JavaScript

Revision as of 05:28, 5 December 2013

JavaScript (sometimes abbreviated JS) is a scripting language commonly implemented as part of a web browser in order to create enhanced user interfaces and dynamic websites, but also used in other contexts (such as server-side JavaScript).

This is not the same as Java.

JavaScript was originally developed by Netscape, where it was originally called LiveScript while under development, but became JavaScript (with the name licensed from Sun) in order to capitalize on the popularity of Java, though the languages aren't really related (although there are some similarities in syntax). Later, a Microsoft implementation designed to be (more or less) compatible was called JScript, and an attempt at a formally standardized version of the language was published by ECMA as ECMAScript.

Documentation, Reference, and Programming Tips

• Mozilla JavaScript reference
• Table of how various zero, null, and infinity values are treated by various JavaScript operators

Programs and libraries

• JSMESS: JavaScript-based in-browser emulator of classic computers
• pepper.js
• asm.js: subset of JavaScript to serve as target for compilers
• An examination of asm.js (stripped-down subset of JavaScript designed to run faster)
• ember.js framework (for creating web apps)
• gamepad.js: use gamepads and joysticks with a browser
• Some incredibly useful JavaScript: Add fart sounds to your web page!

Other links and references

• JavaScript (Wikipedia)
• JavaScript video lectures by Douglas Crockford
• Using Javascript to Keep Us Safe From Terrorists
• Web-based distributed computing project using JavaScript to solve chess problem
• Tessel: JavaScript right on the hardware
• Asm.js: Ending The Ice Age of JavaScript