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How To Advance In Blockchain As A Java Developer

Posted on September 11, 2020September 15, 2020 by vallish

Come 2009, and mysteriously out of the blocks emerged a cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, coded using a technique described in 1991 as blockchain. Bitcoin attracted sustained attention, and blockchain, which until then was largely unnoticed, basked in the dawn of a new era of promise.

To understand the promise of this technology, let’s decode how it brings about digital transformation. Blockchain stores data in ‘blocks’, linked together chronologically to form a ‘chain of blocks’. Its promise and genius lies in its ability to decentralise data, ensure its trustworthiness, and let users interact without intermediaries. Moreover, blockchain can be used to record and track anything of value, right from cross-currency payments and insurance claims to citizen and medical records.

It is no wonder then that blockchain-related start-ups joined the fray right after its popularisation and, today, a career as a blockchain engineer or developer is one that is considered one of the most in demand. Not only is blockchain considered highly scalable, as per a survey by Deloitte Insights, but is also one of the fastest growing skills, as per a survey by Upwork. From start-ups to tech giants and industry leaders, from e-commerce companies to financial and global banking firms, everyone is hiring those with blockchain-related skills.

The good news is that blockchain uses programming languages like Java, C++, Go and Python, which opens up the field to proficient developers. Well-known blockchain architect, Eugene Kyselev, for instance, is a Java-turned-blockchain developer who points out that blockchain lends itself across industries, be it cloud storage, logistics, and banking & investment, among others.

To make the most of the opportunities in this sphere, you too can make the shift from Java to blockchain. However, since you cannot transfer your technical skills across the wall, so to speak, use Java as a springboard to find an entry point into the world of blockchain. To help you get started, here are 4 things that you as a Java developer, can do right now to level up in blockchain.

Get a handle on blockchain by studying Bitcoin & Ethereum

While some wonder whether Bitcoin would detract from the true significance of blockchain, seeing blockchain in action and decoding your way through the Bitcoin platform can be an engaging way to start learning blockchain basics. Bitcoin’s public ledger uses blockchain as a foundation and unravelling the technology can give you a grasp on essential blockchain concepts such as proof of work and timestamps. Good starting points are the Bitcoin whitepaper and developer guides.

Closely behind Bitcoin is Ethereum. Studying this cryptocurrency is important to imbibing blockchain fundamentals as this technology isn’t exhausted by or limited to Bitcoin alone. To get a solid theoretical foundation, you can read the Ethereum whitepaper, head to the Ethereum developer resources, and simultaneously study videos of Vitalik Buterin, Ethereum’s co-founder. You can also look up some leading books such as Mastering Bitcoin, Mastering Ethereum, Blockchain Revolution, and the Blockchain Developer to gain more perspective.

Explore Java-based blockchain projects like BitcoinJ & FundRequest

You may not find Java as popular in developer communities, but the NEM cryptocurrency was implemented with Java and with over 7 million Java developers (at least) in the world, you’ll definitely be able to find some common ground soon. Moreover, there already are more than a handful of Java-based blockchain projects such as:

BitcoinJ
FundRequest
Corda
Pantheon

Not sure where to start? Try Corda. It is open-source and the community has a blog illustrating how you can get started with your first blockchain application if all you know is Java. Once you get a taste for blockchain, you can deep-dive into the technology using Corda as the entryway and get certified as a blockchain professional through a Corda blockchain training programme. This can be of career importance to you as according to r3, Corda’s creators, “only Corda allows businesses to build interoperable blockchain networks that transact directly, and privately.”

Master emerging blockchain technologies like Solidity & Hyperledger

One thing you’ll realise as you grapple with blockchain is that it is a dynamic field with emerging technologies. A prime example of this is Solidity, a high-level language that is used to implement smart contracts, which is an important Ethereum feature. If you know your way around JavaScript, you can use that knowledge to learn Solidity and smart contracts and try implementing applications for voting or crowdfunding, for instance.

