Introduction

JavaScript, also known as JS, is a programming language created by Brendan Eich of Netscape in 1995. used to create dynamic content for websites. It is estimated that 99% of current websites use JavaScript on the client side for webpage behavior.

There were people who argued strongly that Java’s fine for programmers who build components, but there’s a much larger audience of people who write scripts or maybe copy a script from somebody else and tweak it. These people are less specialized and may be paid to do something other than programming, like administer a network, and they write scripts part-time or on the side. If they’re writing small pieces of code, they just want to get their code done with the minimal amount of fuss.

 Brendan Eich, Creator of JavaScript, on why JavaScript was considered an important complement to Java

What is JavaScript?

JavaScript is a popular interpreted scripting language, typically considered the most widely-adopted and in-demand programming language in the world.

Almost anything interactive or animated on a webpage today is rendered in JavaScript. When used like this, JavaScript is considered a client-side language, and it is often applied to the development of mobile games. Meanwhile, server-side frameworks such as Node.js extend JavaScript’s applications for more scalable, event-driven applications.

Why use JavaScript?

Developers choose to use JavaScript because it’s easy to write workable code quickly in JavaScript, with the added advantage that it was initially created for web browsers. Microsoft, Apple and Google all compete to produce high-performance JavaScript interpreters, making JavaScript a remarkably robust and scalable language.

JavaScript also boasts a vast ecosystem of frameworks and tools to boost developer efficiency, and an active community of users and contributors.

To get a better sense of JavaScript’s versatility, consider these famous applications:

• Microsoft: Works with JavaScript to build its Edge web browser, and maintains its own JavaScript engine for Edge. 
• PayPal: Builds all its client-facing applications using Node.JS, and runs the front-end of its website on JavaScript.
• Groupon: Switched over to Node.JS from Ruby on Rails after encountering issues with speed and maintainability.
• Facebook: Each section of a Facebook page is a collection of independent JavaScript applications. It also created React.JS.
• Google: Extensively uses JavaScript for its ecosystems, including Google Maps and Google Docs.

Benefits of JavaScript

As the 6th most popular programming language in 2025 according to the TIOBE Programming Community Index, JavaScript boasts numerous benefits and strengths for developers and companies alike. Due to its adaptability and speed, developers can easily use JavaScript to create various apps, sites, and other projects.

The benefits of JavaScript include:

• Speed: As an interpreted language, JavaScript doesn’t require as much time for compilation as other languages, such as Java.
• Ease of Use: JavaScript is widely considered one of the simplest languages to learn, having been designed to be simple for web developers to understand and use.
• Rich Interface: JavaScript offers a variety of interfaces to build engaging websites.
• Versatile: JavaScript is a highly versatile language that can be implemented in many different ways across a site.
• Extended Functionality: Third-party add-ons such as Greasemonkey enable developers to incorporate prefabricated code into their code, which can make it easier and faster for developers to create applications.
• Interoperability: JavaScript seamlessly integrates with other programming languages.
• Independent Platform: Most browsers support JavaScript, making it simple for any browser to comprehend and recognise JavaScript code.

JavaScript Skills and Qualifications

JavaScript developers will often hold a degree in computer science or similar, though this is not essential. When hiring a JavaScript developer, it’s most important to look for strong experience in Java development.

There are also many certifications and qualifications that a JavaScript developer may have. Popular certifications include:

• Certified Node.js Developer (JSNSD)
• Professional JavaScript Developer Certification (W3Schools)
• Salesforce JavaScript Developer I
• Meta React Developer Professional Certificate
• Certified Node.js Developer (JSNAD)
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate
• JSA™ – Certified Associate JavaScript Programmer
• JavaScript Institute Certification
• Scaler JavaScript Course With Certification
• Certified JavaScript Developer (CJSD)

Beyond technical skills, soft skills are vital when choosing your JavaScript developer. Problem-solving is crucial, aiding with troubleshooting and continuous learning. Communication is also essential when looking for any new team member, particularly in facilitating clear and open communication between technical and non-technical stakeholders.pen communication between technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Popular JavaScript Libraries

JavaScript is well-known for its active community and vast array of helpful libraries. Some of the most popular JavaScript libraries include:

• jQuery: A classic JavaScript library that’s fast and light-weight.
• React.js: An open-source, front-end JavaScript library.
• D3.js: Data-Driven Documents (D3) is used to document manipulation based on data.
• Underscore.js: A JavaScript utility library that provides various functions for typical programming tasks.
• Lodash: A JavaScript utility library that makes it easier to work with numbers, arrays, strings, objects and more.
• Algolia Places: A JavaScript library that provides an easy and distributed way of using address auto-completion on a website.
• Anime.js: An easy way to add animations to a site or application.
• Chart.js: A flexible, simple library for designers and developers to add charts and graphs to their projects.
• Chreographer.js: Used to animate complex CSS effectively.
• Glimmer: Features lightweight and fast UI components.
• Granim.js: A library that helps developers create fluid and interactive gradient animations.
• fullPage.js: Helps developers to create full-screen scrolling sites or one-page websites easily.
• Leaflet: Used to include interactive maps in a website.
• Masonry: A popular and straightforward JavaScript grid layout library.

