In the community of web developers and surfers, Javascript is highly popular as client side scripting language for web browsers. In any web application, javascript can be used to implement simple features like rollover of images as well as to make asynchronous requests to server using ajax. Few years back when flash was not so popular, javascript was widely used to add beautiful effects to webpages and is still being used for the same purpose. Let's take a look at some of the features of this language.
1. Browser support
To access flash content, you need to install flash plugin in your browser. But to use javascript, you don't have to use any plugin at all. This is because all browsers have accepted javascript as a scripting language for them and provides integrated support for it. All you need to do is to handle some of the tasks that are dependent on DOM (Document Object Model) of different browsers properly.
2. Can be used on client side as well as on server side
As javascript has access to Document object model of browser, you can actually change the structure of web pages at runtime. Due to this, javascript can be used to add different effects to webpages. On the other hand, javascript could be used on the server side as well. For example, in Alfresco which is a popular open source enterprise content management system, javascript is used in creating webscripts. This makes adding custom tasks to alfresco quite simple.
3. Functional programming language
In javascript, function could be assigned to variables just like any other data types. Not only that, but a function can accept another function as a parameter and can also return a function. You can have functions with no name as well. Clearly, this gives you the ability to code in functional programming style.
4. Support for objects
Javascript is an object oriented language. However, the way javascript handles objects and inheritance is bit different from conventional object oriented programming languages like Java. Due to this, javascript supports most of the object oriented concepts while being simple to learn and use.
These are some of the features that give javascript an ability to handle simple as well as complex tasks. Due to this, javascript has remained as the most popular programming language for a long time. It is also a good language for people who want to learn computer programming as it supports object oriented as well as function concepts and to use it, you just need a browser and a text editor.
Related Articles
- Introduction to Javascript for NewbiesJavascript is a client-side programming language whose processing engine is embedded in web browsers like Internet Explorer, Netscape, Firefox, etc. This enables the processing engine to read and interpret web pages that contain the javascript code when browsing
- The Basics- JavaScript TutorialTo get started with JavaScript, you will want to be able to see the tag that will set a script apart from the HTML. The tags used to begin and end a script are the tags. The opening tag should appear like this
- JavaScript Browser DetectionBrowser detection allows you to find out what browser your viewer is using, and then perform a script based on it - or just to send a friendly message to those with your favorite browser.
- JavaScript RedirectionRedirection is often used to take viewers to a page depending on their browsers name or version. To redirect a viewer instantly, you just need to add a short command in your head section:
- Platform Independent Client-Side Applications with JavaThat very umph comes with Java. Java was originally developed at Sun Microsystems in 1991 to provide a platform-independent programming language and operating system for consumer electronics (TV sets, toasters and VCRs)...
- JavaScript Confirmation BoxesA javascript confirmation box can be a handy way to give your visitors a choice of whether or not an action is performed. A confirmation box will pop up much like an alert box, but will allow the viewer to press an OK or Cancel button.
- JavaScript PromptsWell, lets say you wanted to get somebodys name before they saw the page, and then write their name on your page right before their very eyes... Well, you can do this using a javascript prompt. Heres the command:
- Use JavaScript To Dynamically Update Your WebsiteIf youve been on the Internet for a while, youve probably seen numerous examples of JavaScript use. JavaScript is a powerful scripting language used to create special effects on your website, but did you know it can also be used as a very powerful web design tool? Have you ever joined a new .....
- Stop Right Mouse ClicksStop people from getting at your source by right clicking on your web page. Sounds good, but doesnt protect you totally, you can never fully protect your work, but it will make it harder.
- JavaScript AlertsWell, you want to add one of those JavaScript alert boxes that come out of nowhere, dont you? Okay, lets begin with the alert box that just tells the viewer something you want them to know. Heres the alert command: