Key Points:

  • JavaScript is a high-level multi-paradigm programming language. High level means the language can be used independently of a particular type of computer. It is thought of as a high-level language because it is much closer to human languages than machine-level programming languages. It is multi-paradigm because it supports event-driven, functional, and imperative programming styles such as object-oriented and prototype-based.JavaScript was originally designed at Netscape by Brendan Eich inspired by previous projects made with Sun Microsystems using the programming language Java under the name LiveScript. The name was changed in the first year it was introduced due to a growing influence from Java.It is currently still being developed by Mozilla Foundation and ECMA International.JavaScript engines designed to be embedded within browsers have different codenames. For example, V8 is the JavaScript engine in Chrome, Opera, and Edge.The popularity of JavaScript, or ECMAScript, inspired the creation of other languages such as Microsoft’s Jscript.

What Is JavaScript: Explained

In short, it is a high-level multi-paradigm computer programming language that is most commonly used to create interactive features within web browsers. It was originally developed by Brendan Eich at the request of Netscape for their new browser. It changed the way the public saw the internet and gave web designers the ability to make creative web page designs.

Since its inception, JavaScript, or ECMAScript, has grown exponentially. With further developments by Netscape in competition with Microsoft’s Jscript and later editions from the Mozilla Foundation and ECMA International, JavaScript has continued to evolve with its last feature update in 2018.

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JavaScript is most typically used for web browsers and server-side scripting. It can be used independently of a web browser with the use of a JavaScript engine. JavaScript engines are what enable web browsers to use the programming language. It is best to think of it as a kind of interpreter that translates script into computer action.

It is used in every modern web browser as one of the backbones for website design and server management.

How to Use JavaScript

Like every other programming language, there are easily accessible and even free online education platforms where anyone can learn JavaScript. Its wide use has promoted the growth of a rather helpful community of developers. This means that getting started with JavaScript is only a click away.

All you need sis a computer of almost any kind and a text editor. Online education resources like W3 Schools provide in-browser editors. Here are some other online options for JavaScript editors:

  • JavaScript EditorPlayCodeW3 Schools Editor

There is also the option of an integrated development environment (IDE). IDE’s are a combination of the most commonly needed development tools into one interface. Typically, they include a source code editor, local build automation, and a debugger. These tools help programmers to quickly address syntax and coding errors. Assessing code written in plain text can be difficult as there is no indication where errors may be coming from. IDEs aren’t the end-all of problem-solving, but they can help speed it along. They are also free to download and sometimes hosted on websites.

Some popular JavaScript IDEs to download or use online are:

©iStock.com/Yurich84

  • AtomKiteGoormIDESublime TextJSFiddleCodePenCodeanywhereEclipse

A solid development environment and online education websites are your mightiest tools. With the help of W3 Schools, Code Academy, Learn JavaScript, and many others, you can be a professional JavaScript programmer in no time. Online tutorials are widely abundant and free. Websites like Code Academy and W3 Schools even include tutorials with lightweight IDE’s built-in to the page for practice.

How to Learn JavaScript

The best way to learn it is to use online tutorials. The practical knowledge learned through hands-on practice is invaluable. There are numerous websites dedicated to free programming education. Some are even dedicated specifically to JavaScript such as Learn Javascript. W3 Schools is also an excellent resource for learning JavaScript.

There are only three tools you will need:

  • A computer of any kind (Laptop, Desktop, Tablet, Phone, etc)A web browser and/or JavaScript IDEInternet Access

Internet access can be substituted with a decent book on the topic, but online forums and websites are widely available and cheaper options. Online forums often contain conversations that discuss coding problems and solutions that you may experience. The online community can also help to clarify programming definitions such as the different operators and when to use them.

The Difference Between JavaScript vs Java?

Besides Java predating JavaScript, Java is an object-oriented programing language while JavaScript has become a multi-paradigm programming language. Programs made from Java are able to run in either a virtual machine or browser. JavaScript programs are mostly run in a browser. Both languages require different libraries and plug-ins to function.

The most notable difference for programmers is that Java code needs to be compiled to be run. JavaScript codes are all written in text and can be organized, saved, edited, and operated as text files.

JavaScript Release History

JavaScript 1.0, also known as ECMAScript 1, was released in 1995-1997 alongside Netscape Navigator 2 under the name LiveScript later changed to JavaScript after adding a list of features from Java. It was widely successful and gave Netscape Navigator a hold on the leading position of the browser market at the time.

ES2 and ES3

ECMAScript 2 (ES2) was released in 1998 and ECMAScript 3 (ES3) were mainly editorial changes to go along with new web browser releases. ES3 also added regular expressions, try/catch, switch, and do-while.

ES5, 2009

In 1999, ECMAScript 5 was the first major revision to JavaScript. This version added “strict mode”, JSON support, String.trim(), Array.isArray(), Array iteration methods, and trailing commas for object literals.

ES6, 2015

After a long break in developments caused by the major success of the ES5 revisions, ECMAScript 6 was released in 2015. Six years of experience had created a list of demands to be filled over the following years. ES6 started the strong development push by adding let and const, default parameter values, and by increasing array features with Array.find() and Array.findIndex().

2016, 2017, and 2018

The next three years saw ES6 grow with further features releases. In 2016, the exponential operator (**) and Array.includes() were added. 2017 saw the addition of string padding, Object.entries(), Object.values(), async functions, and shared memory. The last additions were in 2018 as rest /spread properties, asynchronous iteration, Promise.finally(), and more features were given to RegExp.

JavaScript: End of Development

Development is still ongoing. While the last feature release was in 2018, further additions are not out of the question.

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