Popular JavaScript Frameworks

Frameworks are collections of reusable code, templates and tools that provide a foundational structure for building applications effectively and efficiently. Some of the most popular JavaScript frameworks include:

• AngularJS: A front-end JavaScript framework developed by Google, used to create web applications.
• Bootstrap: Used to design fast and mobile-responsive sites.
• Aurelia: A simple and powerful open-source, front-end JavaScript framework for building responsive mobile, desktop, and browser applications.
• Vue.js: A popular JavaScript framework used to build user interfaces.
• Ember.js: Used to build web applications with rich UIs, capable of working across devices.
• Node.js: A server-side, open-source JavaScript framework built on Chrome’s JS V8 Engine.
• Backbone.js: A lightweight framework with a RESTful JSON interface that helps developers to build better client-side web applications.
• Next.js: Offers a React front-end JavaScript framework.
• Mocha: A feature-rich, open-source JavaScript test framework that runs on Node.js or in a browser.
• Ionic: An open-source JavaScript framework to build high-quality hybrid mobile apps.

Popular JavaScript ​​Programming Tools

There are many tools available to enhance the experience of using JavaScript. Some of the most popular tools include:

• Gulp: A toolkit used to automate tasks using the method of loading source files and data to a build folder before the output.
• NPM: A general-purpose task runner as well as a package manager for JavaScript and Node.js.
• Webpack: One the best tools to bundle JavaScript files to be used in a browser, also capable of packaging other assets.
• ESLint: One of the most widely used linting JS tools.
• Bun: An all-in-one toolkit that combines the functionality of a runtime environment, a package manager, and a bundler.

Why hire a JavaScript developer?

Companies hire JavaScript developers for their versatility in building full-stack applications, mobile apps, and interactive user interfaces, which can streamline development and reduce costs by using a single language across platforms.

JavaScript’s vast ecosystem of libraries and frameworks also allows developers to build complex applications quickly and efficiently, speeding up time-to-market.

How much does it cost to hire a JavaScript developer?

When hiring traditionally in the US for a local, mid-level JavaScript developer, the average annual compensation is $149,041/year according to Ruby on Remote. However, even by just expanding to other parts of the United States, salaries can be reduced significantly.

On average, companies hiring JavaScript developers with HireDevelopers can expect to save between 50% and 80% on salaries and hiring costs, with exact salaries varying based on location and experience. The greatest savings can be found by hiring in Africa and Asia, while companies looking for aligned time zones and a closer cultural match can hire from our extensive pool of Latin American developers.

Why is it hard to find good JavaScript developers?

It can be hard to find great JavaScript developers due to the high demand for JavaScript engineers in the United States. The TIOBE Programming Community Index ranks JavaScript as the 6th most popular programming language for 2025, and JavaScript won Programming Language of the Year in 2014.

If you’re struggling to find elite JavaScript developers, try HireDevelopers today to tap into our vast network of pre-vetted, remote JavaScript developers in just 24 hours.

How to hire JavaScript developers

The first step to hiring a JavaScript developer is to decide on a hiring method. Traditional hiring methods include local job adverts, LinkedIn job posts and using your professional network to identify potential candidates.

However, these methods are often time consuming and can be expensive. The median time to hire a developer is around 41 days, with the slowest 10% taking up to 82 days and 38% of companies reporting project delays due to recruitment problems, according to the Linux Foundation’s 2024 State of Tech Talent Report.

Alternatively, many companies are now turning to services like HireDevelopers to cut costs and speed up the hiring process. With HireDevelopers, you can hire Java developers from anywhere in the world, at any price point, in just 24 hours.

When putting together a job description or job interview for a JavaScript developer, prioritize technical skills, like familiarity with key frameworks such as React and Angular.

You should also consider using coding challenges alongside a traditional interview during the hiring process – if you’re using a pre-vetted talent pool like HireDevelopers, this has already been done for you. Coding challenges allow you to assess problem-solving skills and coding expertise in a realistic, real-time environment.

If you need help putting together a Java job description or conducting a JavaScript job interview, you can check out our helpful and comprehensive guides below. Alternatively, to cut your time-to-hire by 90% and unlock savings of up to 80%, get in touch and book your free HireDevelopers consultation today.

Why hire JavaScript developers with HireDevelopers?

Hiring the right JavaScript developer for your team is a huge undertaking, and the process can be intimidating, especially for startups and small businesses.

At HireDevelopers, our pre-vetted, global tech talent marketplace streamlines your hiring journey and cuts time-to-hire by over 90% without compromising on quality or stretching your budget. Receive a custom shortlist of top Java developers at any seniority level, at any price point and located anywhere in the world within just 24 hours of your consultation.

Plus, we’ll handle all payroll, legal compliance and HR completely for free, giving you more time to start building with your new Java dev.

Get in touch today and start hiring top-notch JavaScript developers in just 24 hours.