The JavaScript programming language is an essential tool in web development. While CSS and HTML provide web pages with static content, such as the style and structure, JavaScript enables dynamic content changes and enhances the user experience with advanced, interactive features.
JavaScript is essential to the functioning of most interactive computer and mobile device features, such as media and games. With JavaScript becoming more reliant on projects, employers seek candidates with strong JavaScript skills. By learning more about it, you can increase your chances of finding a job in a technical field.
Here, we explain what JavaScript is, how it works with other coding languages, and how to develop JavaScript skills.
What is JavaScript
JavaScript is a dynamic programming language used to create interactive web applications based on HTML and CSS. Many browsers use this language to perform dynamic functions on websites. You use JavaScript every time you use a drop-down menu or change the color of a page on a website. Without JavaScript, website developers would have to use HTML and CSS as their primary development tools.
Due to the limitations, websites may be static and without graphics. It is important for computer scientists and web developers to understand JavaScript because it is the basis of interactive user interfaces on the web. JavaScript is a multipurpose programming language that can be used for web applications, game development, and graphic design. Brendan Eich developed the general-purpose, objectoriented programming language. Java applications are compiled into bytecode that can run on any platform running the JavaScrip-t engine. This is why JavaScript is called a WORA (write once, run anywhere) language.
Which type of language is JavaScript?
JavaScript is a high-level programming language. A High-Level Language (HLL) is a programming language that allows you to develop a program in a user-friendly manner regardless of your computer’s hardware architecture. The code in High Level Languages is then translated into machine language by a compiler or interpreter. High Level languages include JavaScript, C++, and Python. JavaScript is an HLL because it offers great flexibility (using functions as objects) and provides a variety of data structures to work with without worrying about their internals.
See More: What does PHP stand for in PHP developer?
How does JavaScript work
JavaScript is a client-side scripting language, which means it runs on the user’s browser and not on an external device. A language that is not client-side is MySQL, which is a server-side language used for database queries.
JavaScript is also not required to be downloaded to the user’s device, since modern browsers already contain the required software. JavaScript is therefore much more user-friendly than some other languages.
What is JavaScript used for?
Today, JavaScript is used everywhere thanks to Node.js. This technology creates robust software for companies around the world. Additionally, LinkedIn and Medium use it to create platforms for users to access their services.
A JavaScript program can create a variety of software, including games, computer programs, web applications, and even blockchain technology. Although JavaScript is one of the most popular programming languages for websites, it is arguably not the most popular. There are more than 125,000 JavaScript-related jobs on LinkedIn, for example.
JavaScript Frameworks
JavaScript frameworks are pre-written code libraries that provide standard functionality for web development. As frameworks provide predefined tools and best practices for building web applications, developers can write code more efficiently and consistently. The following are some popular frameworks:
- React.js
- Angular.js
- Node.js
- Vue.js
- Express.js
Advantages of using JavaScript
- Users prefer JavaScript websites as the language creates richer and more attractive interfaces.
- The site will load faster and operate more efficiently as JavaScript is able to run immediately in the browser, thereby reducing the load on the server.
- It is easy to use and often only requires a basic understanding.
- The JavaScript programming language is compatible with most other programming languages, so it can be integrated into a variety of programs.
- JavaScript is incredibly popular – most websites use it in some form regardless of their nature.
Since Javascript code is visible to users, there is the potential for client-side security breaches. The most popular programming language at the moment is Javascript, a native programming language for web browsers, so new programmers should learn the basics and use them.
Final thoughts
JavaScript has many more features we could discuss, but I hope this article gave you a good starting point. Now that you know what the language is and how it can be used on the web, you should be able to use it effectively. JavaScript, and programming in general, might seem arcane and intimidating to you. As long as you start from the right place and build your knowledge and skills in small, logical steps, you can become competent at JavaScript.