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What is JavaScript
JavaScript (js) is a light-weight object-oriented programming language which is used
by several websites for scripting the webpages. It is an interpreted, full-fledged
programming language that enables dynamic interactivity on websites when applied
to an HTML document. It was introduced in the year 1995 for adding programs to the
webpages in the Netscape Navigator browser. Since then, it has been adopted by all
other graphical web browsers. With JavaScript, users can build modern web
applications to interact directly without reloading the page every time. The traditional
website uses js to provide several forms of interactivity and simplicity.
Although, JavaScript has no connectivity with Java programming language. The name
was suggested and provided in the times when Java was gaining popularity in the
market. In addition to web browsers, databases such as CouchDB and MongoDB uses
JavaScript as their scripting and query language.
Features of JavaScript
There are following features of JavaScript:
1. All popular web browsers support JavaScript as they provide built-in execution
environments.
2. JavaScript follows the syntax and structure of the C programming language. Thus, it is
a structured programming language.
3. JavaScript is a weakly typed language, where certain types are implicitly cast
(depending on the operation).
4. JavaScript is an object-oriented programming language that uses prototypes rather
than using classes for inheritance.
5. It is a light-weighted and interpreted language.
6. It is a case-sensitive language.
7. JavaScript is supportable in several operating systems including, Windows, macOS, etc.
8. It provides good control to the users over the web browsers.
History of JavaScript
In 1993, Mosaic, the first popular web browser, came into existence. In the year
1994, Netscape was founded by Marc Andreessen. He realized that the web needed
to become more dynamic. Thus, a 'glue language' was believed to be provided to
HTML to make web designing easy for designers and part-time programmers.
Consequently, in 1995, the company recruited Brendan Eich intending to implement
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and embed Scheme programming language to the browser. But, before Brendan could
start, the company merged with Sun Microsystems for adding Java into its Navigator
so that it could compete with Microsoft over the web technologies and platforms.
Now, two languages were there: Java and the scripting language. Further, Netscape
decided to give a similar name to the scripting language as Java's. It led to 'Javascript'.
Finally, in May 1995, Marc Andreessen coined the first code of Javascript named
'Mocha'. Later, the marketing team replaced the name with 'LiveScript'. But, due to
trademark reasons and certain other reasons, in December 1995, the language was
finally renamed to 'JavaScript'. From then, JavaScript came into existence.
Application of JavaScript
JavaScript is used to create interactive websites. It is mainly used for:
o Client-side validation,
o Dynamic drop-down menus,
o Displaying date and time,
o Displaying pop-up windows and dialog boxes (like an alert dialog box, confirm
dialog box and prompt dialog box),
o Displaying clocks etc.
JavaScript Example
Javascript example is easy to code. JavaScript provides 3 places to put the JavaScript
code: within body tag, within head tag and external JavaScript file.
Let’s create the first JavaScript example.
<script type="text/javascript">
[Link]("JavaScript is a simple language for javatpoint learners");
</script>
The script tag specifies that we are using JavaScript.
The text/javascript is the content type that provides information to the browser about
the data.
The [Link]() function is used to display dynamic content through JavaScript. We will
learn about document object in detail later.
3 Places to put JavaScript code
1. Between the body tag of html
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2. Between the head tag of html
3. In .js file (external javaScript)
1) JavaScript Example : code between the body tag
In the above example, we have displayed the dynamic content using JavaScript.
Let’s see the simple example of JavaScript that displays alert dialog box.
<script type="text/javascript">
alert("Hello Javatpoint");
</script>
2) JavaScript Example : code between the head tag
Let’s see the same example of displaying alert dialog box of JavaScript that is contained
inside the head tag.
In this example, we are creating a function msg(). To create function in JavaScript, you
need to write function with function_name as given below.
To call function, you need to work on event. Here we are using onclick event to call
msg() function.
<html>
<head>
<script type="text/javascript">
function msg(){
alert("Hello Javatpoint");
}
</script>
</head>
<body>
<p>Welcome to JavaScript</p>
<form>
<input type="button" value="click" ></form>
</body>
</html>
External JavaScript file
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We can create external JavaScript file and embed it in many html page.
It provides code re usability because single JavaScript file can be used in several html
pages.
An external JavaScript file must be saved by .js extension. It is recommended to embed
all JavaScript files into a single file. It increases the speed of the webpage.
[Link]
function msg(){
alert("Hello Javatpoint");
}
[Link]
<html>
<head>
<script type="text/javascript" src="[Link]"></script>
</head>
<body>
<p>Welcome to JavaScript</p>
<form>
<input type="button" value="click" > </form>
</body>
</html>
JavaScript Comment
The JavaScript comments are meaningful way to deliver message. It is used to add information
about the code, warnings or suggestions so that end user can easily interpret the code.
Types of JavaScript Comments
There are two types of comments in JavaScript.
1. Single-line Comment
2. Multi-line Comment
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JavaScript Single line Comment
It is represented by double forward slashes (//). It can be used before and after the
statement.
Let’s see the example of single-line comment i.e. added before the statement.
<script>
// It is single line comment
[Link]("hello javascript");
</script>
JavaScript Multi line Comment
It can be used to add single as well as multi line comments. So, it is more convenient.
It is represented by forward slash with asterisk then asterisk with forward slash. For
example:
/* your code here */
It can be used before, after and middle of the statement.
<script>
/* It is multi line comment.
It will not be displayed */
[Link]("example of javascript multiline comment");
</script>
JavaScript Variable
A JavaScript variable is simply a name of storage location. There are two types of
variables in JavaScript : local variable and global variable.
There are some rules while declaring a JavaScript variable (also known as identifiers).
1. Name must start with a letter (a to z or A to Z), underscore( _ ), or dollar( $ )
sign.
2. After first letter we can use digits (0 to 9), for example value1.
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3. JavaScript variables are case sensitive, for example x and X are different
variables.
Correct JavaScript variables
1. var x = 10;
2. var _value="India";
Incorrect JavaScript variables
1. var 123=30;
2. var *aa=320;
<script>
var x = 10;
var y = 20;
var z=x+y;
[Link](z);
</script>
JavaScript local variable
A JavaScript local variable is declared inside block or function. It is accessible within
the function or block only. For example:
<script>
function abc(){
var x=10;//local variable
}
</script>
Or,
<script>
If(10<13){
var y=20;//JavaScript local variable
}
</script>
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JavaScript global variable
A JavaScript global variable is accessible from any function. A variable i.e. declared
outside the function or declared with window object is known as global variable. For
example:
<script>
var data=200;//gloabal variable
function a(){
[Link](data);
}
function b(){
[Link](data);
}
a();//calling JavaScript function
b();
</script>
<script>
var value=50;//global variable
function a(){
alert(value);
}
function b(){
alert(value);
}
</script>
Declaring JavaScript global variable within function
To declare JavaScript global variables inside function, you need to use window object.
For example:
[Link]=90;
Now it can be declared inside any function and can be accessed from any function. For
example:
function m(){
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[Link]=100;//declaring global variable by window object
}
function n(){
alert([Link]);//accessing global variable from other function
}
Internals of global variable in JavaScript
When you declare a variable outside the function, it is added in the window object
internally. You can access it through window object also. For example:
var value=50;
function a(){
alert([Link]);//accessing global variable
}
