Javascript is a scripting language that is used to create interactive webpages and applications. It was originally developed by Netscape Communications Corporation in 1995 and has since become the most popular client-side scripting language in the world. It is an open source technology, so anyone can use and modify the source code. Knowing how to use and implement code to write basic Javascript is an invaluable asset for any web developer. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at what Javascript is, its history, advantages, basic syntax and structure of Javascript, and more.
What is Javascript?
Javascript is a popular scripting language used to create interactive webpages and applications. It is primarily used to create dynamic content on a web page, such as animation, interactive forms, games and more. Javascript code can be embedded into HTML code, which makes it easier to add functionality to a website. It is also used to render dynamic elements on a page, such as content updates, form validation and user interaction. For example, when a user clicks on a button or fills out a form, Javascript code can be used to make sure that the information they submitted is valid.
History of Javascript
Javascript was developed by Netscape Communications Corporation in 1995 as the programming language for their web browser. Initially, the language was called LiveScript but it was later renamed to Javascript by Netscape. The language quickly gained in popularity as it was being used to create more interactive web pages. Over the years, Javascript has grown to be the most popular programming language for creating interactive websites. Microsoft eventually joined in the development of the language, incorporating it into its own web browser. In 2009, JavaScript was standardized by the European Computer Manufacturers Association, and later it was endorsed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) in 2011.
Advantages of Using Javascript
Using javascript can help developers create dynamic and interactive websites. It provides developers with more control over how their webpages look and behave, allowing them to create unique features that would otherwise be difficult or impossible. Javascript also makes it easier to create complex interfaces and animations, making websites more engaging and interactive for users. It is also faster than using other scripting languages, such as Flash or PHP.
Basic Syntax and Structure of Javascript
Javascript follows the syntax rules of C programming language. This makes the language easier to learn for experienced C developers. The language consists of variables, functions, control flow statements and loops. A variable is a named storage location for data, while functions are code blocks or pieces of code that are used to perform specific tasks. Control flow statements determine the order that lines of code will execute, while loops allow us to execute code multiple times until a certain condition is met.
Understanding Variables and Data Types in Javascript
In Javascript, variables are used to store data. There are three different types of data types supported by Javascript: strings, numbers and booleans. A string is used to represent textual data, while a number is used to represent numerical data. A boolean is used to represent true/false values.
Working with Operators and Expressions in Javascript
In order to manipulate data in Javascript, operators and expressions are used. Operators allow you to perform certain operations on data, such as addition or subtracting values from variables. Expressions are built up using operators and can be used to define conditions in a program.
Control Flow Statements and Loops in Javascript
Control flow statements and loops are essential parts of any program, as they determine how code is executed. Control flow statements such as if statements and switch statements allow developers to execute code only if a certain condition is met. Loops allow developers to execute code multiple times until a certain condition is met, such as iterating through an array of items until all items have been accounted for.
Debugging Java Script Code
Debugging code is an important part of programming in any language. It is especially important for Javascript because bugs in Javascript code can cause unexpected behavior in webpages or applications. Debugging helps developers find and fix errors in their code so that their programs run smoothly and without any issues.
Functions, Objects and Arrays in Javascript
Javascript has powerful functions and objects that make it easier to manipulate data, create complex interfaces or perform complex calculations. Objects allow developers to group related information together and access the data easily. Arrays are used to store collections of information or items. Functions allow us to abstract away pieces of code so they can be reused multiple times without having to rewrite the same code multiple times.
Working with Events and DOM in JavaScript
Javascript provides developers with an interface that allows them to interact with the page elements (the Document Object Model (DOM)). Events allow us track user interactions with the page, such as mouse clicks, key presses and more. We can use these events with DOM methods to create dynamic webpages that respond to user interactions.
CSS Explained: An Overview
CSS stands for Cascading Style Sheets. It is a styling language used for formatting elements on a webpage, such as font size, color, and spacing. CSS makes it easy to quickly apply styling across an entire website or application, making it possible for developers to create visually appealing websites with ease.
Syntax and Rules of CSS
CSS follows the syntax of HTML documents. The syntax consists of CSS selectors (classes, ids, tags) followed by declarations (specifying the styling). Declarations consist of property-value pairs that determine how the element should be styled.
Selectors, Properties, Values and Specificity in CSS
CSS selectors allow us to select HTML elements so we can apply styling only to specific elements on the page. Properties are used to specify what should be styled on the element (e.g., font size), while values determine how it should be styled (e.g., 18px). Specificity refers to how specific a selector is, with more specific selectors taking precedence over more general selectors.
CSS Box Model
The CSS Box Model is an important concept for web developers as it determines how elements will be sized and positioned on a webpage. Elements are composed of four boxes: margin, padding, border, and content box. Developers must understand how these boxes interact in order to design the layout of their webpage.
Positioning Elements with CSS
Positioning elements on a webpage can be controlled using CSS positioning properties such as absolute, relative and fixed positioning. Using these properties allows developers to create complex layouts that are responsive and look great on any device.
Media Queries for Responsive Design
Media queries allow developers to create responsive designs where the webpage responds based on the size of the device it is being viewed on. Media queries allow us to apply different styling based on the device type or resolution, making it easy to create designs that look great across any device.
Benefits of Combining JavaScript and CSS
Combining JavaScript with CSS can provide developers with many advantages when designing websites or applications. JavaScript can be used for performing calculations or validations in forms, while CSS can be used for styling elements such as fonts or colors. By separating out styling from scripting, developers can take advantage of both languages when building websites or applications.
by the Bito team. 
