Skip to main content

JavaScript Introduction

JavaScript is the most popular scripting language on the internet, and works in all major browsers, such as Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, Opera, and Safari.

What You Should Already Know

Before you continue you should have a basic understanding of the following:
  • HTML and CSS
If you want to study these subjects first, find the tutorials on our Home page.

What is JavaScript?

  • JavaScript was designed to add interactivity to HTML pages
  • JavaScript is a scripting language
  • A scripting language is a lightweight programming language
  • JavaScript is usually embedded directly into HTML pages
  • JavaScript is an interpreted language (means that scripts execute without preliminary compilation)
  • Everyone can use JavaScript without purchasing a license

Are Java and JavaScript the same?

NO!
Java and JavaScript are two completely different languages in both concept and design!
Java (developed by Sun Microsystems) is a powerful and much more complex programming language - in the same category as C and C++.

What Can JavaScript do?

  • JavaScript gives HTML designers a programming tool - HTML authors are normally not programmers, but JavaScript is a scripting language with a very simple syntax! Almost anyone can put small "snippets" of code into their HTML pages
  • JavaScript can react to events - A JavaScript can be set to execute when something happens, like when a page has finished loading or when a user clicks on an HTML element
  • JavaScript can read and write HTML elements - A JavaScript can read and change the content of an HTML element
  • JavaScript can be used to validate data - A JavaScript can be used to validate form data before it is submitted to a server. This saves the server from extra processing
  • JavaScript can be used to detect the visitor's browser - A JavaScript can be used to detect the visitor's browser, and - depending on the browser - load another page specifically designed for that browser
  • JavaScript can be used to create cookies - A JavaScript can be used to store and retrieve information on the visitor's computer

JavaScript = ECMAScript

JavaScript is an implementation of the ECMAScript language standard. ECMA-262 is the official JavaScript standard.
JavaScript was invented by Brendan Eich at Netscape (with Navigator 2.0), and has appeared in all browsers since 1996.
The official standardization was adopted by the ECMA organization (an industry standardization association) in 1997.
The ECMA standard (called ECMAScript-262) was approved as an international ISO (ISO/IEC 16262) standard in 1998.
The development is still in progress.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Toshiba Canada enters all-in-one PC market

Toshiba of Canada has thrown its hat into the all-in-one personal computer (PC) ring with the launch this week of the Toshiba DX730, a 23” all-in-one machine designed for users who want a large display and multimedia features in an environment where space is at a premium. It's Toshiba's first foray into this form factor, said Mini Saluja, national training manager with Toshiba of Canada, building on its experience in the laptop market. The DX730 has a 23” full HD multitouch display with a glossy black finish on an aluminum stand. It comes with a matching Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, and boasts Onkyo stereo speakers with Waves MaxxAudio sound processing. Two models of the DX730 will initially be available. The $899 model features a second-generation Intel Core i3 processor with 4GB of DDR3 memory, a 1TB 7200 RPM hard drive, a DVD SuperMulti Drive and HDMI in. For $1,049, you can move up to a model with an NVIDIA Geforce GT 540M processor and Intel Core i5, as we...
1 comment
Read more

Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra review

  Introduction Now that the Pro moniker has gone mainstream, it's Ultra that has come to represent the cream of the crop, and the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra can wear that badge proudly. Limited to its home market last year, the ultimate Mi has gone global this time around, and we're happy to have it for review today. We're torn whether it's the camera system's physical appearance that is more striking or the hardware inside. A simply massive raised area on the back looks bolted on, almost after the fact, it's hard to miss, and it's a great conversation starter even if it's not everyone's cup of tea. But its size is warranted - the main camera packs the largest sensor used on a modern-day smartphone, and next to it - two more modules unmatched in their own fields, in one way or another. Oh, and yes, there's also a display here - because why not, but also because it can be useful. There's a lot more than 1.1 inches of ...
Post a Comment
Read more

JavaScript Where To

JavaScript in <body> The example below writes the current date into an existing <p> element when the page loads: Example <html> <body><h1>My First Web Page</h1> <p id="demo"></p> <script type="text/javascript"> document.getElementById("demo").innerHTML=Date(); </script> </body> </html>
Post a Comment
Read more