Can You Use Javascript For Deep Learning?

Written by Adam Morris

Updated August 4, 2023
Man facing computer with code programming lines on screen

JavaScript is a popular programming language utilized for developing interactive websites and web applications. But can it be used for building machine learning models for deep learning?

By tapping into the power of neural networks, deep learning allows machines to learn and make predictions through analyzing data. This cutting edge technology offers unprecedented insights that you can leverage for your organization’s success.

Artificial Intelligence has become more widely used due to its ability to solve complex problems and improve accuracy in recognizing images and speech. Python remains the dominant language for deep learning, but more developers are now exploring Javascript’s potential in this field.

Although Javascript wasn’t created for machine learning, it still offers potential in the area of deep learning. In this article, we’ll dive into the possibilities and difficulties associated with incorporating Javascript for deep learning.

What Is JavaScript?

JavaScript, or JS as it’s commonly known, is the most widely-used programming language among developers today. It has become an industry-standard for website development because of its incredible versatility and dynamic range. With JavaScript, it’s possible to animate objects created in HTML with advanced interactivity, making webpages look and behave much more alive than they would when relying on HTML and CSS alone.

Male hand holding digital pen in front of laptop with Javascript logo in front

What makes JavaScript especially appealing is that it doesn’t require extra software downloads or compilers. The presence of a pre-installed JavaScript engine in all web browsers makes creating websites significantly quicker and easier.

This can be seen everywhere: when you log into your favorite websites through your social credentials, like going through Instagram photos, playing games on mobile phones, or just pressing “like” on someone’s Facebook post – all of these actions are powered by JavaScript applications that are already familiar to you.

Can You Use JavaScript For Machine Learning?

When it comes to machine learning projects, JavaScript’s capability is often a subject of debate. While not as common as Python for this task, the answer to the question “can JavaScript be used for machine learning?” is a resounding yes. When selecting a language for a task, there are multiple factors that should be taken into consideration.

One such factor is how many code libraries are available for reuse within any given language. This can save considerable time and energy in streamlining the implementation process since existing sets of code can be cut-and-pasted or repurposed in different applications.

When compared to Python, JavaScript’s offering of available machine learning libraries doesn’t have quite as vast a scope; however, they are more than capable of powering a number of significant ML use cases. Ultimately, it all depends on what functionality and performance you require from your application but rest assured that JavaScript should prove to be an option worthy of consideration.

Machine Learning Using JavaScript

Machine Learning is a subfield of Artificial Intelligence that is used to create programs and automated decision making systems by harnessing pre-defined datasets. Traditionally, software developers use either R or Python when building Machine Learning applications but with JavaScript rapidly becoming the language of choice for web-development, its potential for creating Machine Learning models is worth noting.

AI robot sitting in front of desktop with code lines on screen

Firstly, JavaScript is well known amongst developers as it’s widely implemented in web development coding and many Programming languages are based on it. Additionally, all developers can use it as the language has no limitation on specific tools or toolsets. When it comes to security, JavaScript already has a built-in security system in place meaning application data remains safe from threats.

Being an interpreted scripting language also means that methods written in JavaScript cannot access your files like other commonly used programming languages can meaning users can have peace of mind when relying on applications made with JavaScript.

Programming code lines on blue screen

All this makes JavaScript an increasingly viable option for Machine Learning applications as many more startups build their own custom AI. With its versatile libraries and frameworks, such as Tensor Flowjs and Brain js there really isn’t any reason why AI enthusiasts around the world couldn’t choose Javascript over the age old classics R & Python anytime soon.

Javascript Can Be Used for Machine Learning

The prevalence of Machine Learning and its use in the modern technological landscape is undeniable. This technology involves using advanced algorithms to make powerful predictions and classifications, which can improve applications in many different industries. Regrettably, its mathematical roots make it a bit difficult to execute.

There are many tools available for bridging the gap between programming languages and mathematics. However, JavaScript stands out from the rest as an incredibly successful solution.

JavaScript makes implementing Machine Learning functionality much easier than before. It simplifies the process of creating neural networks for users with limited coding experience. Machine learning libraries have been developed for JavaScript, allowing web developers to create applications quickly and easily.

Moreover, libraries such as these offer features like automatic configuration of models and shared data sets for various model types to help users stay informed about the cutting-edge progressions in Machine Learning technology.

The user-friendly interface and uncomplicated design of machine learning applications make it possible for anyone, regardless of their technical background or knowledge, to utilize complex techniques.

Also read: How Much Do AI Programmers Make?

Examples of JavaScript Applications in Machine Learning

Javascript is a crucial coding language that enables the development of vibrant web pages, and as such is an excellent option for creating applications and programs within machine learning. Thanks to its ability to run on almost every platform and device type, problems with compatibility are reduced, which makes the deployment of machine learning models easier in many cases.

