Hire JavaScript Developers

What Is JavaScript?

JavaScript is a programming language that allows developers to create and control dynamic content on websites. It will enable complex functions to be added to any web page. It also allows users to interact with a web page. JavaScript provides interactivity to what would otherwise be a static web page.

For example, every time you fill out an interactive form on the web, JavaScript runs in the background. But that’s not all. You probably noticed how the timeline automatically updates to show fresh content when you’ve used Facebook. That’s thanks to JavaScript. And also features that control slideshows, animations, videos, autocorrect, and auto-complete suggestions.

What Does a JavaScript Developer Do?

The JavaScript developer is responsible for implementing the external logic that defines the behavior of visual elements and creates interactive user interfaces for websites and web applications.

JavaScript developers also provide capabilities for developing the entire stack. Typically, JavaScript works on the visible side of a website. Now, with the release of the Node.js framework for servers, programmers can also do back-end work. Thus, it is now possible to write reasonably heavy server-side code in JS, building the logic and behavior of the site.

In addition, JavaScript developers are usually familiar with numerous technologies and frameworks that help optimize the language, such as the React library or the Vue.js framework.

Why Use JavaScript in 2023?

According to the PYPL index (Programming Language Popularity Index), JavaScript is the third most popular language on Google. Furthermore, a Statista study shows that JavaScript is the most popular language in the world, given that more than 65% of respondents use it.

Meanwhile, the HackerRank report, showed that the global demand for JavaScript exceeds the number of specialists available in the marketplace. According to the report, 53.6% of employers worldwide say they need JavaScript developers with good skills. Still, only 42% are proficient in the language.

Not by chance, JS is in the first position:

• Flexibility. Created products are reusable and not platform-specific.
• Rich interface. New functions are permanently developed for JS; many libraries and APIs exist.
• Versatility. Works well with other programming languages. Supports all operating systems, browsers, and mobile devices.

Technologies that can replace JavaScript are slowly beginning to appear. However, it will be long before these technologies reach a sufficient level of development and learn everything JavaScript can do. Nevertheless, many companies have invested and continue to invest a lot of money in JavaScript-compatible engines, making the language more and more effective and keeping it relevant.

Pros and Cons of JavaScript

Like any other technology, JavaScript has advantages and disadvantages. But when it comes to JavaScript, the disadvantages are covered by its advantages. So let’s take a closer look at them.

Pros of JavaScript

1. Speed—JavaScript is an “interpreted” language; it reduces the time it takes other programming languages, such as Java, to compile. JavaScript is also very fast because it often runs directly in the client’s browser.

2. Ease of development—JavaScript is easy to understand and learn. Its structure is simple for users and developers alike. As a result, applications are easily updated and developed according to user needs.

3. Popularity—Almost all modern browsers support JavaScript. Many well-known companies, including Google, Amazon, PayPal, etc., use it as a development tool. In addition, both StackOverflow and GitHub show a growing number of projects with Javascript, and popularity is only expected to grow.

4. Memory Resources—JavaScript requires relatively tiny and light memory resources. Since it doesn’t require a lot of space, using RAM will be easier. So Javascript is very suitable for applications that are used daily.

5. Compatibility—JavaScript combines well with other programming languages, so it is preferred in developing many applications. It can be embedded in any web page or inside a script of another programming language.

6. Extended functionality—Developers can extend the functionality of web pages by writing JavaScript snippets for third-party add-ons such as Greasemonkey (a Mozilla Firefox extension).

Cons of JavaScript development

1. Security—JavaScript code is viewable by the user, so others can use it for malicious purposes. For example, using source code without authentication or putting code on a site compromises the security of data on the site. Therefore, some applications created using Javascript are not critical and essential, such as mobile banking applications or applications requiring password entry.

2. Copying Individuality—This point follows from the first. Because of client-side code execution, there is a risk of your site being copied by competitors. As a result, you risk losing your identity. This disadvantage is especially relevant for an environment such as e-commerce.

3. Browser support—different browsers sometimes interpret JavaScript code differently. You don’t have to worry about this as long as javascript developers test their script in all major browsers.

What Is JavaScript Used For?

JavaScript is used to create websites and web applications. However, JavaScript not only powers about 95% of all websites but has also become an increasingly common solution in mobile applications. All thanks to tools like the React Native framework, which allows cross-platform iOS and Android apps to be developed with Javascript.

