Study scripting languages to build a solid career…
5th Oct 2016
In case you don't know, scripting languages are little bits of a larger programming language which carry out the specific task of executing certain things (usually in an automated fashion). In other words, scripting allows software to do things without the assistance or direction of someone's intervention. However, it's much more than that too; in fact, you'll find scripting in things like:
Operating systems
Apps
Browsers
Web pages
Etc..
In short, scripting languages are very useful and are put to use anywhere where there is software (these days). Since GUI's (graphical user interfaces) have become the standard method for running operating systems, the use of scripting has allowed software designers to create programs that interact with an environment in a similar fashion as a flesh-and-blood person would. For developers, you could say that it's worth using scripting when speed becomes important. Specifically, we're talking about development here, not necessarily the speed of 'execution'. Knowing this, it's clear that there are going to be quite a lot of businesses out there who will be looking for specialists who know how to deal with scripting languages (and training yourself in one or more of these is a brilliant career move, both in terms of the short and long-term).
Perhaps the most visible and popular scripting language is Java, and JQuery is one of the best frameworks for delivering it. So, what's the specific function of the two, you ask?
JavaScript
Originally, JavaScript was created to bring increased interactivity to HTML-based web pages. What makes it unique is that this script is often placed directly inside the HTML code of pages; so it's operating from 'behind a curtain' of sorts. However, Java was created to make programming simpler; this is represented in their motto - "write once, run anywhere". What's even more interesting is the fact that there are now billions of devices out there which are running Java, which means that a person with experience in programming with it has quite a lot of 'employment potential', to say the least.
JQuery
Not to be confused with JavaScript, JQuery is actually a platform for delivering scripting. In fact, it is built using JavaScript. Its main purpose is to assist programmers with common tasks, etc... In fact, JQuery functions as a sort of 'Java library', if you will; it can also be used to resolve software disputes between competing browsers, and so on and so forth. In other words, JQuery adds a new layer of function to JavaScript and makes new things possible. Without JQuery, JavaScript would lose a lot of its potential uses.
Needless to say (and as mentioned above), JavaScript is really versatile and is in pretty much every piece of software you can point your finger at these days. Anyone who is employed in either an IT or tech / software programming field should become familiar with its uses and perhaps even learn to use it themselves. One of the easiest ways to do this is through online certification / training. Even if you plan on taking a more conventional university course in the subject, an online program would make an excellent primer or introduction to the field. In all reality, most people will be ready to take up real career tasks after such an experience, without the need for any additional schooling (it really depends on how serious and personally committed you are).
What kind of career opportunities can one expect (with training / certification in scripting languages)? As you may or may not be aware, certain fields like cloud computing and big data are changing / rewriting all the rules. Both of these areas of development, which are contained within the IT sphere, require software - often times, lots of it. In the cloud computing world, for example, we see new apps and infrastructure bits emerging all the time.
As is often the case in developing this software for the cloud, JavaScript and/or JQuery libraries will often be used. Not only does this simplify the creation of many types of software, but it can also greatly speed up the process as well. This is important for businesses which either need software or perhaps need someone on hand that can correct or refine existing software. Simply put, a person who knows how to use scripting languages could easily find themselves employed by a developmental team or any business that heavily relies on software.
Additionally, JavaScript is being used to develop better software methods of analyzing or breaking down big data. Because JavaScript is really quite versatile, it can also be used in conjunction with other approaches to analysis. Meaning - anyone who has experience with it should also be able to land a great career with any one of the number of businesses which are either using big data or creating software to analyze it.
These are of course just a couple of examples; the truth is, learning more about scripting languages is a direct pathway toward a better, brighter career. In fact, we're probably only going to see the demand for specialists in this particular area increase as time moves forward.