Another emerging technology to leverage as a Java developer is Hyperledger Fabric, in which contracts are referred to as Chaincode. Hyperledger supports the use of Java for chaincode implementation (not prior to v.1.3), and you can head over to GitHub to gain insights on developing Java smart contracts. The idea in all of this is that you can use Java as a pivot or starting point, but eventually you want to become conversant in several languages and technologies.

Take courses like IBM Bitcoin 101: Quick-start guide for developers

Eugene Kyselev in his interview with JAXenter mentions the worth of the course ‘IBM Bitcoin 101: Quick-start guide for developers’ and this could be a quick guide you can turn to. Udemy, Coursera, and EdX are also replete with online courses, and through these platforms you can even get certification from the likes of Princeton University and Berkeley University of California. You can check these out and sign up for one to get up to speed quickly.

After perusing through this roundup of the ways in which a Java developer can embrace the blockchain revolution, a question you may have is whether you should, in fact, invest your time, effort, and money in learning blockchain. Some believe that being a Java developer offers equal compensation. Nevertheless, learning blockchain has its incentive owing to the growth and potential of the technology, and also because it will help you step out of being just a Java developer to being a software developer.

When it comes to matching your advanced multi-faceted skill sets to the needs of the industry, you can rely on Talent500’s dynamic skill assessment and machine learning algorithms. These seamlessly pair your skills to the needs of Fortune 500 companies in search of the top 10% of talent. So, get started now and level up your skills!

7 Must Have Skills In An Automation Tester’s Resume

Posted on July 23, 2020September 4, 2020 by vallish

Automation testers are crucial to cross-functional software teams. They design and write automation scripts, debug test cases, use automation frameworks, probe into problems that arise post-testing, interact with clients, undertake Selenium Environment setup, and a lot more. However, there are tons of automation testers staking a claim to the job you’re after and, to top it all, recruiters often spend just 30 seconds with each CV.

In other words, your CV needs to show how you fit the bill perfectly or you may simply miss the bus. This is easier said than done, of course, but you can take advantage of the fact that when recruiters rapidly skim through CVs, they are looking for certain keywords that match your profile to their job description. Ensuring that these keywords, which highlight the skills you possess, enjoy a strategic place in your CV is a good way to get noticed.

Here are 7 skills that you as an automation tester must highlight in your CV.

Proficiency in programming languages

Good recruiters know that coding is part and parcel of a successful software testing career path. For sure, not every QA job demands coding skills. But, coding is important to automation testers if they are to design automation frameworks and write and execute automated tests. Coding is integral to the SDET or Software Developer in Test role, introduced by the likes of Yahoo and Microsoft as well.

If you are applying for a Selenium automation tester job, your employer would want you to have ‘developer traits’ and so, proficiency in languages like C/ C++, Python, Java, Perl, HTML, CSS, and XML are what you want to highlight. Should you know every language? Not so. For instance, when using Selenium, you can use a range of languages to script tests.

Nonetheless, knowing coding basics like program design and data structures is key. This is more so when the industry seems to tilt towards testers who can create automation tests and develop testing tools, and double up and write production code as well. If you know which coding language the organization uses for its projects, highlighting that makes for additional brownie points!

Mastery of leading automation testing tools (codeless ones too)

A carpenter is only as good as his tools, right? Some organizations may give you the luxury of navigating the learning curve in terms of exploring a new testing tool. Others simply can’t afford the time. Clients need bug-free applications fast and, for that, you need to have the tools in the bag already.

Automation testing tools you should highlight
1. Selenium
2. SoapUI
3. HP – UFT (QTP)
4. RFT
5. Appium
6. Apache JMeter

Popular codeless testing tools to highlight
1. Katalon Studio
2. TestCraft
3. Perfecto
4. CloudQA
5. Sikuli

Experience in manual testing

Putting the spotlight on the time you’ve spent in manual testing is something that will go a long way in proving your mettle. Why? Because automation testing does not, in fact, cover all bases. There are some cases that only manual testing can cover well. Ad-hoc testing, in which the testing approach is not set in stone, is one example. Similarly, when testing for user-friendliness and customer UX, automation testing falls short. Manual testing is better, even faster, here.

