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JavaScript emerged on the scene more than 2 decades ago, and it remains one of the most popular languages even today. This open-source language offers many advantages, which are as follows:
- This dynamically-typed language provides plenty of flexibility.
- It makes web development easy.
- JavaScript integrates seamlessly with HTML and CSS, which makes website development easier.
- Programmers can use excellent open-source libraries like jQuery, React, etc. when they work with JavaScript.
- The rich ecosystem of JavaScript offers many advantages. For example, Node.js, the popular runtime environment is based on JavaScript.
- JavaScript programmers don’t need to spend time setting up an environment for JavaScript development. All modern web browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, etc. support JavaScript.
- Coders can use many popular JavaScript-based frameworks like Vue.js, Express.js, Ember.js, AngularJS, etc., which makes development easy.
- Not just web applications, but you can use JavaScript-based libraries like React for developing mobile applications too.
- JavaScript works very well with MongoDB, the popular NoSQL database.
- It also works well with Ajax, which makes it easier to develop web applications that don’t interfere with the display of existing web pages.
- JavaScript helps to create performant and scalable web applications and websites.
This isn’t an exhaustive list of the advantages of JavaScript, but you get the point! You can see why JavaScript has such high demands and why full-stack developers with JavaScript skills get such high salaries in the United States!
Hiring JavaScript experts can be hard! You need to choose between part-time freelancers and full-time dedicated JavaScript developers, therefore, you need to choose the appropriate hiring platform.
You need to interview them. Look for the following skills in a JavaScript developer:
JavaScript development skills
JavaScript programmers should have the following primary technical skills:
- JavaScript including its strengths and limitations;
- HTML5 and CSS3;
- JavaScript frameworks and libraries like AngularJS, jQuery, Express.js, Ember.js, ReactJS, React Native, Vue.js, etc.;
- Node.js;
- Relational databases like MySQL, PostgreSQL, etc.;
- NoSQL databases like MongoDB;
- Ajax.
They also need a thorough knowledge of the following:
- Asynchronous programming;
- Web design;
- Best practices to deliver a great user experience;
- How to use JavaScript to develop scalable and performant web applications;
- How to use frameworks like React Native to develop near-native mobile applications.
Other app development skills that JavaScript developers need
Look for the following additional technical skills when you hire JavaScript developers:
A. Other programming language skills
JavaScript is a powerful language, however, effective developers need a thorough knowledge of one or more key languages. Take the example of PHP. It’s a very good scripting language for server-side scripting, whereas JavaScript is excellent for client-side scripting.
Many software development projects involving JavaScript have more complexity than simple e-Commerce development. A JS developer that knows the strengths of PHP along with JavaScript can contribute far more to such projects.
Even for simple projects like WordPress development, you might have customized requirements. For example, you might need to add JavaScript code to WordPress pages. Having a good knowledge of PHP can help here.
B. API development skills
Developing your own 1st party APIs can help since APIs provide a consistent framework for the front-end of your application to access the back-end. Look for a web developer with JavaScript skills that knows how to develop RESTful APIs since REST (Representational State Transfer) is the de-facto standard for API development.
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Hire JavaScript developers that know the following:
- How to use API development and documentation tools;
- How to host APIs using a cloud platform;
- Using modern databases like PostgreSQL and MongoDB to develop the back-end;
- How to secure APIs using techniques like authentication token, encryption, quotas, throttling, etc.;
- How to create effective rules for API requests and responses.
C. In-depth knowledge of cloud platforms
You will likely use a cloud platform for your app development project. Managed cloud services providers like AWS or Microsoft Azure handle the infrastructure provisioning and management, which saves time for you.
The type of cloud platform you use depends on your software development project. For example, if you are developing web applications, then a “Platform-as-a-Service” (PaaS) platform will help.
PaaS platforms manage cloud infrastructure, networking, storage, operating system, runtime environments, etc. This enables you to focus on development. Reputed PaaS platforms have robust DevOps tools and auto-scaling solutions. Look for JavaScript programmers that are familiar with popular PaaS platforms like AWS Elastic Beanstalk, Heroku, etc.
On the other hand, use a “Mobile-Backend-as-a-Service” (MBaaS) platform if you are developing mobile applications. MBaaS platforms manage the infrastructure, persistent storage, etc., therefore, you don’t have to spend a high amount of time on mobile backend development. Hire JavaScript developers that know popular MBaaS platforms like AWS Amplify.
