JavaScript: Academy: The Stress Free Way to Learning JavaScript Inside & Out (2016)

Chapter 1: The JavaScript Language

Basic Information

JavaScript is one of the most popular programming languages today. This language plays an important role in the development of modern websites and webpages. Its characteristics and capabilities can help you create dynamic websites that support user interactions. Additionally, JavaScript is an interpreted computer language that possesses powerful object-oriented features.

This language was originally called“LiveScript,” but NetScape (the company that created it) changed the name to JavaScript in order to exploit the popularity enjoyed by Java (another programming language). It must be pointed out that JavaScript has no connection with the Java language.

The Client-Side Form of JavaScript

According to computer experts, the most popular variant of this language is the Client-Side JavaScript. Website developers use this variant in creating their projects. In general, you may use Client-Side JavaScript in two different ways:

· Include it in the codes of the webpage/s

· Save it in an external file

For the second option, you will need to use an HTML document to reference the external file and link it to your website.

Basically, you don’t have to use static HTML in creating your webpages. You can include apps and programs that allow browser control, user interactions, and dynamic creation of HTML files.

The Client-Side type of JavaScript has various advantages over typical CGI (i.e. Common Gateway Interface) server-side scripts. For instance, you can use Client-Side JavaScript to determine if the user has provided valid contact information in your form fields.

JavaScript codes run whenever a user submits a form. Then, the system will analyze the information in the submitted form. This mechanism ensures that the Web Server won’t process invalid requests. Thus, Client-Side JavaScript offers better security and performance for your websites.

This programming language also allows you to collect implicit or explicit actions that users initiate (e.g. link navigation, button clicks, etc.).

The Advantages Offered by JavaScript

Here are the main advantages offered by this programming language:

· You can reduce server interactions– JavaScript can validate the information entered by the users before sending it to the web server. That means you can filter out the useless traffic from your server.

· Instant feedback– Your website visitors will immediately see if they have missed a field or entered the wrong data. They will see the error message without any page reload.

· Improved webpage interactivity– With JavaScript, you can generate user interfaces that respond to mouse and keyboard inputs.

· Enhanced Interfaces– In this language, you can easily add cool interface items (e.g. sliders, drag-and-drop components, etc.) to provide your website visitors with an enhanced interface.

The Disadvantages of JavaScript

Just like other things in life, JavaScript has its own drawbacks. The main ones are:

· This language doesn’t have multiprocessing or multithreading capabilities.

· You can’t use JavaScript for networking programs. This language doesn’t support programs/applications that focus on networking.

· You can’t read or edit files written using Client-Side JavaScript. These features are disabled for security reasons.