On another level, automation test scripts are still code – code that can contain bugs. Having a background of manual testing can help you weed out false positives and negatives, should they crop up. All in all, you are a more fool-proof tester if you have expertise in both manual and automation testing. In fact, some say that automation testing is only for those who have excelled at manual testing.

Familiarity with Agile & DevOps methodologies

While the Waterfall model is good for small-size projects, ensuring quick delivery, when things scale up, you’re likely to work in a setup that functions off an Agile or DevOps model. The goal of Agile and DevOps is to develop better code in a shorter time frame. Unlike in the case of the Waterfall model, where it is possible to draw neat lines between testing and development teams, Agile and DevOps focus on intense synchronization, collaboration, and the use of cross-functional teams.

The advantage of being part of a DevOps team, where one is to handle development, testing, and release, is that you know how automation tools and frameworks work within the software development and deployment pipeline. These methodologies mean a change of culture, for sure, but they also require additional skills. Amir Ghahrai, founder of DevQA, indicates that, today, testers are expected to possess skills such as:

Basics of networking
Basics of UNIX/ Shell scripting
CI/ CD pipelines with tools like Jenkins
Performance testing tools like Gatling and JMeter
Resilience testing
Grasp of containers, Kubernetes, Docker
Query monitoring tools such as Splunk
Cloud services like MS Azure and AWS

So, the fact that you have been involved in an Agile, DevOps, CI/ CD pipeline could speak volumes for your ability to integrate with the organization’s teams without a snag.

Excellent reporting, time management, analytical & communication capabilities

Automation testers work in fast-paced software delivery environments and this demands a great deal of time management. This ensures that the team meets and beats deadlines consistently. Moreover, automation testers are expected to liaison with not just developers but with stakeholders, engineers, business analysts, and so on. All of this demands:

Good reporting skills
Excellent communication skills

An analytical mind is also vital to look at the development and delivery pipeline from and an automation perspective. So, it’s smart to pepper your CV with soft skills such as these. Why? Because even as testing methodologies change and demand different hard skills, soft skills like communication and reporting are transferable and remain ever relevant.

Knowledge of test management tools

Test management and bug tracking tools help streamline testing, address errors as per priority, keep track of testing, gain real-time reports, ward off security issues. When used smartly, test management tools help eliminate time wastage and faster testing makes for a better cycle. Test management tools also help in regulatory compliance, where particular details regarding the test need to be stored.

Test management tools to highlight in your CV
1. qTest
2. Zephyr
3. PractiTest
4. Testpad
5. Xray
6. JIRA
7. Bugzilla

Understanding of hands-on business requirements

Some organizations prefer hiring those with a clear grasp of specific business requirements. For this reason, automation tester CVs often contain lines such as:

Executed detailed test cases with HP ALM according to the business requirements
Collaborated with business analyst and developers for functional requirements
Created test plans and automation scripts from scratch as per the business requirements

While you may not be able to include everything you’ve done in your CV, you can reverse engineer it to suit the particular job you’re aiming for. That’s one way of going about the job hunt – you handpick jobs you’d like to apply for and tailor your CV for each of them differently.

The other way is to register with Talent500. We represent Fortune 500 companies looking for India’s top tech talent. Once you sign up, our dynamic skills assessment and ML algorithms help match your skills to the best opportunities at Fortune 500 companies. This way you give yourself a chance at all the top automation tester jobs that are up for grabs.
So, as you pen down your next CV, get on board with Talent500 and accelerate your career.

Top 5 Java Microservices Frameworks Architecture – 2020

Posted on July 17, 2020July 22, 2020 by vallish

Microservices refer to a form of service-oriented architecture wherein applications are built as a collection of several smaller services rather than a single app. These independent applications or services that make up a larger app can run on their own and are built using different programming languages, including Java.

