be loaded very quickly.
3. Artificial Intelligence and Bots
Artificial intelligence is being given a significant amount of attention as this could be the next revolutionary step in the history of technical advancement. AI-based chatbots became incredibly popular in 2017. As some of you may know, Facebook’s Artificial Intelligence chatbots became so smart, they even started talking in their own language. This means that we can look forward to amazing opportunities in the field of Artificial intelligence and robotics. Considering chatbots work on the basis of AI, they could be one of the biggest trends of 2018
4. React Native and Electron
React Native enables you to create apps for mobile devices, such as smartphones. On the other hand, Electron allows you to build apps for desktops. Both turned out to be well established frameworks in 2017 and are great solutions in order to go from JavaScript to a native app.
Some applications created on Electron are:
- Slack
- Atom
- GitHub
Some applications built on React Native are:
- Airbnb
5. Storybook
Storybook started off as a framework that no one knew about. But suddenly in mid-2017, it became immensely popular due to the efforts of its community. It allows you to create and test UI components in isolation. Storybook provides the developer great value for his/her efforts. Here is a pro tip, if you want to stand out as a developer, just show up to an interview with the storybook from your last project.
To Sum It All Up
JavaScript has submitted itself as one of the most feature-packed, convenient and futuristic programming tools worldwide. It can grant greater success to today’s developers and engineers in the continuously evolving market. Owners of major web sites and entrepreneurs hire a great many JavaScript developers every day to make their sites look professional, to engage the audience, and to enhance the UX.