Introduction to JavaScript: History and Notes

JavaScript is:

• Not Java (it has nothing to do with Java)
• A scripting language (interpreted NOT compiled
• Almost a full object oriented programming language.
• A client side language, running in the web browser (though there are ways to run it server-side)

What Makes Up JavaScript?

• BOM – Browser Object Model
• DOM – Document Object Model
• CORE – JavaScript Core Language
• EVENTS – Events such as clicking of mice and pressing on keys

JavaScript History

• Until recently was considered to be a Toy language
• JavaScript has been steadily gaining credibility and popularity over the last few years

JavaScript Future

JavaScript 2.0

• Better variable scoping
• Block Scoping of variables
• Support for Java like classes and interfaces
• other innovations aimed at making JavaScript a better programming language

Slides on JavaScript 2.0 by JavaScript Creator Brandon Eich

Required Reading

• JavaScript History
• JavaScript Basics (Just the JavaScript Basics Section)