Ai robot side view beside bubble chat with may i help you written

To facilitate this process, open-source libraries such as TensorFlow.js facilitate the running of existing ML models or the development of new ones right into a browser – in addition to allowing training ready models with personal data. Similarly, Brain is also used to create and train neural networks for tasks such as recognizing color contrast then loading them onto a browser for use – all using JavaScript code as part of the overall project.

There are several other real-world examples where JavaScript has been applied to ML projects with very positive results, ranging from natural language processing to autonomous machine decision processes of different kinds.

WebGL API

WebGL is an incredibly powerful and versatile graphics programming language. With the power of WebGL, web developers possess the ability to craft immersive 3D experiences directly within any browser or platform that accommodates its application programming interface (API).

Male programmer facing laptop with codes on background

WebGL is compatible with both integrated and stand-alone graphic cards, as well as major browser vendors such as Apple (Safari), Google (Chrome), Microsoft (Edge), and Mozilla (Firefox). By making use of this versatile technology, you can develop 3D graphics applications that are sure to skyrocket your business.

WebGL, which is supported by the major browser vendors, consists of JavaScript for enabling 2D and 3D graphics to be accessible on any platform or web-browser. As a result, several multimedia applications are now available for users to experience over the internet.

With WebGL configured for use, designers can program various graphical elements such as lighting, textures, particle systems, cameras and shadows enabling them to create interactive 3D environments of almost any kind. In addition to marveling at complex graphical effects and scenes rendered through the API, users are also able to manipulate objects within the environment using commands such as rotate or drag.

Thusly made possible because of its unparalleled performance capabilities, WebGL provides a vast field for creative expression through its ability to power up highly sophisticated visual experiences on any compatible device connected online.

JavaScript Machine Learning Libraries

Machine Learning in the Browser is a concept that involves using JavaScript to perform the same tasks as other machine learning algorithms. Rather than relying on the outdated methods, web developers now gain access to cutting-edge tools that empower their browsers to learn and make decisions about data without requiring any external computers or programming.

Male hand writing with pen in front of laptop with coding file floating

The implementation of Machine Learning in JavaScript enables software engineers and designers to create programs that can efficiently handle vast amounts of data, without the need for a comprehensive understanding of computer science or mathematics.

This advancement has allowed developers to expand how they can create meaningful user experiences by leveraging predictive analysis and natural language processing found with more traditional approaches such as Python and Java.

Math.js

Make your mathematics easier and more understandable with Math.js – the comprehensive math library for JavaScript and Node.js! This tool is capable of swiftly conducting intricate calculations, regardless of your mathematical proficiency or programming background. Crafted to make complex numerical computations easier, from the simplest of arithmetic operations to huge calculations involving large numbers, fractions, and unit conversions.

Furthermore, Math.js offers an expression parser which allows users to write down their own formulas and compute them more intuitively than traditional programming languages may allow in some cases.

Additionally, Math.js includes support for working with data types like numbers, fractions, units, arrays and matrices making it an optimal choice for engineering and scientific applications that require precise results with very little coding input needed by the user.

This makes it incredibly useful for those who may want to take advantage of precise data without having detailed knowledge or training in mathematics or computer sciences related fields such as maximum likelihood estimation and singular value decomposition algorithms used in signal processing or classification models used in machine learning applications scenarios.

Brain.js

Brain.js is a JavaScript library designed to streamline neural network creation. The tool is appropriate for individuals with varying levels of expertise in the field.

Robot hand reaching out one finger

Brain.js is the perfect tool for those with limited or no knowledge in complex mathematics; it does all of the difficult tasks, allowing you to create a neural network quickly and easily! Brain.js provides multiple implementation options too, allowing the user to choose from different models that are best suited to the desired output result or application area.

The simplicity of Brain.js makes it easy to get started without needing any intricate knowledge of neural network structure and functionality. Its widespread use is testament to its features; they come ready-equipped with training algorithms and predefined methods, settting up tests on data quickly and efficiently as possible.

There are plenty of examples available online which make it easier for someone new to brain networks to start using Brain.js right away- making this an ideal language for developers who are modifying existing code too! Whether a novice or experienced programmer, Brain.js offers a great platform for creativity within artificial intelligence based projects – helping the world move closer towards open source machine learning solutions that can empower our algorithms towards more intelligent decision making!

ml5.js

The ml5.js library, created with JavaScript, simplifies the process of understanding and creating machine learning models for those with even a basic understanding of JavaScript. The ml5 team is working to create a platform to make the process even simpler.

By utilizing machine learning algorithms such as CNNs, DNNs, and SVM, this code allows for rapid and easy creation of applications, even without extensive knowledge of high-level AI. With ml5.js, individuals interested in coding can experiment and explore the ways in which machine learning can enhance their projects or ideas.

