Full Stack Developer: Josh Johnson Talks About WordPress, React Native & Beyond

Today on HostNOC Speaks, we have Josh Johnson. Josh is a Full Stack Developer and has worked with the US Army, Scrubs Data and is now serving as Systems Process Analysis at INQU LLC.

He graduated from the University of Alabama and has helped companies with the design and development of the UI components for the varied apps. He has configured a system with an algorithm in JS and advanced queries in SQL. He has also mastered the realm of React JS and C#/.NET Services.

Let’s being the interview and see what he has to say about different aspects of development.

Question 1: Hi Josh, thank you for coming on board. Before we jump into the technical side, please tell our readers about yourself.

My name is Josh Johnson, I’m 31 years old, and I’m from Alabama. I spent around 8 years in the US Army, worked with kids with disabilities and now I am in the software development field. So I guess you could say that I experienced a lot.

The reason I decided to get into the software development field was that when I was working with kids with disabilities like speech delays, Autism, things of that nature, I used these speech applications daily with the children and I couldn’t help think to myself, if I was in a position to make one of these applications, I know exactly what is missing, what works, what doesn’t. So I put myself in the position to get into the tech field and that is my long term goal is to create one of those applications one day after I acquire more experience.

Question 2: You worked as a Full Stack Developer at Scrubs Data and later was hired as a Systems Process Analyst at INQU LLC. What is the difference between these two roles?

Working for Scrubs Data, I used JavaScript, React JS, .Net Core, and SQL. With INQU LLC, we use JQuery, MVC, transitioning to .Net Core, and they use SQL, so it’s just mainly transitioning my brain, being able to switch on and off different forms of language and make the best possible code I can that works and performs efficiently.

Question 3: What are the five things that new Full Stack Developers should focus on?

• Find your strengths and make them stronger, find your weaknesses and convert them into your strengths. Being able to adapt and learn multiple languages.
• Focusing on JUST front end, middle tier, or even backend, limits your ability to be that over the top coder. You want that job, and this is what you need to do.
• Nothing comes easy. Frustration is part of the process. Just be patient with the process.
• And lastly, focus on what makes you happy. Don’t settle, don’t sell yourself short. Always give your 100 percent.

Question 4: Who is your inspiration in the field of development? What are some of the influencers do you follow?

As far as inspiration goes, I don’t want to sound full of myself, but myself. I have been through a lot in my life, and to be able to be where I am is a blessing. Some influencers that I follow are more like motivational speakers, like Eric Thomas, David Goggins, Gary Vaynerchuk, Joe Rogan, Jocko Willink, to name a few.

Question 5: What is your favorite developmental language and why?

React JS, the framework is really intriguing! Just being able to create some code, install packages and see results immediately without refreshing the page is awesome!

The major selling point of React Native is the shorter development time. The framework provides numerous ready-to-apply components that can accelerate the process. React Native still lacks some solutions, so you would probably have to build them from scratch, but since RN is based on JavaScript, which gives access to the most extensive package ecosystem in the world, npm. Having access to such a broad base of packages, you can save much time, and it will only get better.

Question 6: WordPress is very popular these days. Many businesses are keen on purchasing WordPress hosting. What do you think about it? And how a Full Stack Developer leverage the power of WordPress to create something extraordinary?

WordPress is very popular indeed.

Probably the best thing about WordPress is that it is free and it gives you complete control of your website. You own and control all your website files and data. You are not tied to a web hosting company and can move your website anywhere you want. It gives you access to a huge collection of extensions, add-ons, and plugins to extend and enhance your website. This enormous access to professional applications allows you to make anything you want.

And being a Full Stack Developer, you have the knowledge and skillset to make a WordPress site and take it over the top!

Question 7: As you know, HostNOC is a famous web hosting, we have secure, robust servers, what are your views about having a good web hosting? And how HostNOC can help businesses getting secure and websites with amazing user experiences?

HostNOC offers a lot of key quality capabilities. cPanel (for Linux) or Plesk (for Windows) control panel, Unmetered bandwidth, POP3 email accounts, MySQL databases with phpMyAdmin, Server-side includes (SSI), Backup services, to name a few. Just being able to rely heavily on a good web host is key, in my opinion.