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Meet our JavaScript Developer community
Braintrust is a user-owned talent platform created by and for the world’s top talent. This includes a talented network of experienced JavaScript Developers available for hire.
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Leland Reardon
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- Full Stack Engineering
- JavaScript
- Ruby on Rails
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Marcus McBride
- React
- JavaScript
- Node.js
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Maxwell Andrew
- React
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- JavaScript
- Ethereum
How to hire Top JavaScript Developers
Overview
Hiring a JavaScript developer involves seeking out a professional with a deep understanding of the JavaScript language, web development fundamentals, JavaScript frameworks or libraries, Node.js, testing and debugging, software development principles, version control systems, and certain soft skills such as effective communication and problem-solving. While these core skills are important, the specifics can vary depending on the needs of your company or project.
Working at a startup vs. a larger company can be a very different experience for a JavaScript developer. In a startup, developers often wear many hats and need to be comfortable working across the entire stack, from front-end to back-end development. They may be expected to rapidly learn new technologies, adapt to changing requirements, and contribute to various parts of the project. Startups often value innovation, flexibility, and problem-solving skills.
On the other hand, larger companies typically have more specialized roles. A JavaScript developer in a larger company might work primarily on one part of the application, or primarily with one particular framework or technology. They may be part of a larger development team with more structured practices and procedures. These roles often require a deep knowledge in a specific area, along with the ability to work effectively within a team and adhere to established guidelines and practices.
When hiring a JavaScript developer, it's also crucial to consider the employment type that will best meet your needs. Full-time developers are typically more immersed in your company, dedicating all their working hours to your projects, and are usually more integrated into the company culture and vision. They may be more committed to the long-term success of your projects.
On the other hand, hiring a developer on an hourly basis can provide flexibility. This can be a good choice if you have a short-term project, or if your workload fluctuates. Hourly developers can be brought in when they are needed and don't represent a long-term commitment. However, management and communication may require extra attention, particularly if the developer is working remotely.
In both scenarios, it's important to clearly define the developer's roles and responsibilities, set appropriate expectations, and establish effective lines of communication. In all cases, hiring a JavaScript developer is an investment in the success of your projects, so it's important to find a developer who is a good fit for your specific needs.
Proficiency in JavaScript
A proficient JavaScript developer should have a comprehensive knowledge of JavaScript and its ecosystem, including the language's latest syntax and features that came with ECMAScript 2015 (ES6) and later versions. This includes understanding concepts such as arrow functions, promises, async/await, destructuring, template literals, and spread and rest operators. In addition, a thorough understanding of JavaScript's execution context, closures, and prototype-based inheritance is crucial. Knowledge of JavaScript's quirks, such as hoisting and the 'this' keyword, is also important. A developer should be able to handle asynchronous programming, be adept at error handling, and be familiar with JavaScript's built-in objects and methods.
Understanding of Web Development Fundamentals
The basics of web development revolve around the trio of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Understanding HTML means knowing how to create semantic HTML documents, working with forms, and handling multimedia. CSS knowledge involves understanding the box model, CSS selectors, flexbox and grid systems, and responsive design techniques. A grasp of JavaScript, as described above, completes the basic skill set. Beyond these, a developer should understand HTTP and HTTPS protocols, the concept of REST, and working with APIs. The ability to work with data formats such as JSON and XML, and understand AJAX for asynchronous web requests, is key.
Experience with JavaScript Frameworks/Libraries
Modern web development often leverages JavaScript libraries and frameworks to create dynamic, user-friendly applications. Libraries such as React.js help developers build user interfaces with reusable components. Frameworks like Angular provide a full suite of tools for building applications, including dependency injection and templates. Vue.js offers a progressive framework that scales between a library and a full-featured framework. Experience with these libraries and frameworks involves not just knowing their syntax, but also understanding their underlying principles and patterns such as the Virtual DOM in React, two-way data binding in Angular, and the Vue.js reactivity system.
Proficiency in Node.js
Node.js is a runtime environment that allows JavaScript to run on the server side. It's essential for full-stack JavaScript development. A proficient Node.js developer should understand its asynchronous, event-driven architecture and be able to work with its built-in libraries such as 'http', 'fs', and 'path'. They should also be comfortable using npm (Node Package Manager) or yarn to manage project dependencies. Experience with Express.js, a popular web application framework for Node.js, is often required. This includes knowledge of routing, middleware, handling cookies, and error handling. Familiarity with databases, both SQL (like PostgreSQL or MySQL) and NoSQL (like MongoDB), along with understanding how to interact with them using an ORM like Sequelize or an ODM like Mongoose, is important.
Understanding of Testing and Debugging
The ability to write effective tests and debug code is crucial for maintaining a high-quality codebase. The developer should understand the difference between unit testing, integration testing, and end-to-end testing, and know when each type of testing should be applied. They should be experienced with JavaScript testing frameworks and libraries such as Jest, Mocha, Jasmine, and tools for end-to-end testing like Cypress or Selenium. They should also be familiar with the concepts of mocking and test-driven development (TDD). Additionally, the developer needs to be proficient in using debugging tools, which can include browser developer tools, logging, and debugging libraries like debug or ndb. They should be able to identify performance issues and memory leaks and use profiling tools to optimize the code.