Here are some basic things that JavaScript developers create:

1. Adding interactivity and dynamic content. For example, show or hide additional information at the click of a button, play audio and video on a web page, display animations, etc.
2. Creating web and mobile apps: such as Netflix and Uber
3. Creating games that work inside the browser, both 2D and 3D
4. Creating stable web servers and server applications using Node.js

How to Hire the Right JavaScript Developer?

Have you already started the project, or are you starting from scratch?

If you’ve already started a project, it’s easier to figure out what you’re looking for. You’ve already decided what technologies and frameworks you need, so you just need to find the best developer with those skills. Then, you can easily list the requirements and determine who is the best fit for your project.

However, if you haven’t made those decisions and are starting from scratch, you’ll have to determine how you want to develop your project. If you’re unfamiliar with JavaScript, you’ll have to do a little research before deciding on the languages, libraries, and frameworks you want to use in your project. You should familiarize yourself with their advantages and limitations, research which technology stacks are currently trending, or ask someone for advice. The main thing is to understand what problems each technology solves and choose the ones that will help you create the product you want.

Front-end, Back-end, and Full-stack JavaScript developer?

Today, there are three types of JavaScript developers: front-end, back-end, and full-stack.

Front-end JS developer—is a specialist responsible for data processing into a graphic user interface. He creates what a user sees in the browser and interacts with.

Back-end JS developer—a specialist who takes care of the server part of the project. In addition, he creates components and functions that are available for a user through the interface.

Full-stack JS developer—is a broad specialist who can create application architecture and its user interface.

When to choose a front-end JavaScript developer?

Front-end developers ensure your site looks and functions how you want it to. They use CSS, HTML, and JavaScript technologies to create websites and applications.

Whether you want a site with static content, a basic contact form, or a fully interactive user interface, you can rely on a front-end developer.

Here are some responsibilities of frontend JS developers:

• Development of front-end project from scratch;
• Design of user interfaces;
• Cross-browser and adaptive HTML5/CSS3 layout;
• Collaboration with back-end developers while creating RESTful API.

When to choose a back-end Javascript developer?

Back-end developers are responsible for databases and APIs. Their focus is not on presentation but on functions on the server. Don’t expect them to draw or design; that’s not their job. However, suppose you already have a front-end developer who has done the custom part of the project. In that case, the back-end developer will connect the data to the front-end.

Responsibilities of back-end JS developers:

• Development of business logic and back and system for product support;
• Work with databases with the help of DBMS;
• Integration with external services;
• Testing and debugging of application components.

When to choose a full-stack developer?

If you want to build an app or website from scratch, you should consider hiring a full-stack JavaScript developer. They will do both front-end and back-end development and should have extensive knowledge and experience. Although full-stack developers have knowledge in both parts of the stack, that doesn’t necessarily mean they are experts in any one of them.

Responsibilities of full-stack JS developers: Mix of back-end and full-stack duties.

In-house, freelance, or hire a dedicated JavaScript developer?

Hiring an in-house JavaScript developer is more expensive but has several advantages. First, you can control all the progress physically and communicate without any problems.

If you are considering hiring a freelance JavaScript developer, this model has its pros and cons, but it can be risky. They may leave the project, it may be challenging to manage their work, or they may not meet deadlines. Still, there’s no need to hire an in-house JavaScript developer if your project is small or you need to fix a few minor bugs. It’s cheaper to hire JavaScript freelancers, and there are many platforms where you can find them.

There seem to be many options for hiring JavaScript developers—and there are. You can spend days scanning lists of people, checking rates, comparing requirements, and bypassing scammers. And then, when you think you’ve found the right person, they’re not who you were looking for. And so you’re back to the beginning.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

A third option is to hire a JavaScript programmer from a software development company. A dedicated software development company provides the right remote developer for you and your project. The company and you have confidence in each other through a contract and NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement). If you hire dedicated JavaScript developers from the company, they will help you develop and support the product. Hiring dedicated developers are ideal for you when your project is large, or your project functions are quite complicated. Quality is critical; you don’t have enough money or time to hire an in-house team.

What Skills Do JavaScript Developers Need?

Determining what skills a good JavaScript developer should have is difficult. Especially as we mentioned above, you’re just starting a new project. When looking for JavaScript engineers, you can get lost in the number of requirements, skills, databases, and languages.

We’ve carefully structured the information below to help you understand the basic skills.

