JavaScript is one of those terms that you have probably heard on more than one occasion, especially if you are interested in the world of programming and web development.

It is an essential programming language in the creation of modern websites, but its use goes far beyond that. In this article we will explain in simple terms what JavaScript is, what it is used for and what its benefits are, so that you have a clear idea of why this language is so popular.

What is JavaScript?

JavaScript is a programming language that is mainly used to create and control dynamic content on websites. In this way, and thanks to JavaScript, web pages can do more than just display static information.

For example, when you see a carousel of images that changes automatically, a form that validates in real time or a pop-up window that appears when you click a button, all this is possible thanks to JavaScript.

This language was created in 1995 by Brendan Eich while working at Netscape, with the intention of making web pages more interactive. Over the years, JavaScript has evolved considerably and has become one of the cornerstones of web development, along with HTML and CSS.

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HTML and CSS: a comparison between the three languages

To better understand what JavaScript is and how it works, it is useful to compare it with HTML and CSS, the other two fundamental languages in web development.

HTML (HyperText Markup Language): is the markup language used to structure the content of a web page. In other words, HTML is what allows you to place text, images, videos, links, and other elements on a page. It is the foundation of any website.
CSS (Cascading Style Sheets): is the style language used to define how the content of the web page looks structured by HTML. With CSS, you can change colours, fonts, margins, spacing, and in general, any visual aspect of the elements on a page.
JavaScript: Unlike HTML and CSS, JavaScript is a programming language, which means that it allows you to add functionality and logic to a web page. While HTML and CSS define the content and presentation, JavaScript takes care of the interaction and behaviour.

What is JavaScript used for?

Interactivity in web pages: JavaScript is used to make web pages interactive. You can create drop-down menus, forms that validate without reloading the page, animations, and visual effects that enhance the user experience.
Web application development: With the help of frameworks and libraries such as React, Angular or Vue.js; JavaScript allows you to create complex and complete web applications, such as social networks, e-commerce platforms or productivity tools.
Mobile app development: Thanks to technologies such as React Native, JavaScript is also used to develop mobile apps for both Android and iOS. This allows developers to use a single language to create apps that work on multiple platforms.
Video game development: JavaScript, together with HTML5 and libraries such as Phaser, is also used in the creation of video games, especially those played in the browser.
Server-side development: Although JavaScript was originally a language that only ran on the user’s browser (front-end), today it can also be used on the server side (back-end) thanks to Node.js.
Task automation: JavaScript is used to automate tasks in web development, such as image optimisation, code compilation and automatic test execution.

Benefits of using JavaScript

High compatibility: JavaScript is compatible with all modern browsers, which means you can be sure that your code will work on most devices and platforms without the need for additional tweaking.
Universal language on the web: Since JavaScript is the only programming language that web browsers can run natively, it is a must-have for any web developer. Furthermore, its use on the server side with Node.js has made it possible to create complete applications using only JavaScript.
Fast execution: JavaScript is an interpreted language that runs directly in the browser, which means that user actions can be responded to almost instantaneously. This is how you can create interactive and fluid user interfaces with an enhanced experience.
Large community and resources: JavaScript has one of the largest and most active communities in the programming world. Thanks to this there is a wealth of resources, tutorials, libraries and tools available, making it easy to learn and solve problems.
Ecosystem of tools: There are many tools and frameworks that facilitate and accelerate development with JavaScript. Tools such as Webpack for module management, Babel for compatibility between JavaScript versions, or frameworks such as React and Angular for application development are just a few examples.
Flexibility: JavaScript is a very flexible language, which allows developers to use different programming paradigms, such as object-oriented programming or functional programming. This flexibility makes it adaptable to a wide variety of projects and needs.

JavaScript is a fundamental programming language for modern web development. Its versatility, speed and the wealth of resources available make it an essential tool for beginners and experienced developers alike.

If you are interested in web development and JavaScript, get in touch with Doowebs to learn more about what this programming language has to offer.