So why should you switch to Java microservices?
Some advantages of the microservices approach over the traditional, large applications framework include:

Using a microservices framework not only speeds up development but also reduces cost, owing to the requirement of lesser code and fewer people to build an app using smaller components.

Simplicity of structure
Faster development
Small codebase in most cases
Increased scalability

The Rise of Microservices Frameworks in Java

Microservices frameworks form a recent trend that is expected to grow with increasing interest in serverless architecture, which requires small and light deployments that can be achieved by implementing a microservices framework in Java.

Another driver for the popularity of microservices frameworks in Java is the increasing adoption of containers and container management systems like Kubernetes. Of course, microframeworks are also quite simple to work with, achieving most projects with just a few thousand lines of code.

Below, we have outlined 5 of the popular and emerging microservices frameworks that you can use for developing in Java.

Popular Java Microservices Frameworks

1. Spring Boot

A survey indicates Spring Boot to be the leading framework for building microservices applications within Java and for a good reason, too. In general, Spring Boot is a mature, open-source, and feature-rich framework with a vast community to turn to for support. Spring Boot microservices can be easily deployed on various platforms, be it Dockers or bare metal servers. This popular Java framework comes with in-built functionalities like security autoconfiguration and starter dependencies that allow for rapid application development in Java.

Getting started with Spring Boot is as simple as visiting start.spring.io to launch an automated application template in just a few minutes. Not surprisingly, Java framework is exceptionally popular, owing to the convenience and flexibility it offers, and firms that wish to deploy Spring Boot microservices architecture can find experienced staff quite easily. For professionals, various pieces of training and certifications in Spring Boot are available to upgrade their skill set with this easy-to-use microservices framework that can be exploited even by less experienced teams to solve complex business problems. In practice the Spring framework has proved to be the most effective standard for microservice development.

2. Micronaut

Micronaut is a modern, JVM-based, full-stack microservices framework. It is designed for building easily testable microservice applications and implementing serverless functions. The best part about Micronaut is the quick startup time, which is due to non-reliance on reflection-based IoC frameworks, a considerable departure from Spring Boot. Another great feature of Micronaut is the exceptional built-in support for cloud, which makes it a breeze to work on AWS or write serverless applications.

It is a fact that Micronaut was developed based on lessons learned through the real-world applications of Spring and Spring Boot over the years. As a result, many of the APIs within the framework are inspired by Spring which makes it easier for new developers to find their feet. Micronaut framework also overcomes several of the shortcomings intrinsic to frameworks like Spring and Spring Boot, through upsides like:

Reduced memory footprint
Faster startup time
Easy unit testing
Less usage of proxies and reflections

3. Ballerina

Ballerina is not a microservices framework. Instead, it is a distributed programming language which can be used to write distributed applications. This enables developers to build customised network applications from scratch by writing software using the open-source programming language.

Overall, Ballerina is a cloud-native programming language that simplifies the microservices framework further by overcoming the challenge of distributed tracing and observability. With built-in support, it is possible to enable tracking and monitoring without any additional lines of code.

As Ballerina is mainly designed for cloud computing, it also includes annotations for Docker and Kubernetes, making it possible to deploy into those environments with minimal coding. Ballerina also makes the developer aware of any potential security threats, network failures and communications while writing the program itself for seamless deployment at later stages.

4. Dropwizard

Dropwizard is an open-source framework, which is popularly known for the rapid development of RESTful web services. Dropwizard is also considered quite easy to use and works well for microservices application development. It integrates tried and tested Java libraries into a functional platform while offering templates with Java-based interfaces like FreeMarker and Mustache. Similar to Spring Boot, Dropwizard applications are packaged into fat JAR files with the Jetty application server embedded.

According to some experts, Dropwizard lacks a little bit in terms of flexibility when compared with other frameworks like Spring Boot. However, it scores in terms of reliability by integrating a well-tested combination of tools that are pre-wired to get your project off the ground quickly. Even though Dropwizard has no built-in dependency injection solution, it does have integrations for Guice and Dagger. Overall, Dropwizard flaunts superior performance and operations amicability for microservices application advancement.

