Javascript is also known as JS, is the most popular and widely-used programming language for web development. In Javascript, the programs are called scripts. Javascript is currently used by more than 94 percent of all the websites. Javascript was initially created to make live or dynamic web pages, by allowing you to implement complex features in webpages- every time your webpage does have more than just displaying static information- like making dynamic content webpages, interactive maps, 2D-3D graphics, scrolling videos. These all are powered with the help of Javascript.
Javascript is a client-side programming language which allows developers to do Web Development. Today, Javascript can also be used for server-side programming or on any machine which has a special program called javascript engine. NodeJS is a popular framework build on Javascript runtime for easily developing a fast and scalable server-side network application. Developers can now create web pages which support well in various web browsers by combining Javascript, HTML and CSS.
The Javascript frameworks like AngularJS, NodeJS, ReactJS, EmberJs etc will reduce the amount of time and effort required to develop a Javascript-based web application. It simplifies the whole process of developing large-scale web applications. Why Javascript so popular?
Javascript is a well-known language among all developers. According to StackOverflow a popular website used by developers Javascript is the most used language currently followed by Java and Python.
The simplicity of the language and its application across front-end and backend is attracting more developers towards Javascript. New development in Javascript community like introducing vue.js is also gaining popularity in a short span of time.
Features of Javascript
Now let’s see the benefits of using Javascript for your next web application.
Cross-Browser Compatibility
One great thing about Javascript is supported by various web browsers like Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari, Opera and Firefox etc. Hence the web page can be viewed in any web browser of user’s choice. They can enable javascript in the web browser in case if it is disabled and enjoy all the features.
Libraries and Frameworks
Javascript comes up with lots of libraries and framework like AngularJS, ReactJs, NodeJs, EmberJs etc. Which allows developers to build complex large-scale web applications easily and efficiently. Also, lots of support libraries in the web market helps you build things like Custom Widgets, Graphics etc.
DOM Manipulation
Mainly Javascript was created for DOM manipulation. In early days websites were static, to make it dynamic they introduced Javascript. Like Javascript can changes CSS of HTML elements in the page. It can add or remove HTML elements from the page.
Generating Dynamic HTML Content
Javascript has features to support dynamically generate HTML content for web pages. Like, add text, links, tables, images after a user interaction like mouse click etc.
Date and Time Support
Javascript has handy features to support Date and Time. Not many languages give support for Date and Time as it is in Javascript. The inbuilt functions in Javascript handle Date and Time easily.
Easy to Write Code
Javascript does not require a dedicated IDE for writing code. Even a simple Notepad is sufficient to write Javascript code.
Responsive Web Design
In this mobile era, responsive web designs are unavoidable. A web developer must give priority on creating a website which supports on both Desktops and Mobile phones. Responsive web design enables developers to support both computers and phones using the same code. Combining CSS3, HTML5 and Javascript allow developers to create responsive web pages.