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Jenniferlinn
01-01-2009, 08:54 AM
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 a 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 put dynamic text into an HTML page - A JavaScript statement like this: document.write("<h1>" + name + "</h1>") can write a variable text into an HTML page
* 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

ryanfoland
01-24-2009, 12:55 PM
Heh, I thought I was actually going to have to answer a question here XD