JavaScript, a name that seemingly sounds very “technical” and also quite interesting. To understand the scope of this programming language and its importance, we should take it one step at a time, looking into its uses, importance, and why it seems pretty popular amongst programmers.

JavaScript is a programming language favored by developers to create a dynamic and interactive user experience on web pages. This means that programmers who design with User experience in mind often employ the use of JavaScript.

The internet is quite addictive, fascinating, and user-friendly. Well, you have JavaScript to thank for most of the said achievements. Interestingly, JavaScript has been around for quite some time. Unlike popular opinion, it is, in fact, quite a foundational member of the internet. The first JavaScript models were created in the late 1990s for the Netscape Navigator Web browser.

Understanding just how revolutionary JavaScript was and remains still; picture the internet without animations and slides. Well, have you? Not so good, is it? Of course. Before JavaScript, the internet was just “pages, loading after each click on previous pages.” With JavaScript, exciting changes came in the form of engaging and captivating characteristics.

However, it was restricted to a few supported browsers at the initial usage and functional output of JavaScript. Unfortunately, Microsoft’s Internet Explorer, which was then the most extensive browser base, did not support JavaScript until much later. Rather than have a JavaScript function on its browser, Microsoft decided to create its proprietary client-side script called JScript.

What makes JavaScript So Interesting?

There are several reasons to note the very acceptable nature that JavaScript has. But what perhaps makes it stand out from other programming languages could be summarized in these three words, “client-side script.”

Since most functionality on the web depends on constant communication between “web apps (websites and search engines) and the clients (users)” using a remote server as an intermediary, “The software on the remote server sends information to the client (i.e., the user’s machine) and the software on the client-side reads the information and renders a Web page on the screen.”

For clarity, a Client-Side script is a programming language that can perform its entire tasks without interacting with the server. This means that JavaScript could function on the client’s machine (your computer) and does not need to interact with the server to function. An example of such is the Google Chrome dinosaur game that users play when the internet goes off temporarily.

Why Choose JavaScript?

JavaScript guarantees a great user experience. So if you design with users in mind, it’s a no-brainer. Below are a few of the things JavaScript offers;

Autocomplete

Loading new content or data onto the page without reloading the page

Rollover effects and dropdown menus

Animating page elements such as fading, resizing, or relocating

Playing audio and video

Validating input from Webforms

Repairing browser compatibility issues

Where Can I Learn JavaScript?

Right here on aptLearn, JavaScript is considered part of Frontend Web Development’s “holy trinity,” consisting of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. At aptLearn, we have the best interactive course for you to learn and thrive with this language. Let me point you to free courses that help; please check here.