D. The understanding of the strengths and limitations of the JavaScript ecosystem
JavaScript has a very rich ecosystem! You can achieve a lot if you know the strengths of this ecosystem. At the same time, there are a few limitations of JavaScript and its ecosystem. JavaScript experts should know them so that they can use appropriate workarounds.
An example of the strengths of this ecosystem is the rich collection of open-source tools and frameworks for Node.js. Whether you are developing an e-commerce site or a more complex app, the open-source Node.js tools and frameworks can expedite your project.
Let’s consider an example of a limitation. Take React Native for example. This JavaScript-based framework can help you to build near-native mobile applications.
You can run a React Native app on both Android and iOS with a very high degree of code reuse. This keeps your development and maintenance costs under control.
React Native can deliver a far more near-native user experience than other hybrid frameworks like Apache Cordova or Ionic. However, it falls short of native user experience since native apps can seamlessly use device-specific hardware features.
While this is a limitation, JavaScript developers with years of experience know how to work around this. By using native modules along with React Native, they can overcome this limitation.
Hire JavaScript developers that know the strengths and limitations of this vibrant ecosystem. This improves the chances of success of your project.
E. Application security knowledge
JavaScript is a dynamically-typed language. While this gives it a lot of flexibility, there are chances of variable type-related errors that are hard to debug. This can give rise to vulnerabilities in the program and hackers are experts in exploiting vulnerabilities in the code! You need JavaScript experts that know how to code secure applications.
They need to know the following:
- How to proactively identify key application security risks like injection, broken authentication, etc.;
- How to use tools and techniques like multi-factor authentication (MFA), encryption, etc. to secure applications;
- The importance of including application security and compliance testing in the CI/CD pipeline proactively instead of treating them as the last task in the project.
F. The knowledge of succeeding in software development projects
A JavaScript developer needs the following skills and competencies to succeed in a software development project:
- Knowledge of “Model-View-Controller” (MVC) and other popular design patterns;
- Code review experience;
- The ability to work with web design practitioners so that the code reflects the user interface design principles;
- The ability to collaborate with testers and DevOps engineers;
- Familiarity with GitHub, popular DevOps tools, and other modern development tools.
How to hire the best JavaScript developers?
Now that you have clarity on the skills required, you should take the following steps:
1. Decide whether to hire JavaScript developers from websites providing freelancers or a JavaScript development company
You need to decide carefully about the hiring platform you choose. If you hire the right people, then your chances of success increase. On the other hand, hiring incompetent people can create serious deviations from your budget, schedule, and quality objectives. Turning troubled projects around can be hard, therefore, prevent your project from becoming a troubled one!
You can hire JavaScript developers from freelancer platforms. General-purpose freelancer sites can help you to get a part-time developer at a low rate. Freelancer platforms that focus on software development claim to have stringent screening processes, therefore, you can find high-quality developers there.
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These freelancer platforms don’t provide any project management support though. You are left to manage part-time freelancers that might work on multiple projects simultaneously. These platforms deduct up to 20% of the earnings of the freelancers, which can demotivate many freelancers. They may leave your project, which exposes you to more risks.
For complex projects, hiring dedicated JavaScript developers makes more sense. A software development company will be a better bet for you in this case since such companies provide full-time developers. They can provide replacement if the original developer leaves the project.
Software development companies appreciate that you might be using sensitive corporate information as part of your project. They implement physical, technical, and procedural safeguards to protect your sensitive data. This is another key advantage. Analyze your project requirements carefully and choose a hiring platform.
2. Interview the candidates to find top JavaScript developers
Now that you chose a hiring platform, you need to interview the candidates. If you know JavaScript well, then you can interview. Alternatively, ask for help from a knowledgeable associate or get interview questions from the Internet.
Remember to cover all the technical skill areas that we have highlighted. Focus on project experience and not just testimonials. Ask the candidates about the complex projects that they have worked on. Find out how they managed to deal with the complexities.
Explain your project requirements and ask how they would approach them. Look for specific recommendations and not just high-level statements.
3. Provide relevant details about your JavaScript development project
You need to provide the required details of your application development project for the new software developer to be successful. Provide business requirements, technical solution documents, test plans, etc. You need to introduce the new developer to your larger team and explain his/her responsibilities.
