JAVASCRIPT

WHAT IS JAVASCRIPT?

Javascript is a client-side programming language whose processing engine is embedded in a user's browser such as Internet Explorer, Netscape, Firefox, etc.

When a user browses to a webpage that contains javascript code, the javascript engine in his browser reads and interprets the javascript code. In this way javascript enables the webpage to enhance a user's experience by reacting with the user, doing calculations and producing a host of dynamic special effects.

The main draw-back of Javascript is that it relies on the user having Javascript enabled in their browser. Whilst most people have Javascript enabled by default on their browsers, it can also be turned off. If this happens, then the browser will not be able to interpret any of the Javascript on that webpage.

It is therefore recommended to use Javascript for secondary features of your website and to cater an alternative in the event that a user has Javascript turned off.

Javascript must not be confused with Java which is a completely different programming language.