JavaScript is one of the easiest programming languages, but that doesn’t stop programmers from making mistakes. This is especially true if they’re beginners. Working with a reputable software development agency can decrease the risk of errors. The best teams, like 8allocate, vet their members. In other words, they hire only the most capable, even if they’re new in the field.
They also have the experience and expertise to catch these mistakes before they get worse or are expensive to fix. In the process, these teams prevent the delay of a project. But it still pays to know the errors to watch out for. In this article, we share the five most common mistakes beginner JavaScript developers make.
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1. Not Mastering the Fundamentals
JavaScript has changed a lot in recent years. The language is more complex with the introduction of new features. Because of this, some programmers focus on learning the new without first mastering the basics.
This is a mistake. Having a strong foundation is essential to understanding how the new works. It’s also necessary for making sense of JavaScript documentation, which can be difficult to digest.
To master the fundamentals, consider these tips:
- Read the ECMAScript specification. It’s a technical document that details everything about the JavaScript language.
- Get a copy of “JavaScript: The Good Parts.” This book offers an overview of the language and its main concepts.
- Use a code linter. It will point out errors and potential problems in your code. ESLint is a popular tool for this purpose.
A wise JS programmer should never proceed with the frameworks until the basics are clear.
2. Not Knowing When to Use var, let, or const
Var, let, and const are all keywords used for variable declarations in JavaScript. They were introduced in ES6, and each has specific characteristics.
For instance, variables declared with var are global even if they’re inside a function. On the other hand, those declared with let are block-scoped. They’re only accessible within the curly brackets ({ }) where they were declared.
Meanwhile, const is short for constant. It prevents developers from reassigning values to variables. Attempting to do so will result in an error.
Not knowing when to use these terms can lead to unexpected results, such as global variables when the intention was to create a local one. It can also result in errors that are difficult to debug.
3. Not Handling Asynchronous Code Correctly
Asynchronous code is code that doesn’t run in the order in which it’s written. Simply put, it has the ability to run independently of the rest of the code.
This feature is essential for making JavaScript more responsive and fast. However, it can be challenging for beginners to understand and work with.
One mistake often made is not using callback functions. These functions tell the browser what to do after an asynchronous operation has been completed. Without callback functions, the code will not run as intended.
Another mistake is not using the async/await keywords correctly. These keywords are used to write asynchronous code that’s easy to read and debug. However, they must be used within a function that’s been declared as async.
4. Not Using a JavaScript Framework
JavaScript frameworks make life easier for developers. They provide structure and support, so developers can focus on building the app.
There are many available, and each has its strengths and weaknesses. For example, AngularJS is good for single-page applications. On the other hand, ReactJS is ideal for user interfaces.
Some beginner JS programmers often don’t use a framework because they’re not sure which one to choose or they think it’s not necessary. This is a mistake because a framework can:
- Reduce the amount of code they have to write
- Make the code more maintainable and readable
- Help with cross-browser compatibility issues
- Speed up development time
Therefore, it’s essential to select a JS framework that will support the project requirements. The decision should also consider the team’s skills and experience.
5. Not Paying Attention to the Details
Small details can often trip up beginner JS developers. For example, forgetting to add a semicolon at the end of a statement can cause an error. This is because the JavaScript interpreter will try to execute the code on the next line, which may not be valid.
Another detail that’s often overlooked is the order of script tags in an HTML document. The browser will only load and run scripts that come after the opening <body> tag. So if a script depends on another script, it needs to come after it in the document.
Failing to pay attention to these small details can lead to big problems down the road. Therefore, it’s important to take care when writing and testing code.
Final Words
These are some of the most common mistakes that beginner JS developers make. While they may seem small, they can have a big impact on the quality of the code. By avoiding these mistakes, developers can write better code that’s more maintainable and error-free.