Describe the technical environment of your project and provide the required access to the new developers. Show your code repository on GitHub or other tools that you use. Explain your project schedule and key milestones. Describe how you review and approve milestones. Explain the payment T&Cs to the new developer.
Interview tips for hiring JavaScript developers
Consider the following interview tips when you hire a JavaScript developer:
A. Focus on productivity when you interview JavaScript developers
JavaScript offers numerous ways to improve the productivity of your team. However, you need the right JavaScript developers to utilize these features.
Freelance JavaScript developers might not have the required depth of knowledge. A freelance JavaScript developer might show a portfolio of projects. However, you find it hard to gauge the relevant experience.
Hire from hybrid software development companies like DevTeam.Space. We have the best JavaScript developers with the right experience.
B. Assess the knowledge of key frameworks and libraries: An important JavaScript-developer-hiring step
A wide range of open-source frameworks, libraries, and tools helps a JavaScript developer. Website development project teams can achieve a lot of functionalities with their help. Hire developers with experience in important frameworks and libraries.
You will find it hard to assess this skill when hiring freelance JavaScript developers. It’s not easy to evaluate the real contribution of a freelancer to a project. Hire JavaScript developers from a trusted company like DevTeam.Space.
C. Make an early decision about hiring full-stack JavaScript developers
Decide early whether you want full-stack JavaScript development. You can then hire full-stack JavaScript developers. Such web developers need Node.js skills for backend development. Node.js developers are in great demand, and you should budget for a hiring lead time. Early decisions about full-stack JS development prepare you well.
D. Focus on the important skill requirements of web and/or mobile design and development jobs
You might be developing web apps or mobile apps. Whether front-end development for web pages or cross-platform mobile development, you should focus on the key requirements. Don’t look for too many skills.
JavaScript is one of the most popular programming languages. There’s a large and vibrant JavaScript developer community. This community creates useful open-source tools and frameworks for JavaScript. Therefore, the JavaScript ecosystem is large.
Even the most qualified JavaScript developers don’t know everything in this ecosystem. Clearly identify the specific skills that the software developers should have.
E. Evaluate the culture of the company from which you hire a JavaScript developer
At this point, we assume that you aren’t planning on hiring freelance JavaScript developers anymore. You are hiring JavaScript developers from a software development company. Evaluate the culture of the company keenly.
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Freelance JavaScript developers don’t have any close ties with the freelance platform they sign up with. The culture of the freelance platform doesn’t much influence a freelance JavaScript developer. That’s different with dedicated developers. The culture of their company influences them.
Look for software development companies that routinely encourage their developers to upskill. Programmers that routinely learn new programming languages, development frameworks, databases, tools, etc. have better motivation. They contribute more meaningfully to your project.
F. Check whether the JavaScript web developers understand architectural decision-making
Top JavaScript developers should understand the importance of architectural decision-making. Web developers should know which architectural pattern fits a type of application.
Software developers need to understand which architectural pattern works best for cloud-native application development. They should identify the right architectural pattern for the best performance of web pages.
Full-stack JavaScript developers work on both backend and front-end development. Therefore, they should understand the importance of software architecture in frontend and backend development. Assess this aspect when you interview candidates.
G. Full-stack developers should know how to choose the right database
Full-stack JavaScript developers will need to work considerably on API development. They should choose the right database for this. The choice of the database can directly impact the performance and scalability of a web app.
Full-stack developers should know the key SQL-vs-NoSQL database differences. Furthermore, they should know the differences between different database systems like MySQL vs MongoDB. Evaluate their database skills keenly when you interview the developers.
Examples of questions when interviewing JS developers
Assess the hands-on knowledge of developers. Choose the right interview questions for that. A few examples are as follows:
A. Provide an example of using JavaScript callback functions.
Answer: A callback function is called after the execution of another function. The following code snippet is an example:
function modifyArray(arr, callback) {
arr.push(100);
callback();
}
var arr = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5];
modifyArray(arr, function() {
console.log(“array has been modified”, arr);
});B. What will be the output of the following code?
Code snippet:
console.log(false == “0”)
console.log(false === “0”)
Answer:
The first one will be “true” since “==” is just “equal to”. The second one will be “false” since “===” is “equal to” with a datatype check.
C. Show examples of code where you copy an object by reference and by value.
Answer: The following code snippet provides the examples:
a = {‘w’: 1}
b = a // copies reference to an object
c = Object.assign({},a) // creates new object which copies the value of ARefer to our JavaScript interview questions for more examples.
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