5. Eclipse MicroProfile

The Eclipse MicroProfile project is an upgrade to Java EE, aimed at optimising Enterprise Java for building Microservices architecture and cloud-native applications. The system is based on a subset of Jakarta EE WebProfile APIs, which means the process of building MicroProfile applications remains essentially the same.

MicroProfile is getting popular not only for the familiarity of usage but also for attempting a standardized API for microservices in Java by bringing together a bunch of vendors and organisations. The critical APIs in MicroProfile include CDI, JAX-RS, JSON-P, Metrics and Config.

The idea of microservices is simple yet powerful, and is fast gaining popularity to improve the end-user experience by breaking down monolithic applications into smaller bits that are lighter, faster, and programmed to run independently or cohesively, as required. Not surprisingly, several experts list microservices as an advanced skill that Java Developers must possess in 2020.

If you wish to propel your career as a Java Developer, continue upskilling yourself with complementary technologies to keep up with the constantly evolving language.

You can also empower your job search by signing up on Talent500 – a talent discovery platform to get placed with Fortune 500 companies and top MNCs globally.

Backend Development Skills – The Ultimate Roadmap to Becoming a Full-stack Developer – Part 2

Posted on June 27, 2020July 22, 2020 by vallish

Walk into a room of developers and ask them to draw a neat, clean line between front-end and back-end developers. You’ll find voices advocating for front-end skills that back-end developers must have and vice versa. In a textbook, one might be able to distinguish between the two fields cleanly, but in the real world, a full-stack developer offers cross-discipline skills.

Part I of this series outlined the first part of the full-stack developer’s roadmap, that is, front-end skills and tools. This article focuses on the server-side of programming.

Read on to know the complete roadmap to become a full-stack developer.

Step 1: Identify gaps in back-end development skills

Back-end web development is highly focused on the ‘logic’ layer rather than ‘presentation’ and is usually invisible to the user. Here, aspiring developers need to focus on building expertise with the frameworks and server programming languages specific to back-end development while keeping the current market requirements in mind. While experience in an array of back-end technologies is beneficial, most employers will work with specific frameworks and use those only. So, it helps to employ a targeted effort to get the ball rolling.

Must-have back-end skills
As mentioned, back-end development is all about the logic of an application and is the job profile responsible for making elements do what they do. So, naturally, having some experience with front-end development is required to understand interactions and deliver a more refined product.

Further, back-end developers must be able to work with version control systems, monitor a site’s health and status, have the ability to problem-solve efficiently, design databases, understand modern programming paradigms, and have knowledge of service architecture.

Step 2: Master back-end technology

As all back-end development has to do with server-side implementations, it is vastly different from other forms of web development. Here, the priority is based on the ‘how does it work’ aspect of functionality and creating optimized application program interfaces.

Server programming languages and frameworks

For aspiring developers with no experience in front-end coding, learning server programming languages and frameworks can be quite daunting. Here, popular languages like PHP, Python, Java, and Ruby are essential to being a well-rounded developer. Further, frameworks like Node.js and Django are essentials too as they’re very popular in the industry and are mostly used as standards.

PHP
This is a scripting language and is arguably one of the more stable ones to learn. It is fairly intuitive as it has a built-in error reporting feature and coding here is quite straightforward as there’s no need to declare data types like with other languages. One of the main reasons to learn this language is its access to a large number of libraries for data representation and its ability to cross-integrate with other databases such as Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, and Informix.

Python
Python is an interpreted language that is easy to learn, even for beginners, thanks to its simple syntax. It is among the most preferred languages by specialists as its implementation allows developers to focus on problem-solving rather than resource management or system architecture. Further, this language also has a GUI (graphics user interface) support, allowing the use of specified frameworks while creating customized GUIs.

Java
Java is a well-known, object-oriented programming language that most beginners start off with. It is considered basic, easy to master, and is platform-independent thanks to the Java Virtual Machine engine. For new developers who may be learning to code on unorthodox platforms, this helps as it negates the need to migrate.

