In 1995, Brendan Eich developed a programming language called Javascript for Netscape 2. At the time it was launched, nobody knew (including Brendan) that this language would quickly rise to prominence as one of the top client-side languages. This is because of some amazing features of Javascript. Let’s look into more depth.
Today, Javascript is one of the most powerful scripting languages. It is a language that has completely changed the game of interactive websites, which is why almost every web development & design company wants to incorporate it.
According to the Tap Academy, 96.2% of websites today use Javascript for website development. The videos you watch on YouTube, or the information you explore on Wikipedia, are all Javascript!
But why is Javascript so important? Why does every other company want to use it?
Look, Javascript in the years has evolved to be more than just a language used for building web pages.
In this article, we will discuss what Javascript is and the features of javascript in the modern world of web app development.
JavaScript can be used to write automated tests for the front end of an application. Therefore, a full stack tester who is proficient in JavaScript would be able to test the front-end of an application using JavaScript.
Let’s get started!
What is Javascript?
Firstly, understand this… Javascript is a scripting language, not a programming language.
A scripting language is a language that brings code to the runtime environment. In contrast, a programming language is a language used to communicate with computers.
Moreover, a script is used for creating dynamic websites, while programming is done to make computer programs.
Javascript was initially introduced as a front-end language to add multiple website features. Later, it got upgraded! Today, it is a language that works for both front-end and back-end development. This is one of the most important features of Javascript.
It won’t be wrong to say that for web applications, no language is better than Javascript; stats prove that. According to a survey, more than 65% of developers prefer Javascript.
Now, coming back to the question: why—why Javascript? Why is javascript important?
Let’s find out below!
Why Javascript is important?
Javascript is a powerhouse—because it can be used for everything. Well, almost ten years ago, Javascript was just a browser language. However, as of late, every business requires it. It seems as though Javascript can be found everywhere. Yes, everywhere!
But why is this hype? What’s that we’re missing?
Some Importance of Javascript:
Whole New Web Experience
Do you recall the days when server-side processing handled most tasks? Well, no longer!
Javascript brings convenience, performance, and interactivity with it. You can perform all the mains from the front-end without going into deep codes.
Along with dynamic and interactive web experiences, there are many different things like animations, updating content without needing to refresh the page, and creating highly engaging forms and user interfaces.
With the help of Javascript frameworks and libraries like React, Angular, etc you can build amazing web applications with awesome user experiences.
Let’s learn from Facebook itself.
In addition to using Javascript, Facebook created its own framework. It guarantees superb interactivity and enables users to build and integrate their own web apps.
Web apps under web apps—a whole different experience!
Language for All
Javascript is a multipurpose language that can be used for many tasks. Not just sticking to client-side programming: JS has a lot more to offer.
Javascript for Dynamic Websites
Nothing works better for creating websites than Javascript. This language has so many features to offer you can easily provide your users with a wonderful user experience.
LinkedIn is the best example! The number of features you find on that site, well… all thanks to Javascript, time on LinkedIn is fun today.
Javascript for Presentations
Have you ever used Google Slides? It is a web-based application used to make beautiful presentations.
Do you know which language is used in its development? Javascript, of course!
Javascript offers libraries like BespokeJS and Reveal that allow users to make presentations on the internet.
Javascript for Web Servers
Javascript is the best client-side programming language. However, NodeJS’s debut turned out to be a game-changer! With it, you can now perform server-side scripting as well.
Javascript for Mobile Apps
To make an application responsive on iOS and Android, you normally need to program for both platforms separately. But now that Javascript is there, you can design your code once and use it on both operating systems.
Besides these, Javascript is also useful in developing graphics, online games, and new technologies like Blockchain. More so, it is now even in space, credit to NASA!
Features of Javascript:
JavaScript is a dynamic and interpreted high-level programming language. Let’s look into some features of Javascript:
Object-oriented:
- JavaScript supports object-oriented programming concepts such as objects, classes, inheritance, and encapsulation.
- OOP is a major feature of Javascript, which is easy to create and manage complex data structures.
Event-driven:
- JavaScript is often used to create interactive and dynamic web pages, and it is well-suited for event-driven programming.
- Javascript responds to user interaction and is best for business sites to collect leads and nurture visitors.
Functional:
- JavaScript supports functional programming concepts such as first-class functions, closures, and higher-order functions.
Creating dynamic and interactive user experience:
- JavaScript is a dynamic language, which means that its type system is not fixed at compile-time, but instead is determined at runtime.
- With the help of HTML and CSS, we can create amazing web pages which interact with the users.
Interoperable:
- JavaScript can be used with other languages and technologies, such as HTML and CSS, making it a popular choice for web development.
- Using other Javascript frameworks and libraries, you can even create software like LinkedIn, Facebook, and more.
Cross-platform:
- JavaScript is supported by a wide range of platforms, including web browsers, servers, and mobile devices, and it can be used to create both client-side and server-side applications.
Conclusion:
JavaScript is a popular language for full stack development. Full-stack developers are responsible for building and maintaining both the front-end and back-end of an application. With so many languages on the market today, because of the features of Javascript, it is the best.
Its frameworks, libraries, and other features make it difficult for developers and software firms to consider other alternatives.
This article has clearly discussed some of the strong reasons behind Javascript’s massive growth and importance in the programming world.
Starting as a client-side language, JS has done wonders to become the best for web applications.
FAQs on Features of Javascript:
What are the main features of Javascript?
Javascript is mainly used to create interactive and engaging websites. Along with this, Javascript has various features like supporting OOPs, supports some cross platforms like web browsers, it has good interoperability, and many more.
When was Javascript invented?
Brendan Eich invented Javascript in 1995. The main purpose of developing was Netscape 2.
