JavaScript is a dynamic, interpreted language used for web technologies that have become a cornerstone of modern web development. With the ability to run in every modern browser without needing to compile beforehand.
What is JavaScript, and Why is it So Popular?
Despite having no direct relation to Java, the name “JavaScript” was a strategic marketing move that helped encourage adoption. One of the critical features that made it so popular is the ability to run live in the browser without having to compile beforehand, known as just-in-time compilation.
As a result, every major web browser uses the language, allowing it to be responsible for many of the interactions you see on websites. It’s used for fetching new data without reloading the page, animations, checking forms for errors, chatting, posting comments, and much more.
What Can You Do with JavaScript?
JavaScript is versatile and can be used for more than just front-end web development. It can run in Node environments, allowing you to write JavaScript for the back end, making it a fully JavaScript stack. You can also use JavaScript to make games, particularly those designed for mobile and browser use.
Advantages of JavaScript
One of the most significant advantages of JavaScript is its ability to run on any device with a web browser, including desktop computers, laptops, tablets, smartphones, game consoles, and smart TVs.
It’s also an excellent choice for full-stack engineers because it is versatile, meaning you only need to learn one syntax to bring everything together. Educational material is abundant in JavaScript, including books, videos, courses, articles, and podcasts.
Disadvantages of JavaScript
While every modern browser runs JavaScript, different browsers can sometimes behave differently due to their engines. This can lead to different behavior than expected, but there are always workarounds and plenty of resources available to help you fix any issues.
JavaScript’s high-level programming calculations also take time to reduce to low-level execution, which can become noticeable over several thousand functions and calculations.
Conclusion
Overall, JavaScript’s versatility and ease of use have made it an essential tool for modern web development. With its ability to run on every device with a web browser, you can use it for many applications. While it has its disadvantages, plenty of resources are available to help you overcome any challenges you may encounter.
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*** This blog post is based on information from Coursera.
