Dee
Looking to be a Data Analyst
How important is knowing Javascript as a Data Analyst or Data Scientist? I am exploring careers and see many courses offering JS. #datascience, #college
7 answers
James Constantine Frangos
James Constantine’s Answer
The Value of JavaScript Knowledge for Data Analysts and Data Scientists
JavaScript, a flexible programming language, is widely used in web development. Although it's not a fundamental requirement for data analysts or data scientists, understanding JavaScript can offer certain advantages. Here's why mastering JavaScript can be beneficial for those aiming for a career in data analysis or data science:
1. Data Visualization: Making data insights visually attractive and clear is a crucial part of data analysis and data science. JavaScript libraries like D3.js, Chart.js, and Plotly are extensively used to craft interactive and dynamic data visualizations on the web. A good grasp of JavaScript can empower data analysts and scientists to leverage these libraries, creating engaging visualizations that effectively communicate their findings.
2. Web Scraping: Data analysts and scientists frequently collect data from various internet sources for their analyses. JavaScript is a popular choice for web scraping tasks due to its dynamic interaction with web pages. Proficiency in JavaScript can help professionals write scripts that efficiently extract relevant data from websites, streamlining the data collection process.
3. Integration with Web Applications: In the current digital era, many organizational tools and applications are based on web technologies. Knowledge of JavaScript can be beneficial for data analysts and scientists who need to integrate their analytical solutions with web applications or databases. This understanding facilitates smoother collaboration with developers and IT teams when implementing their analytical models or dashboards.
4. Career Advancement: While expertise in programming languages like Python and R is generally more critical for data analysis and data science roles, possessing additional skills like JavaScript can distinguish candidates in the job market. Employers appreciate candidates with a broad skill set who can adapt to varying technological needs within an organization.
In summary, while JavaScript knowledge may not be a strict necessity for data analysts or data scientists, it can certainly add value and unveil new opportunities in the field by enhancing skills in data visualization, web scraping, integration with web applications, and overall career progression.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Used:
Towards Data Science: This online platform offers articles, tutorials, and resources on a range of data science topics, including the significance of programming languages like JavaScript in the field.
DataCamp: A leading online learning platform for data science skills, DataCamp provides courses covering programming languages such as JavaScript and their relevance to careers in data analysis and data science.
KDnuggets: A renowned website, KDnuggets publishes news, insights, and resources on topics related to AI, machine learning, analytics, big data, and more. The site frequently features articles discussing the role of various programming languages in data science.
Stay Blessed,
JC.
Yumi Nguyen
Yumi’s Answer
Su Shaowei
Su’s Answer
Hi Dee,
To be honest I don't think being Data Analyst or Scientist requires any JavaScript skills. Here are a list of useful resources/materials that should be useful for you to start with:
Coursera (ML / Statistics / Big Data / Data Visualization)
- Machine Learning, by Stanford
- Deep Learning Specialization (5 courses), by deeplearning.ai
- Advanced Machine Learning Specialization (3/7 courses), by National Research University
- Bayesian Statistics, by University of California, Santa Cruz. check 1point3acres for more.
- Data Visualization and Communication with Tableau, by Duke
- Big Data Integration and Processing, by University of California, Santa Cruz
Books (ML / Statistics)
- Hands-On Machine Learning with SciKit-Learn and TensorFlow
- Python Machine Learning
- Pattern Recognition and Machine Learning (PRML)
- The Elements of Statistical Learning (ESL)
- An Introduction to Statistical Learning (ISL)
- Machine Learning: A Probabilistic Perspective
- Interpretable Machine Learning
As Data Analytics its a most have skill set to run sophisticated SQL queries and be familiar with modern data warehouse like Hive, SparkSQL. A great book to start with is: https://www.manning.com/books/big-data-warehousing-cx
Thanks.
Shaowei
Su recommends the following next steps:
that's a great list to begin with 1
Chhavi Sharma
karthik M
karthik’s Answer
Learn important data analytics skills
Consider certification
Get your first entry-level data analyst job
Earn a master’s degree in data analytic
JavaScript is not a necessity, when using tools like Tableau or Qlik. BUT knowing it can excel you in how you present data. With in Qlik you can use Javascript, HTML, CSS and create some stunning dashboards/Mashups that give a great experience to the end user.
Barry Walters
Karthik JVN
Karthik’s Answer
Priti Mahajan
Priti’s Answer
John Faig
John’s Answer
There are lots of jobs for Data Analyst and Data Scientist. Every organization is looking to analyze their data to improve. These positions are similar and there are some good articles on the web about the actual differences. In general, you will be taking lots of advanced math, statistics and computer science in college.
John recommends the following next steps: