About Java Script

What is JavaScript?

• JavaScript was designed to add interactivity to HTML pages
• JavaScript is a scripting language
• A scripting language is a lightweight programming language
• JavaScript is usually embedded directly into HTML pages
• JavaScript is an interpreted language (means that scripts execute without preliminary compilation)
• Everyone can use JavaScript without purchasing a license

What can a JavaScript do?

• JavaScript gives HTML designers a programming tool - HTML authors are normally not programmers, but JavaScript is a scripting language with a very simple syntax! Almost anyone can put small "snippets" of code into their HTML pages
• JavaScript can put dynamic text into an HTML page - A JavaScript statement like this: document.write("<h1>" + name + "</h1>") can write a variable text into an HTML page
• JavaScript can react to events - A JavaScript can be set to execute when something happens, like when a page has finished loading or when a user clicks on an HTML element
• JavaScript can read and write HTML elements - A JavaScript can read and change the content of an HTML element
• JavaScript can be used to validate data - A JavaScript can be used to validate form data before it is submitted to a server. This saves the server from extra processing
• JavaScript can be used to detect the visitor's browser - A JavaScript can be used to detect the visitor's browser, and - depending on the browser - load another page specifically designed for that browser
• JavaScript can be used to create cookies - A JavaScript can be used to store and retrieve information on the visitor's computer

---

The Real Name is ECMAScript

• JavaScript's official name is ECMAScript.
• ECMAScript is developed and maintained by the ECMA organization. 
• ECMA-262 is the official JavaScript standard.
• The language was invented by Brendan Eich at Netscape (with Navigator 2.0), and has appeared in all Netscape and Microsoft browsers since 1996.
• The development of ECMA-262 started in 1996, and the first edition of was adopted by the ECMA General Assembly in June 1997.
• The standard was approved as an international ISO (ISO/IEC 16262) standard in 1998.
• The development of the standard is still in progress.