What Is a Node Js Developer and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

A Node.js developer works with Node, an open-source developer’s tool that focuses on server-side functionality for websites. As a Node.js developer, your duties include coding, debugging, and coordinating with programmers who focus on the front end. The front end refers to the browser, while the back end refers to the server. As a Node.js developer, your responsibilities involve keeping up-to-date on the latest software updates and how they pertain to your site’s function. The JS suffix refers to JavaScript, a programming language that you must also know.

To become a Node.js developer, you should have some prior knowledge of web environments and programming languages like HTML5 and CSS, and you need to understand how the various components of code work together. Because Node is open-source software, it isn’t formally taught in traditional higher education. Therefore, you should pursue self-study through online courses. Once you become proficient in Node, you can take an online exam to become a Node Certified Developer, offered by the Node Foundation. You can add this to the list of developer qualifications you possess.

A successful Node.js developer understands how to deal with the full stack of code, even if they specialize in a specific stack. A stack is a linear data structure that the software deals with as it comes in a first-in-first-out pattern. To be a successful Node.js developer, avoid focusing on JavaScript as a whole programming language. Instead, decide what stacks you want to learn. For example, as a Node.js developer, you might want to learn how to work with Angular.js or React.js stacks, which are both front end. Although Node.js is primarily back end, it can be used in front end development. Along with coding knowledge, it’s also recommended to develop strong verbal and written communication skills to succeed in this career.