Node.js
Node.js is a JS framework that allows developers to execute code for back-end development. Naturally, JS experience is required to use this framework and it outdoes older, traditional frameworks. What’s more, using this framework, developers can design entire small-size applications with ease without worrying about individual front- and back-end code manipulation.

Django
Django is the Python framework for back-end development and one that can be used flexibly. Here, Python mastery is key and simplifies efforts greatly. In fact, Django-focused developers are in great demand for tech start-ups due to the ease of development that it allows. It is also stable and quick to patch out vulnerabilities so that problem-solving on the server-side is a lot quicker.

Structured Query Language (SQL)

Since back-end development relies on resource management, SQL is fundamental to doing so effectively. It is the language that coordinates how data is written, read, and updated in the entire system, and is invaluable in function, especially for larger amounts of data. It is significantly faster than the alternative, manual data query, and proficiency in SQL goes a long way in becoming a well-rounded full-stack developer.

Step 3: Create and build a web development portfolio

Given the fact that back-end web development is mostly based on optimization, SQL queries, and customized APIs, it may be hard to build an exciting portfolio. However, all of these should definitely have a spot on your portfolio as they highlight your mastery for potential employers who can check for coding ability, testing, problem-solving, and updates. Here, version control systems help but, ultimately, building a presence online on GitHub also contributes its fair share.

This roadmap covers all the essential skills that are currently in demand and also gives importance to technologies and frameworks of the future. Once you know where you’re going and what you have to do to get there, all you need to do is grab the opportunity by the horns.

Wondering how you can do that? Sign up with Talent500 and let our dynamic skill assessment and machine learning algorithm map your talent with job openings at Fortune 500 companies!

Front End Development Skills – Ultimate Guide To Becoming A Full-stack Developer – Part 1

Posted on June 22, 2020June 27, 2020 by vallish

If coding is the language of the future, as many IT experts believe, then full-stack developers are at its forefront. But what does it mean to be a full-stack developer? Simply put, these developers are proficient in both front-end and back-end technology. This includes coding and having in-depth knowledge of numerous frameworks, servers, and networking. Obviously, this implies being a jack of all trades and a master of all. Such skills are highly sought-after in the industry and with a broad knowledge base, full-stack developers often wear the hat of problem solvers for almost any development-based difficulty, rendering them absolutely invaluable.

In fact, in the US, the average salary for a full-stack developer is USD 91,123, making it a highly rewarding career. Job satisfaction levels in this field are also high and your skillset opens doors to numerous income-generation options. Data shows that there is a 40% growth in demand for full-stack developers from just 2019 to 2020, further highlighting how lucrative this field can be.

However, a truly valuable full-stack developer is one that embraces learning as a profession rather than programming itself. This is why becoming one in the first place may seem like a herculean task, and it is.

Here is the Part I of the roadmap to becoming a full-stack developer.

Part 1: Front-End

Step 1: Identify Gaps In Front-end Development Skills

The first step is self-analysis. Take note of all your existing proficiencies and skills while also highlighting areas that can be improved upon. For developers with some experience in back-end technologies or none at all, there are a number of vital front-end skills that need to be developed in order to complete the journey.

Must-have Front-end Skills
Aside from being proficient with the required programming languages, front-end developers are responsible for the ‘presentation’ of an application. For this reason, to become a front-end developer, it is important to have or develop the creative vision required to deliver a polished experience to the end-user while having adequate technical mastery. This job profile handles the visual implementation of code and requires extensive knowledge of navigation, layouts, and cross-device experience.

Aspiring front-end developers also need to have experience with CSS preprocessors, cross-browser development, content management systems, debugging code, and UI or functional testing.
Must-know Programming Languages
To become a front-end developer, there are 4 primary skills that you need to focus on. These are HyperText Markup Language (HTML), Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Typescript, and JavaScript (JS). When designing a website or application, these are the basic tools required to put together the foundation and build functionality. Here, HTML and CSS are the most basic to coding, allowing developers to structure information and add visual elements as well.

