I recently bought a JavaScript course but realized I don't know HTML or CSS, and I've only completed about 5% of the JavaScript DOM basics. Should I pause my JavaScript course to learn HTML and CSS first, or is it okay to continue with JavaScript? My goal is to become a backend developer using Node.js.
5 Answers
I'd actually recommend sticking with JavaScript, since it's fundamental to your backend development plans. Out of those three (HTML, CSS, and JavaScript), JavaScript is the most crucial, especially for server-side development with Node.js. You can always pick up HTML and CSS later.
Also, lots of developers are moving towards TypeScript. If you plan on working in Node.js, you might want to consider picking that up later after you get a solid footing in JavaScript. It's getting increasingly common to use TypeScript for backend work in Node.
If you're aiming for a backend role, knowing HTML and CSS isn't strictly necessary, but it could really help you understand how JavaScript interacts with the web. Since JavaScript is often used in the context of running code in browsers, grasping at least the basics of HTML will definitely make your learning smoother. I suggest checking out some beginner HTML tutorials before diving deeper into JavaScript.
Honestly, if this is your first programming language, it might be better to focus on coding fundamentals first with JavaScript. A bit of time spent understanding what HTML and CSS do will definitely help your overall understanding, but don't let it sidetrack you too much immediately. Maybe try to build a few simple HTML and CSS pages as practice.
Also, it only takes about a week to get a decent grip on HTML, and while you might not use it much on the backend, knowing it can still open up more job opportunities. These days, employers often prefer full-stack developers, so having a well-rounded skill set wouldn't hurt.
So, just to clarify, you're saying that even for backend work, HTML and CSS are important because of how JavaScript operates, right?