Keras.Js

Keras.js is an incredibly popular JavaScript library for deep learning. It allows developers to write and train machine learning models using a range of different backend frameworks, such as CNTK, TensorFlow and others. Using Keras, developers benefit from the relative ease of working with neural networks while leveraging the power of multiple frameworks.

Keras.js is a highly sought-after tool because its models can be quickly and easily deployed on the web with just minimal coding knowledge required. As this allows the user to run sophisticated models on the client-side rather than a cloud server or local hardware, it reduces latency and accelerates deployment times significantly.

Unfortunately, without GPU support it may not be suitable for use cases which require extremely powerful processing power, but for many applications it is an excellent choice for enabling high performance training in the browser environment.

TensorFlow

TensorFlow Playground is an interactive web application created by Google which allows users to get hands-on experience with neural networks without actually involving in any complicated mathematics. It is written in TensorFlow, and allows a user to define parameters such as number of layers, activation functions and optimization algorithm, while also providing the ability to visualize the machine learning process with real-time interactive plots.

Programming codes in different colors on screen

To further aid the user in understanding how their neural network works, the user can change hyperparameters such as weights and biases to see the effect it has on their network before finally committing to it.

In order for more users to get even more experience using TensorFlow Playground, Google has extended its reach by introducing two additional versions – TensorFlow.js and Deeplearn.js. Now, with updated versions of the program, anyone who has a modern browser can easily construct and execute a Neural Network without any additional components or applications.

Additionally, with tutorials included within the framework itself they can get up and running quickly while still following best practices of researching data sets and model development before deploying a neural network in production environments which can be particularly useful for new developers who are still trying to soak up everything they need to know about Machine Learning techniques.

Advantages of Using JavaScript for ML

NPM Ecosystem

JavaScript is the undisputed leader of web development, and its npm package gives developers access to an expansive selection of tools and libraries that make programming easier. This includes Node.js which is a JavaScript runtime engine built on Chrome’s V8 JavaScript engine.

By utilizing Node.js, JavaScript can be used for much more than just browser-based programming; it is now a viable option for server-side applications as well. This has made the language even more desirable among web developers who are looking to use one cohesive language across all stages of their projects.

Two individuals coding on desktop

Although the usage of Machine Learning in the JavaScript world has yet to really take off, it should be noted that its popularity could enable many advantages in ML implementation when compared with other languages like Python or C++.

Between being ubiquitous among web developers, available resources like tutorials and courses meant to ease into learning it, as well as having tools like Node Package Manager (npm) available, there will come more mature ML packages tailored specifically to this environment that can help further development efforts across industries.

Therefore, while still early on in this journey towards changing how Machine Learning interacts with the internet, JavaScript stands currently poised provide innovative techniques regarding ML applications on the web.

General Purpose & Cross-Platform Programming Language

The argument that JavaScript is now a general-purpose, cross-platform programming language can be easily supported by the facts. As modern web browsers to continue to grow as a primary application platform, developers are able to create code once and deploy it everywhere with very little or no modifications.

On top of that, tools like electron have made it easier for developers to quickly develop and deploy downloadable desktop apps across all operating systems. By granting developers access to desktop applications, they will have greater control over where and how their product is showcased to the public. This opens up a world of opportunity that was previously unavailable.

Furthermore, in addition to just the web browser, backend servers now have the ability to run JavaScript using serverside technologies such as Node.js. Once again making it easier for development processes including testing and deployment more effective without new coding requirements for different platforms being necessary.

Finally, we have React Native which brings your code for mobile development over from web-based platforms even further expanding the range at which organizations can distribute their product across multiple markets using just one codebase. This undeniable flexibility gives JavaScript an unbeatable edge when other languages may be too narrowly focused on a particular aspect on programming or platform support while trying to reinvent the wheel everytime they need something else than what they originally thought they already had covered.

Accessible To Web And Front-end Developers

The power of Machine Learning (ML) is undeniable, and it’s only continuing to grow in prominence as both consumer technology and enterprise capabilities increasingly rely on ML techniques.

AI robot hand beside desktop computer

Yet this exposure has been limited; historically it has been left largely to developers working on server-side applications who are able access the requisite computing power needed for complex ML models. Now, thanks to JavaScript, web and front-end developers can access the same advantages of a server-side application but within the scope of their own field.

The potential for this is immense; by giving more developers access to ML tools through JavaScript, there’s an increased chance of innovation in this space that can be implemented across all corners of life. If web and frontend developers become comfortable working with ML concepts, they’ll be in a better position to improve any existing tools or create exciting new ones in order to benefit us all.

With the right guidance, anyone regardless of background can gain insight into ML’s ability to benefit us individually and collectively as a group. In essence, if we democratize these kinds of technologies then we will empower everyone with the same set resources and open up avenues for progress far beyond what is currently possible.

