|
JavaScript (also referred to as JS) is a programming language that you can use to add some cool and important functions to your webpages. Sometimes it is also referred to as a scripting language (JavaScript) with the implication that it is somehow easier to script than to program.
A JS script is a program that is included in the HTML source code of your page. Because it is in-between the <script> and </script> tags, which are often found within the <head> part of your page, it doesn’t appear on the user’s screen and is executed by the browser, if supported. You can also have scripts inside the <body> section of your page. Those scripts most commonly write text or HTML code.
What JS can do for you, you ask. It lets you create a more exiting experience for your users. Probably the most common use for JS today are image rollovers for buttons of your site’s interface.
But there’s more. For example you can validate information which was entered by the user in a form without using a cgi (Common Gateway Interface, program that runs on your webserver and extends the server’s function). You can create HTML pages on the fly, control the user’s browser, generate clocks, timestamp documents, test the presence of plug-ins and a lot more.
The only thing you have to worry about is that JS is not enabled in the browser settings or the browser doesn’t support a specific script or JS not at all.
Many people make the mistake to set JavaScript equal to Java. Java is a full featured program language which was developed by Sun Microsystems. It is similar to C and C++ and used to create entire applications and to control electronic devices. Its main use for the Internet are applets, which can be downloaded and run in a Java enabled browser. JavaScript can interact with a Java applet to provide a more interesting experience of your website, but they are not the same.
Copyright © 1995-2003 Sidetrips™ Internet Services, Inc. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express
written permission of Sidetrips Internet Services, Inc. is prohibited.
sidetrips.com™, hostserver.com™, registera.com™, htmlshop.com™,
and associated domains are trademarks of Sidetrips™ Internet Service, Inc.
Privacy Policy | Acceptable Use Policy | Terms of Service
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express
written permission of Sidetrips Internet Services, Inc. is prohibited.
sidetrips.com™, hostserver.com™, registera.com™, htmlshop.com™,
and associated domains are trademarks of Sidetrips™ Internet Service, Inc.
Privacy Policy | Acceptable Use Policy | Terms of Service