JS Introduction

JavaScript is one of the simplest, interpreted programming languages. It is simple because it is merged with HTML, and therefore makes it unique in creating network-centric applications. JavaScript is open and is not platform-dependent, as it is complementary and integrated with java.

JavaScript is used by several websites for webpages scripting because it is known to be a lightweight object-oriented programming language (or OOP language). JavaScript enables dynamic interactivity on websites when used in an HTML document. This enables users to build a modern web application that reduces the burden of frequent reloading of the page. 

JavaScript was introduced in 1995 in the Netscape Navigator browser for adding programs to webpages. Though, JavaScript has no connection with the popular Java Programming Language. Rather, its name was coined during the time Java was in all doors of the digital market. there are popular databases and web browsers that use JavaScript as their query and scripting language, for example, Mongo Database and the Couch Database.

Let's briefly look at how JavaScript started, it's history.

 

History of JavaScript

Mosaic, the first and most popular web browser came into existence in 1993, and then followed Netscape in 1994 which was founded by Marc Andreessen. Marc Andreessen realized that the web pages need to be more dynamic. The idea of a ‘glue language’ which was believed to make web designing easy for the designer was provided to HTML. Thereafter, Netscape recruited Brendan Eich intending to compete with the likes of Microsoft in web technologies and other digital platforms. As result, the company merged with Sun Microsystems to add Java to its Navigator. 

Moreso, the merging prompted Netscape to give a name similar to Java’s and it was called ‘JavaScript’. In May 995, JavaScript’s first code was coined by Marc and he called it ‘Mocha’. But, later, the marketing team JavaScript changed to 'LiveScript', but it was overturned as a result of trademark protection. So, later in December 1995, it was renamed 'JavaScript'. Since then JavaScript has been in existence.

 

Features of JavaScript

Below are five unique features of JavaScript.

  • JavaScript is supported by most popular web browsers because they provide a built-in execution interface.
  • It is an object-oriented programming language that employs prototypes.
  • JavaScript is a structured programming language as they follow the syntax and structure of the C programming language.
  • JavaScript is a light-weighted and interpreted language.
  • Operating systems such as macOS, and Windows support JavaScript.

Application of JavaScript

Below are some of the applications of JavaScript.

  • Dynamic drop-down menus.
  • Displaying clocks.
  • Client-side validation.
  • Displaying popup windows and dialog boxes such as alert dialog box, and prompt dialog box.
  • Displaying date and time.