JavaScript Fundamentals Quiz: Test Your Basics

Study Notes

What is JavaScript?

JavaScript is like the CPU or brain of a website, changing HTML and CSS in real-time.
It's the most popular and widely used language for scripting on the internet, recognized by all major browsers.

Features of JavaScript

Creates and sets the behavior of website contents, such as movements, page refresh, or changes in the screen without manual refreshing.
Features include animated graphics, photo slideshows, autocomplete text suggestions, and interactive forms.

History of JavaScript

Developed by Brendan Eich of Netscape, originally named Mocha, then renamed LiveScript, and finally JavaScript.
Influenced by the C language, but users without a programming background often prefer JavaScript due to its ease of use.

Characteristics of JavaScript

Case-sensitive language, with quotation marks playing a crucial role.
Incomplete or missing quotation marks can cause the browser to load and display incorrectly.
Semi-colons at the end of each statement are not required but are recommended for readability and standardization.

Relationship with HTML and CSS

HTML refers to the structure of the web page, including headers, body text, and images.
CSS controls the appearance of the web page, including customized fonts, backgrounds, and colors.
JavaScript adds interactivity and functionality to websites, making them more dynamic.

Uses of JavaScript

React to events or interactivity to websites, such as mouse clicks and preloading of web pages.
Validate data, saving processing time for forms that require user input.
Create cookies to save or retrieve information from a visitor's computer.
Enhance a web page, adding items such as pop-up window boxes, animations, or dynamic images.
Develop mobile applications used in smartphones and tablets.
Create web browser-based games played directly from web browsers.
Power back-end web development, including codes needed to build databases, servers, and applications.

Advantages of Using JavaScript

Supports structured programming syntax, including if statements and while loops.
Offers dynamic typing, allowing the type of a variable to change even during runtime.
Runs locally in a website, enhancing interaction and responsiveness.
Responds to user actions, such as mouse clicks.

Disadvantages of Using JavaScript

Not supported by some browsers, such as PDA's and mobile phones.
Some browsers disable JavaScript execution as a security feature.

Description

Explore the basics of JavaScript, the essential scripting language for web development. Learn how JavaScript can dynamically modify the content and design of a website, making it interactive and engaging for users.