Fontend JavaScript Developer Skills

• Fluency in HTML and CSS; 
• Understanding of CSS preprocessors: Sass, Less, Stylus, etc.
• Ability to work with Webpack module bundler, understanding of Babel transpiler working principles;
• Knowledge and working experience with popular frameworks and libraries: Angular, React, Nodejs, Vue.js, etc.;
• Experience or work with version control systems and repositories: Git, GitHub;
• Experience in working with databases and knowledge of query languages: SQL, MySql, NoSQL, MongoDB, etc.;
• Use of programming patterns: MVC, MVP, MVVM.
• Ability to work with image editors: Photoshop, Illustrator, etc., is an advantage.

Skills for Back-end JavaScript Developers

Back-end development often consists of three main parts: server, application, and database. As a result, such a specialist should have knowledge and experience in Node.js (the primary server platform that uses JavaScript) and various databases: SQL and NoSQL.

In addition to that, basic technical skills include:

• Knowledge of web servers: Nginx, Apache, IIS;
• Ability to work with version control systems: Git;
• Knowledge of HTML and CSS—for better understanding and communication with interface team members; 
• Knowledge of Windows Server, macOS X, Linux, and other operating systems;
• Knowledge of API (REST, SOAP)—less often;
• Unit test writing skills.

Skills for Full-Stack JavaScript Developers

Of course, a full-stack developer is unlikely to have all of mentioned frontend and backend skills. Moreover, the knowledge of both skill sets is usually not as deep as the pure backend or front end JavaScript developers.

Development of internal and external parts of a website or an application means that a JS developer should at least possess the following skills:

• Fundamental understanding of JavaScript;
• Knowledge of Node.js; 
• Knowledge of HTML5 and CSS3 interface technologies; 
• Knowledge of either of the front-end frameworks: Angular, React, etc.;
• Knowledge of either of the back-end frameworks: Express.js, Nest.js;
• Knowledge of one of the further mentioned databases: Oracle, MongoDB, SQLServer, and Redis;
• Understanding of API testing tools;
• Unit and End-to-End testing. 

JavaScript libraries every developer needs to know 

JavaScript libraries—functions that a developer can reuse or change when developing a website, application, etc. Libraries considerably simplify the life of a developer by saving time on all development stages. They also reduce the jumper of potential code mistakes. Therefore the skill of interaction with libraries is one of the must-have skills a developer should have. 

We mapped out the libraries to the potential objectives of your project:

The table lists only the most frequent use cases and examples of the libraries. Your case might be different. Visit Github to familiarize yourself with the list of additional libraries.

JavaScript Developer Job Description Template

Your job description for hiring JavaScript programmers should be written in a way that attracts candidates to your business.

The job description should consist of six main sections:

General information about the company: Explain what your company does, its purpose, and its goals.
Project context: Have you already started working on a project, or starting from scratch? Briefly describe the work, the outcome you want to achieve, and the services you are looking for.
Project Duration: Indicate whether it will be a small or large project.
Roles and Responsibilities: List daily responsibilities the developer will be required to perform on your project.
Skills and Qualifications: List the required skills and qualifications you would like to see in a javascript developer.
Budget: define an approximate budget. Note your preferred payment model.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire JS Developers?

When choosing a developer or a development team, finding talented candidates staying within the budget should also be considered. 

We collected data on the annual salaries of JavaScript developers depending on the level of seniority and country of residence from Payscale, Glassdoor, Indeed, and Salaryexplorer. Obtained results are specified below:

The average salary for a senior JavaScript developer is $120,000 annually in the United States. At the same time, the average salary of senior JavaScript developers in Latin America is currently around $38,400. This price difference is due to the different economies in the US and Latin America. Therefore, offshore software developers’ cost is much lower than hiring full-time American professionals.

Because of economic differences, Eastern Europe has very similar rates to Latin America. For example, suppose you look at salaries in Eastern and Northern Europe. In that case, the data shows that a senior JavaScript developer costs about $36,000 on average.

Why Hire a JavaScript Developer with JayDevs?

You don’t want to waste more time looking for JavaScript engineers. We understand that. That’s why we’ve done all the screening work for you. JayDevs will match you with the right developer in 24 hours. We can assist in sourcing the right JavaScript developers for hire who checks every requirement.

JayDevs JavaScript developers are pre-screened, interviewed, and then trained to become true software professionals.

At JayDevs, we recruit developers who demonstrate tremendous potential or exceptional skill. We then take their skills and potential and polish them even further.

By partnering with JayDevs, you can take advantage of experienced in-house developers, reduce the cost of the traditional hiring process, and save time .

Interested? Tell us about your project so we can get to work!