What Is JavaScript?

JavaScript (also known as JS) is one of the three core technologies of the World Wide Web. Along with HTML and CSS, JS is used to control the behavior of webpages on the client side. It is also used in third-party libraries. In fact, 98% of all websites incorporate JavaScript in some way.

Unlike HTML, JavaScript is native to web browsers. It was designed to make web pages more interactive and alive. Scripts in JavaScript are small programs that are embedded into the HTML of web pages and run automatically as a page loads. They are provided in a plain text file, so you don’t have to install any special software or compiler. JavaScript was originally called LiveScript and was considered to be the “younger brother” of Java.

JavaScript can control the appearance of web pages, including animations and multimedia. It can also control and update content. For example, a simple information form can ask a user to enter their age. JavaScript will validate this data by checking a string of code. Similarly, the “Next” button on a web page is powered by JavaScript.

Although HTML and CSS are the backbone of web development, JavaScript is the magic third element that makes web pages dynamic. Learn more about JavaScript with our comprehensive JavaScript tutorial. It will help you start coding dynamic web pages. When used properly, JavaScript can create beautiful and interactive websites. It can also be used to develop games and mobile applications.

JavaScript has been widely adopted by web browsers. Most major browsers have JavaScript debuggers built-in. Moreover, many text editors support JavaScript. Despite its popularity, JavaScript isn’t the same as Java. It is not a subset of Java, and the two are very different programming languages.

Another advantage of JavaScript is that it is much faster than server code, making dynamic pages possible. This makes the web browser faster and reduces the demand on the server. Also, JavaScript is compatible with most other programming languages, which makes it easy to integrate into many applications. As a result, almost every website uses JavaScript to some extent.

When used correctly, JavaScript can enhance existing HTML and CSS code. It can also enhance the user interface. However, unlike HTML, JavaScript can’t read or write files. This is a problem in some situations, as it may cause a page to display errors if it is loaded before HTML or CSS.

As a result, JavaScript makes web pages more engaging and easy to navigate. It also helps static information come alive with interactive features. In fact, it is used in Facebook and CouchDB and is supported by the majority of popular browsers. With these benefits, JavaScript is one of the most popular programming languages worldwide.

Another advantage of JavaScript is that it can be used outside the browser. Its capabilities extend to server-side website deployments and mobile applications. However, it is important to note that JavaScript can be vulnerable to security risks, and should be used only when necessary. It should be tested thoroughly before use to prevent any risk to the user.