Hi there, Definitely YES.
Why?
Because JavaScript is one of the most popular programming languages in the world with more than twenty years of history. It is also one of the three main languages for web developers:
HTML : Allows you to add content to a web page.
CSS : Specifies the design, style and alignment of web pages.
JavaScript: Improves the way web pages behave.
JavaScript can be learned quickly and easily, and can be used for a wide variety of purposes, from simply improving the functionality of a website to running games and web-based software. Better yet, there are thousands of JavaScript templates and applications available for free thanks to sites like Github.
Past and present JavaScript
JavaScript was created over a period of ten days by Brandan Eich, an employee of Netscape, in September 1995. Initially called Mocha, the name of the language was changed to Mona and then to LiveScript before it was finally known as JavaScript. The initial versions of the language were limited exclusively to Netscape and only offered limited functionality, but have continued to grow over time thanks in part to the community of developers who continue to work with it.
In 1996, JavaScript officially received the name of ECMAScript, with ECMAScript 2 in 1998 and ECMAScript 3 appeared in 1999. This evolved into the current JavaScript, which now works not only in different browsers but also in different devices, including mobile phones and desktop computers.
JavaScript has continued to grow since then, to the point where 92% of websites used JavaScript in 2016. In just twenty years it went from being a primitive programming language to being one of the most important tools in the toolbox from a web developer. If you use the Internet, you have probably also found JavaScript.
What makes JavaScript so popular?
JavaScript has a series of advantages that make it a better option than its competitors, especially in certain use cases. Only some of the benefits of using JavaScript include:
- You do not need a compiler because web browsers interpret it with HTML.
- It is easier to learn than other programming languages.
- Errors are easier to detect and, therefore, correct.
- It can be assigned to certain elements of the website or specific events, such as clicks or pointing with the mouse.
- JS works on multiple browsers, platforms, etc.
- You can use JavaScript to validate entries and reduce the need for manual data checks.
- It makes websites more interactive and draws the attention of visitors.
- It is faster and lighter than other programming languages.
What are the weaknesses of JavaScript?
There are weaknesses in every programming language you can imagine. Part of the problem is that when a programming language becomes as popular as JavaScript, there is an additional incentive for hackers, scammers and other malicious third parties to try to find gaps and security flaws. Some weaknesses include:
- Vulnerable to threats.
- It can be used to execute malicious code on a user's computer.
- It is not always compatible with different browsers and devices.
- The JS code snippets are quite large.
- It can be displayed differently on different devices and generate inconsistencies.
How does JavaScript work on your website?
JavaScript is usually integrated directly into a web page or is referenced through a separate .js file. It is a client-side language, which means that the script is downloaded to the visitors' machines and processed there instead of a server-side language that runs on the server before sending the files to the visitors.
Keep in mind that most web browsers also offer the possibility for users to disable JavaScript. That is why it is a good idea to specify what happens if it is downloaded to a machine that does not support it.
So, What is JavaScript?
JavaScript is a programming language that makes websites come to life. This is in contrast to HTML (which specifies the content) and CSS (which specifies the design) and, unlike PHP, it runs on the devices of the visitors and not on the server.
What you need to know:
- JavaScript is relatively easy to learn.
- It is developed by Netscape, now it is used in 92% of the websites.
- JS can be assigned to certain elements or events on the website, such as clicks.
- It works in different browsers and devices.
- It is faster and lighter than other programming languages.
- It may be less safe than other options because of its popularity.;
- You can add JavaScript directly to HTML or you can store it in separate files and call the functionality as needed.
Ultimately, there is a reason why JavaScript is so popular: it is very good at what it does. So, if you've been wondering, I hope that this post has been useful and that you now have a good idea of what JavaScript is and how it works.
I hope you get some points to start with this programming language.
