The tech industry’s obsession with framework-specific job titles like “React Developer” or “Angular Engineer” is not just misguided—it’s potentially harmful to both companies and developers alike. By fixating on a particular library or framework, we’re losing sight of what truly matters: solid foundational knowledge and adaptability. The role we should be focusing on is UI Engineer or Frontend Developer, professionals who can navigate the ever-changing landscape of web technologies with ease.
At its core, frontend development is built on JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. These are the core technologies that power every modern web application, regardless of the flavor-of-the-month framework being used. A truly skilled UI Engineer doesn’t just know how to use React or Vue; they understand the underlying principles of JavaScript that make these libraries possible. This deep understanding allows them to quickly adapt to new tools, debug complex issues, and make informed architectural decisions that go beyond the surface-level implementation details of any single framework.
By hiring for JavaScript proficiency rather than framework expertise, companies set themselves up for long-term success. Technologies come and go, but the fundamentals remain. A developer who deeply understands JavaScript can pick up React, Angular, or the next big thing in a matter of weeks. Conversely, a “React developer” who lacks a strong JavaScript foundation may struggle when the winds of technological change inevitably blow. It’s time we shift our focus back to the core skills that truly define a great frontend developer: mastery of JavaScript, a keen eye for user experience, and the ability to learn and adapt in an ever-evolving field.
*Note: This article was proofread and refined with the assistance of AI language tools. The core ideas and opinions expressed are the author’s own.