Other Programming Languages

The R Language

R is a game-changing programming language, allowing users to efficiently analyze data and perform advanced statistical computing. It is supported by the R Foundation for Statistical Computing, advocating for open source software development and collaboration. R can be used to develop sophisticated statistical models and graphical techniques quickly and efficiently with many different types of data sources.

R coding language in red box on desktop screen with codes on background

R is an incredibly versatile tool, ideal for multiple functions across the board. From creating linear and nonlinear models to conducting hypothesis tests and supervised learning algorithms such as regression and classification, it can even be used to visualize complex data sets.

By using R users can write scripts in their own words with no claims on ownership or copyright to create reproducible research that others can follow step-by-step. Data scientists use R because of its ability to work easily with large datasets both streamed from the web and directly imported from other software environments such as SAS or SPSS.

Additionally, its platform independence facilitates further access to your work from different hardware or operating systems – making it an excellent resource for collaborative projects!

LISP

LISP is an incredibly influential programming language, having first been developed in 1958 by John McCarthy. Lisp, the predecessor of modern Artificial Intelligence (AI), was a revolutionary language due to its breakthrough concept of recursive functions—self-modifying code. This feature gives software developers an immense amount of power for creating intricate yet effective programs. The term AI was actually coined by McCarthy himself when talking about his own language.

Lisp coding language on screen on background with LISP in front

In many ways, LISP is ideally suited to Machine Learning algorithms. The use of built in recursive functions creates a level of flexibility not found in many other programming languages, and this makes it easier to adjust parameters or reprogram certain functions according to changing circumstances.

For example, with more time or data additional rules could be incorporated into the existing code rather than having to completely rewrite and recode from scratch. By embracing its ability for self-learning and evolution, computer scientists and engineers can create truly intelligent machines using LISP programming!

Python

From creating web applications, to gaming development, and even data science tasks – Python is an incredibly powerful coding language that can revolutionize the way you develop software. From developing web applications to data analysis, Python can help bring ideas to life quickly and efficiently.

Woman coding using laptop and desktop

When building web server-based applications such as websites, Python is an especially useful language to use due to its simplicity and easy readability compared with other languages like JavaScript or PHP. In addition, its large library of pre-built modules makes it relatively simple to access support when coding in Python.

By making coding faster, developers are afforded more time to focus on creative solutions and problem-solving rather than the tedious details of software development.

When working with data-heavy projects, many professionals opt for Python due to its accompanying NumPy library which provides tools for working with arrays in an efficient manner. Whether you’re processing huge datasets or creating complex graphs, appropriate libraries such as NumPy allow you to complete your tasks in shorter amounts of time than other languages could offer you.

Additionally, by using the intuitive syntax built into Python, you can present your work exactly how you want it without having unnecessary code affecting your visual output, something that becomes increasingly important when building dynamic products or conducting analytics.

C++

C++ is an incredibly powerful and flexible programming language, renowned for its speed. From game developers to mathematicians needing to work with large data sets, it’s no wonder why this robust coding tool has become a popular choice – thanks in part to its efficient runtime that facilitates quicker execution and faster response time.

If you’re looking for something versatile enough to create search engines or online gaming platforms, look no further than C++! What’s more, Google has adopted the language into their Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) programs to perfect their Search Engine Optimization (SEO).

C++ continues to demonstrate its usefulness as many libraries are being developed to help with machine learning projects. For example, SHARK and MLPACK both contain various supervised learning algorithms, linear regression functions and clustering tools; all optimized to run faster on C++. With such a diverse feature set and high performance execution capabilities, C++ will likely remain the leading language for demanding operations requiring faster outcomes.

Java

Java is the programming language of choice due to its versatility and reliability. Designed by Sun Microsystems in 1995, Java provides developers with a comprehensive platform they can depend on – no matter their device or operating system. With its open source capabilities, it’s fast, secure and best of all runs everywhere! This makes it an excellent choice for software development across all platforms.

3D illustration of Javascript coding language on white backgroud

When it comes to Machine Learning, Java is essential for developing algorithms and neural networks. Utilizing this powerful language allows coders to swiftly construct intricate models that can digest large amounts of data with impressive accuracy. Using Java can be beneficial when trying to construct high-quality models as the language offers many ready-made libraries which significantly reduce development time.

For years, several of the world’s leading corporations have leveraged Java for ML development due to its reliability, scalability and refined portability – making it a highly desirable language among developers looking to perform Machine Learning operations. Google, Amazon and Apple are some prominent examples of organizations that have reaped the benefits of this programming language. With its advanced features such as data encapsulation and abstraction, user interfaces are also made easily just with this language alone!

Adam is a crypto expert & AI enthusiast who has been researching and writing on the topics since 2017.

He’s spoken on numerous podcasts and has been featured in many prominent media publications such as Forbes, CNN & CNBC.