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JavaScript frameworks like React and Angular are trendy skills for Programmers to have right now.  This is true for a few reasons.  Firstly, both are the latest shiny new technologies.  Secondly, one of the main reasons React is popular is because it’s great for mobile application development.  One of the biggest reasons Angular is popular is because it’s simple and easy to use since it’s built with HTML.  No matter how many reasons you can list for Angular or React’s popularity, though, it’s not going to help you to focus solely on them.  It won’t even help you to focus on the next hot JavaScript framework.  If you just try to chase the latest JavaScript framework, you’re probably doing yourself a disservice.  Here’s why it’s imperative to focus on the fundamentals of JavaScript if you want to further your career or widen your tech job search.

Avoid falling victim to obsolescence

While it’s always helpful to have the newest, hottest technologies on your resume, IT recruiters would suggest that you also don’t want to put all your eggs in one basket.  JavaScript frameworks will come and go, but the fundamentals of JavaScript will always be useful to you.  Don’t focus on flashy new frameworks like React to the exclusion of JavaScript basics.  You’ll be glad when React becomes dated and you’ve got the base knowledge to master the new, trendy famework!

Ensure your success once you land the job

You might find yourself up the creek without a paddle if you don’t have a good enough base of JavaScript fundamentals.  Knowing the latest and greatest framework might get you in the door, but IT staffing companies see people land in hot water when they’re missing a solid base of JavaScript knowledge.  Perhaps you need to do something more complicated than what React will help you achieve.  Perhaps the company has not changed all their code over to the new framework because of security concerns, lack of funds, or lack of staff.  You may still need a solid understanding of JavaScript to complete your work, even if Angular was talked up as more important in the interview.  It’s also worth noting that because of the speed of technology, projects and job descriptions can change all the time.  A Node project today could become a Node and JavaScript project tomorrow to meet new business requirements.  The job your technical recruiters helped you land today may not be the one you need to do next week.  If your employer needs more from you, it’s important not to get caught without a strong base of JavaScript!