Let’s talk about JavaScript, as new libraries, frameworks, and tools emerge, the debate about the relevance of their foundational languages, such as JavaScript, invariably arises. So, this brings us to the question, “Is vanilla JavaScript still relevant in 2023?” The short answer is “yes.” Let’s explore why.

The Unfading Value of JavaScript

Firstly, it’s important to understand that JavaScript is the backbone of the web. It’s the only language that runs natively in the browser, making it the de facto standard for client-side web development. It’s also increasingly popular for server-side development, thanks to Node.js.

Moreover, it’s the language upon which all the popular front-end libraries and frameworks—like React, Vue, and Angular—are built. Even when using these advanced tools, the underlying code that is running is JavaScript. Thus, a good grasp of vanilla JavaScript helps developers to use these tools more effectively and understand what’s happening behind the scenes.

Frameworks Come and Go, and JavaScript Remains

While there is certainly value in learning popular libraries and frameworks, they frequently evolve, and new ones are constantly being introduced. What’s in demand today might be outdated in a couple of years. However, JavaScript has stood the test of time. Its core concepts and syntax remain consistent. Learning vanilla JavaScript, therefore, gives developers a solid, long-lasting foundation upon which they can adapt to various frameworks or libraries as needed.

Improved Performance

Vanilla JavaScript generally performs faster than frameworks because there is no overhead of a library or framework to slow down execution. While this might not always be noticeable in smaller applications, in larger, more complex applications, this performance difference can become significant.

Advancements in JavaScript

JavaScript itself hasn’t remained stagnant; it’s continuously evolving. The yearly updates via ECMAScript (the standardized specification JavaScript is based on) have added powerful features that often reduce the need for additional libraries or frameworks. With features like async/await, arrow functions, destructuring, and more, modern JavaScript is more powerful and easier to write than ever.

Accessibility and SEO

Search engines and assistive technologies can sometimes struggle with JavaScript frameworks due to their heavy client-side rendering. In contrast, a server-rendered vanilla JavaScript application is often easier for these technologies to interpret, which can improve SEO and accessibility.

Learning Vanilla JavaScript

Lastly, learning vanilla JavaScript is often easier than diving straight into a framework or library. This is because frameworks come with their own set of rules, syntax, and structure, which can be overwhelming for beginners. By starting with vanilla JavaScript, new developers can understand the basics first and then move on to more advanced topics.

Conclusion

While there is undeniable value in using and understanding popular JavaScript frameworks, the knowledge, and understanding of vanilla JavaScript remain paramount for all web developers. The benefits it offers in terms of performance, SEO, and the ability to truly understand and control what’s happening in your code make it more than relevant in 2023.

Learning a framework might help you get a job, but mastering vanilla JavaScript will make you a better, more adaptable developer in the long run. Even as new tools emerge and old ones fade, vanilla JavaScript continues to be a fundamental pillar of web development. Therefore, if you’re wondering whether to learn or keep up with vanilla JavaScript, the answer remains a resounding “yes.”