JS, on the other hand, is advanced and offers a ton of functionality to work with. For instance, JS allows developers to code and control elements that update in real-time for a more intuitive and easy experience. Pinterest is a perfect example of this as users don’t have to constantly reload pages as they pin their favorites.

Step 2: Work On The Front-end Frameworks And Operational Concepts In Demand

With a basic understanding of what is expected of front-end developers, the next step is to employ a targeted effort to meet these expectations.

Popular Frameworks

Before diving into the most popular frameworks, it is key to understand their role. Simply put, a framework is a collection of CSS or JS files that give developers a starting point when trying to achieve specific goals. This helps because most projects share many common coding elements and having to rewrite lengthy lines of code is time-consuming and leaves room for error. Further, having in-depth knowledge of frameworks and their application allows for time-efficient development, which is an asset in today’s industry.

These are the popular frameworks aspiring front-end developers should focus on.

React
It is among the simpler frameworks to learn and one that offers exceptional functionality while facilitating easy collaboration. React is definitely a framework that you must be proficient with as it is particularly good at handling high traffic in a stable setting. Popular sites made using React include Netflix, Pinterest, and Dropbox.
Angular
Angular is a very popular framework in the industry and features a unique two-way data binding feature. With real-time synchronization, any changes made to the code instantaneously reflect on the application. This is especially beneficial for mobile or web applications and well-known companies like BMW, Forbes, and Xbox use Angular in their applications.
Vue.js
Vue.js is a straightforward network designed to simplify complexities and optimize performance. It has a simple syntax, meaning that it is easy to pick up and developers with JS background can easily take to it. Popular pages that are built using Vue.js include 9GAG, Xiaomi, and Reuters.
jQuery
As one of the first front-end frameworks, jQuery is easy to use, simple to understand, and has a large community to offer solutions. It helps optimize the functionality and interactivity of websites. Even though it’s been nearly 15 years since its launch, sites like Uber and Twitter were built using it.
Testing
Being able to test code reliably and minimize errors is an important skill for front-end developers. So, learning the best practices that can help achieve this should be the next step in your learning process. Those with JS and React knowledge can consider Jest or Enzyme to complement their efforts.
HTTP And Client-server Architecture
While server-side development is usually more fitting to back-end developers, there is value in understanding the client-server architecture and how it is handled. Here, HTTP requests are sent over from the client to the server, where the information returned are resources such as HTML or CSS. Understanding this relationship is key for a full-stack developer and it helps to start with the basics while learning front-end development principles.
Version Control Systems
These are software tools that help developers manage changes to source code over numerous versions. The benefits of learning this has uses for both, front and back-end development and many employers look for developers with experience on version control systems like Git.

Step 3: Keep Abreast Of Emerging Front-end Development Trends

In around 2018, Machine Learning was a trending topic for both front and back-end developers. It promised developers more time for creative pursuits. Today, there are plenty of emerging avenues for front-end developers to explore. The goal here is not to just ‘sound smart’ in developer circles. It is to own the skills of the future. Take the field of web components, for instance. Svelte’s game-changing features allow for applications without framework references, putting this language at the forefront of the embedded web.

From component-driven libraries to micro frontends and tools like Bit, there’s plenty you can explore to stay at the front end of developments in your field. So, as you study the must-knows, React, Angular, Typescript, etc., add to your credentials by keeping tabs of the year’s emerging trends.

Step 4: Create And Build A Web Development Portfolio

For a front-end developer, the portfolio is quite literally the most important part of any job application as employers expect to see the skill in action. This is where projects should be put on display and the ability to be creative with web development should be the first priority. The more exciting portfolios on the internet are websites created by developers themselves showcasing exactly what they’re capable of.

In Part II of the road map to becoming a full-stack developer, you’ll learn what it takes to complete your skillset.

Until then, why not look at giving your front-end skills an avenue for growth? Sign up with Talent 500 and allow our dynamic skill assessment and machine learning algorithms to match your front-end skills with opportunities in Fortune 500 companies!

Author: vallish