In today's AI-driven world, I'm wondering if I should still learn JavaScript. What does the job market look like for web developers right now?
4 Answers
Absolutely, you should learn JavaScript! Even with AI tools making coding easier, a solid understanding of JavaScript is crucial. AI can help, but it doesn't fully manage complex projects—the human touch is still needed to fix and optimize code. I've been in the industry for 25 years, and I rely on my understanding more than ever.
Right? The coding landscape is tricky, but staying sharp in your skills definitely helps!
Honestly, I would say no. JavaScript requires a lot of dedication to navigate its complexities, possibly more so than stricter languages. Plus, while AI can provide some coding insights, it often just leads you back to the basics, as the generated code isn’t always reliable. You’ll need to ensure you're checking sources thoroughly.
On average, I've noticed that AI tools like GitHub Copilot can slow developers down while giving a false sense of productivity. For an experienced engineer like me, it can be useful for bouncing ideas around, but about 20% of the time, it produces garbage code. If you don’t understand JavaScript well, how will you know the difference?
Yes, definitely learn JavaScript! Even though AI has made some tasks easier, it doesn't replace the fundamental skills that developers need. It just enhances your workflows a bit.
Just a few years ago, developers skilled in React and React Native were in high demand. What's the job market like now for those technologies?

I've heard that jobs for web developers are decreasing. It's a bit concerning, and I'm eager to get more perspective on this.