Ask HN: From WebDev to JsDev

1 points by ofcapl_ 11y ago ↗ HN

Hi everyone, I'm a Web Developer, focused mainly on frontend part. Currently I encounter with more and more job offers, which are focused on plain javascript app development and salary higher than I could ever expect as webdeveloper.

My question is - how complicated can be a switch from a job where most tasks are based on DOM manipulation, ajax requests and jQuery animations to plain javascript app development? Can You suggest some example apps which I should try to develop before making decision to switch? What additional tools should I master?

Is here any webdev/jsdev who have gone through similiar specialization switch?

5 comments

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wingi 11y ago ↗

As WebDeveloper you start with the HTML and build your end product. As JsDeveloper you start with an JSApp and integrate the HTML Templates (or only the structure).

It's a complete different work model - try to start with a react or angular app based on commonJS.

ofcapl_ 11y ago ↗

thank You for the tip - btw. I have also some experience with Meteor.js so I think it can be handy.

[deleted] 11y ago ↗

(comment deleted)

kellros 11y ago ↗

There's definitely a huge difference between supplementing your HTML with some JavaScript and writing a JavaScript application.

JavaScript as a server side language is a new playing field, with different trade-offs, obstacles and design. I built an API service last year using Koajs (alternative to express), Gulp (alternative to grunt) and a bunch of other things.

Recently I've been looking into isomorphic JavaScript single page applications and have been learning a bunch of new things, such as webpack, yahoo isomorphic flux stack (fluxible, routr etc.) and application structuring.

You'll be surprised by how little you really know about JavaScript as a programming language till you start with server side and SPA development. I'd suggest you start off with building a traditional web application in Node.js (with gulp) before attempting SPA development. Also take a look at React and Babel.

ofcapl_ 11y ago ↗

thank You for the answer.