Knowledge of Software Development Principles
An experienced JavaScript developer should be well-versed in software design principles and methodologies. This includes understanding the DRY (Don't Repeat Yourself), SOLID, and KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid) principles. They should also understand modular design and the concept of separation of concerns. Knowing how to design and use APIs effectively, and understanding the Model-View-Controller (MVC) or Model-View-ViewModel (MVVM) patterns is important. They should also be familiar with agile development methodologies like Scrum or Kanban, and tools like Jira or Trello.
Experience with Version Control Systems
Version control is essential to modern software development for tracking changes, enabling collaboration, and facilitating disaster recovery. Git is the most commonly used version control system and any developer you hire should be proficient in it. They should be comfortable with common Git commands for cloning repositories, creating branches, committing changes, merging branches, and resolving conflicts. Familiarity with a platform like GitHub or Bitbucket is also expected, including understanding of pull requests and code reviews. Knowledge of continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) practices and tools like Jenkins, Travis CI, or GitHub Actions can be a big plus.
Soft Skills
In addition to technical expertise, a successful JavaScript developer also needs strong soft skills. Good communication skills are crucial, as the developer will need to explain technical concepts to non-technical team members, understand project requirements, and collaborate effectively. Problem-solving skills are essential in programming, as the developer will constantly encounter new challenges that need creative solutions. Being a fast learner is also valuable, given the rapidly evolving nature of web technologies. Lastly, teamwork skills are important for working within a diverse team. The developer should be open to receiving feedback and willing to help others. It can be beneficial if the candidate has experience with project management tools like Asana or Slack, and practices like pair programming or code reviews.
Expert Resources for Hiring JavaScript Developers
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I hire a good JavaScript developer?
Hiring a good JavaScript developer involves a thorough assessment of their technical abilities and soft skills. Look for proficiency in JavaScript, web development fundamentals, JavaScript frameworks, Node.js, testing and debugging, software development principles, and version control systems. Also, ensure they have soft skills such as effective communication, problem-solving, and adaptability. Review their portfolio or previous projects, and during interviews, pose practical problems or use pair programming to see their skills in action. You may consider conducting a technical assessment using platforms like HackerRank or Codility. Check their references to assess their teamwork, reliability, and other relevant aspects.
What is the hourly rate for a JavaScript developer?
The hourly rate for a JavaScript developer can vary significantly depending on their experience, location, and the specific requirements of your project. On average, in the United States, a JavaScript developer might charge between $50 to $150 per hour. Developers in other countries or those working remotely may have different rates. Always remember that cost is just one factor to consider; the developer's fit with your project requirements and company culture is also critical.
Are JavaScript developers in high demand?
Yes, JavaScript developers are indeed in high demand. JavaScript is one of the most popular programming languages and is essential for web development. Its versatility, being used both on the client side and server side (thanks to Node.js), makes it a key skill for many development projects. The rise of frameworks and libraries like React, Angular, and Vue.js has further increased the demand for skilled JavaScript developers. As businesses continue to invest in developing sophisticated web applications and enhancing user experience, the demand for proficient JavaScript developers is likely to remain high.
Is it hard to find good JavaScript developers?
Given the high demand for JavaScript developers, it can sometimes be challenging to find top-tier talent, especially if you're seeking developers with expertise in specific JavaScript frameworks or libraries. However, JavaScript's popularity also means a large pool of developers to choose from. The key is to have a rigorous hiring process, which includes not only assessing the candidates' technical skills but also their problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and cultural fit with your organization. Depending on your location and requirements, you may also consider remote hiring, which opens up a global talent pool.
What types of applications do JavaScript developers typically work on?
JavaScript developers work on a broad spectrum of applications due to the language's versatility. Primarily, they're engaged in building interactive web applications, ensuring a dynamic, user-friendly experience. They use JavaScript for front-end development alongside HTML and CSS to manipulate web elements, handle user interactions, and communicate with servers. With the advent of Node.js, JavaScript developers also handle server-side programming, contributing to the development of full-stack applications. Moreover, they work on mobile applications using frameworks like React Native, desktop applications with technologies like Electron, and even IoT applications.
Why hire a JavaScript developer?
Hiring a JavaScript developer can greatly benefit your projects, especially if they involve web development. As JavaScript is essential for creating interactive and user-friendly web interfaces, a proficient JavaScript developer can significantly enhance your application's user experience. With their knowledge of frameworks and libraries, they can speed up development, enhance application performance, and ensure maintainability. If you're building full-stack applications, JavaScript developers with Node.js skills can handle both client and server-side programming, providing a seamless development process.
Can you build a website using a JavaScript developer?
Absolutely! JavaScript developers are fundamental to modern website construction. They can leverage HTML and CSS for structuring content and styling, while using JavaScript to make the website interactive and dynamic. From simple animations and form validations to complex single-page applications, JavaScript developers play a crucial role. They can also implement APIs for data handling and integrate third-party services. With the help of frameworks and libraries like React, Angular, or Vue.js, they can create reusable components, making the development process more efficient.
Is JavaScript still in demand?
Yes, JavaScript is very much in demand. As one of the foundational technologies of the web alongside HTML and CSS, its importance in web development can't be overstated. With the evolution of JavaScript and the rise of powerful libraries and frameworks like React, Angular, and Vue.js, as well as back-end technologies like Node.js, the demand for skilled JavaScript developers has increased significantly. As long as businesses and organizations require websites and web applications, the demand for proficient JavaScript developers will remain high.
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