JavaScript (JS) is a versatile, object-oriented programming language that is widely used by developers to create interactive and dynamic web pages.
It is a cross-platform language, which means that it can run on different operating systems and web browsers.
JavaScript enables developers to add a wide range of interactive elements to web pages, such as dynamic updating content, animations, pop-up menus, clickable buttons, and multimedia controls.
What is JavaScript?
One of the key advantages of JavaScript is that it can be used both on the client-side and the server-side. On the client-side, JavaScript allows for the creation of interactive user interfaces, while on the server-side, it can be used for back-end tasks such as database management and server-side scripting.
JavaScript is often used in conjunction with HTML and CSS. While HTML provides the structure and layout of a web page, CSS is used to control the styling and layout of the page.
JavaScript, on the other hand, adds interactive elements that engage users and make web pages more dynamic.
Without JavaScript, most web pages would be static, providing little interaction or engagement for users. In fact, it’s estimated that over 90% of Internet web pages rely on JavaScript to provide interactive features and functionality.
Applications of JavaScript
The most common applications of JavaScript are for developing mobile and web applications, building web servers and server applications, creating interactive websites, and game development.
The JavaScript programming language now has many frameworks and libraries that can help speed up the process, such as AngularJS, jQuery, and ReactJS.
Although generally serving web-based programs, JavaScript programming features have other implementations in different areas. For more details, here are the uses of JavaScript:
1. Mobile and Web Development
The JavaScript development framework, which consists of a JavaScript code library, allows developers to use ready-made JS code in their projects. The process they have to go through becomes faster and more efficient because they don’t have to write code from scratch.
Every JavaScript framework has features that simplify the development and debugging process.
For example, front-end frameworks like jQuery and ReactJS can help improve design efficiency. Developers can reuse and update code components without affecting each other in terms of both function and value.
Meanwhile, mobile application development frameworks such as Cordova and Titanium can be used to create native or hybrid applications.
Implementing JS code in Node.js also plays a vital role in web development. Node.js can reduce server response time because it is single-threaded and has a non-blocking architecture.
2. Building Web Servers and Server Applications
Through Node.js, JavaScript allows developers to build web servers and back-end infrastructure to save time and effort in making web servers.
The built-in HTTP module in this programming language allows you to develop a primary HTTP server that displays plain text when a visitor accesses a web page.
You can use Node.js’ web server, Node-OS, or outsiders such as Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS) and Apache to handle HTTP requests.
Node-OS works best on the Linux operating system as it is developed based on the Linux kernel.
3. Make an Interactive Website
The function of JavaScript is to create dynamic web pages, such as displaying animations, changing text visibility, and creating drop-down menus.
While you can use HTML and CSS alone to create a website, the resulting pages will only have a static appearance without JavaScript. This programming language allows visitors to interact with web pages, and you can also provide a better user experience.
In addition, JavaScript allows you to change the content and values of HTML attributes without first having to refresh the web page. Because JavaScript supports the following data types:
1. String ‒ consists of text data enclosed in quotation marks. For example, “Hello World,” “Hello World,” and “Display ‘Hello world’ text.”
2. Number ‒ includes integer and floating-point numbers between (2^53 – 1) and -(2^53 – 1).
3. Boolean ‒ logical data type with true and false values.
4. BigInt ‒ represents integer data with arbitrary length.
5. Null ‒ contains an invalid value.
6. Undefined ‒ includes variables that were declared but not assigned.
7. Symbol ‒ provides a unique identifier for the object.
8. Object ‒ for complex data structures written with curly braces. For example, {item:” Books,” information:” biography”}.
Primitive data types, which consist of all data types except objects, can store only one data. Meanwhile, the object data type can contain a set of values.
With JavaScript, you can also improve visitors’ browsing experience using cookies. You need the document to create, read, and delete cookies in JavaScript.cookie property, which functions as a getter and setter of cookie values.
4. Ease Game Development
JavaScript can also help you build games with HTML5 and an Application Programming Interface (API) like WebGL. Many
JavaScript-based game engines, such as Phaser, GDevelop, and Kiwi.js, are available for graphics rendering, code recycling, and cross-platform applications.
Some examples of games made with JavaScript include Angry Birds, The Wizard, and 2048.
Advantages of Using JavaScript
Here are some advantages of using a JavaScript:
1. General Purpose
Currently, JavaScript is used on more than just the client (browser) side. Since Node.js JavaScript can be used outside of the browser. That way, you can develop the back-end (servers), consoles, desktop programs, mobile, IoT, games, and more using JavaScript.
2. Easy to Learn
Each programming language has a different level of difficulty. The level of difficulty can be seen from several factors. I think syntax or writing is one of the most essential factors to learn.
JS is still relatively easy to understand as long as you are serious about learning and always dare to make improvements or play around with it.
3. Very Powerful
You should know! JavaScript is a mature programming language, and this trait makes JavaScript very powerful. In the past, the primary website was still PHP, or we used WordPress. All web logic is built and dependent on the server side. This is what makes the web browser more static.
Modern browsers are interactive and dynamic. The logic that previously had to be handled on the server side is now entirely run on the client side, all thanks to JavaScript.
4. Many companies implement JS
Who wants to avoid working at a startup? Yes, of course, if the salary is big hehe. You will need companies like startups if you are serious about learning JavaScript.
JavaScript ranks 4th in terms of the highest developer salary in 2018, with an average income of $ 105,415 (TechRepublic). Moreover, this year it could be even more significant.
Even sweeter if you work as a Google developer because they all have implemented JavaScript as technology support. And it also depends on your programming level and the position of work.
5. Community Support
This is one of the reasons JavaScript is loved by many developers. Support from the community is essential in choosing a programming language.
Of course, if you’re developing an app and finding bugs. With good community support, it will be easier for you to find solutions to these bugs.
Tools Used to Learn JavaScript
What are the tools that must be prepared to learn JavaScript? Especially for beginners, you need to use the following means:
- Web Browsers (Google Chrome, Firefox, Opera, etc.)
- Text Editor (recommendation: VS Code)
- js nodes