JavaScript in 2016 - whats next?
What a year for JavaScript!
We saw some big changes to the software and its usage in 2016. There was finally the standardisation of ECMAScript 6, which has meant adaptations and evolution's for Web browsers and compilers alike. This was a particularly significant change for the industry, as the last update to ES was back in 2009.
Implemented browser features
Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome are now leading the way for ES6 features at 85pc and 71pc respectively - with everyone else now racing to catch up. However, JavaScript isn't simply a standard and the public have enjoyed some great new platforms and apps.
A launch of OS.js
The new OS.js development brought an integrated cloud platform that was fully functional within browsers. A rich and valuable range of JavaScript content also began to be published on a regular basis, with technical bloggers gaining prominence.
The combined result is that JavaScript is experiencing rapid growth, becoming increasingly native and, perhaps most crucially of all, growing in stability. The range of web development frameworks entering the language continues to grow and many - such as Meteor, Angular and React - have resulted in strong communities of their own.
So what will you need to know for 2017?
The fascinating and ever-evolving ecosystem of JavaScript libraries, technologies and frameworks creates real excitement in the field - but also a confusion amongst developers and programmers about what they should focus on first. This article is a great read, giving you a great summary of the key technologies to pay attention to this year.
Looking ahead to 2017 learning opportunities
Don't forget to book your tickets for some of the best industry learning and networking events this year. These are a great way to stay on top of what's happening in the world of JavaScript and make useful contacts in the process. Some of the best happen in the US, including:
In February, the Developer Week Conference in San Francisco: https://www.developerweek.com/javascript-conference/
Over in Canada this March, the JavaScript Conference in Montreal: https://www.confoo.ca/en/yul2017/l/js
And Forward JS, also in San Fran this summer: https://www.confoo.ca/en/yul2017/l/js
You'll find a great listing of the main in-person and virtual JavaScript conferences happening in 2017, https://blog.jscrambler.com/15-popular-javascript-conferences/
JavaScript and Front End Technologies are a real passion of mine, I love learning about the new technologies and how they can merge into the current tools. If you are looking to add to your team, find your next role or simply have a chat about the future of JavaScript, please get in touch via email/telephone on [email protected] / 404 445 47592.
Bring on 2017!
