CSE 121B | JavaScript Overview and Introduction

JavaScript Introduction and Overview

Overview

JavaScript is a popular, well-supported programming language that is used to create interactive and dynamic web pages and applications. It is used to create web, mobile, and desktop applications. It is a high-level, interpreted language that is designed to run in web browsers. JavaScript can also be used on the server-side with the help of Node.js.

JavaScript is one of the three, core technologies of web frontend development.

What are the other two core technologies of frontend development?

HyperText Markup Language (HTML) and Cascading Styles Sheets (CSS). HTML defines the structure of a page. CSS defines the style or presentation of a page. JavaScript handles the behavior based upon user interaction and other events.

Prepare

Read 📝What is JavaScript? - MDN "JavaScript is a scripting or programming language that allows you to implement complex features on web pages —"

Common Misconceptions and Language Issues

JavaScript is not🚫 the same programming language as the Java programming language. They are two different languages with different syntax, semantics, and use cases.

The plural form of "code" in programming is just "code", not🚫 "codes".
Example: "Please review my code." or "Please review my program". Not🚫 "Please review my codes."

It is false that JavaScript is only for the browser and client-side scripting. With the introduction of server-side frameworks like Node.js, JavaScript can now be used for server-side development as well. JavaScript is a mature language and has become more powerful and versatile over time.