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Josh Hicks
14,146 PointsWhich backend language should I learn? I want to be a front-end developer and work with Javascript/jquery/angularjs etc
Yes I know, front end developers dont use backend scripts much, but every job listing I've seen requires at least basic knowledge of either PHP, Ruby, or Java. However im not sure which one would be the best for someone who wants to focus on javascript applications/sites. Any suggestions.?
Also ive heard of node.js and the MEAN stack, does thise technology replace backend scripts all together?
3 Answers
geoffrey
28,736 PointsIt's certainly not a bad things to have knowledge in backend as well, but I find very difficult to focus on both field (front/back) at the same on my side... I'm struggling with it right now.
In the case you stated, It doesn't matter at all, It's a matter of choice, you can pick up the one you want. As an exemple, you talked about AngularJS. Where I'm doing my internship right now, they use as well angular for the front-end and as back-end, they use PHP with the laravel framework.
In other words, Laravel is just there to be used to build the API of the application, the logic of the application, no more,so If ever you want to use Ruby instead, you can, from what I know, JS framework don't constraint you to work with a particular back-end language.
About Node.JS, that's another story, I honestly don't know much about it, but I know It can be used entirely as back-end application and It's said to be lighter...
It probably worth the pain to know it as well, but I personnally need to go step by step and I guess you too :)
Josh Hicks
14,146 PointsYes, I go step by step also. I like the idea of really mastering one technology before moving on to a new one. I really want to know which language will give me the most bang for my educational buck.
geoffrey
28,736 PointsYes I can guess, maybe you should look around you, around you area which backend language is often asked for job applications if getting a job inside company quickly is your aim. That could give you a good direction to spend your educational bucks.
In my opinion, the best is as well, if possible to target a techology where there are not so many experts, mayble less popular at the moment but which is going to be more used, more asked in the coming months/years.
That's not easy when you aren't an expert to guess it and It's not even the case as an expert I guess, but as an exemple, I was told by someone really experienced that I should learn Python/Django because It's something very good, something that's going to be more popular/used (according to him) and where there are less experts than in the PHP area as an exemple.
It's just his opinion thought, but If that could help you in your choices...
Josh Hicks
14,146 PointsYeah, there are a lot of factors. I see that the most common request in job listings in my area is PHP. So I will probably start with that one. Especially since my real goal is to be a front-end developer anyway. I don't want to spend too much time learning a server-side language. thanks for your advice