Introduction to javascript
Introduction to JavaScript
Welcome to Ienex! Today we’re starting with one of the most important and widely used programming languages on the web: JavaScript. Whether you’re just beginning your programming journey or brushing up on fundamentals, this guide will help you understand what JavaScript is, what it can do, and why it remains essential.
What You Should Know First
Before diving into JavaScript, you should already be familiar with:
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HTML (HyperText Markup Language)
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CSS (Cascading Style Sheets)
These two are the foundation of web pages. JavaScript builds on top of them to make pages dynamic and interactive.
What is JavaScript?
JavaScript is a scripting language that was invented to bring interactivity to static HTML pages.
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It runs directly in all major browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, Opera).
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It is embedded within HTML and runs instantly—no extra tools or compilers required.
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It’s free to use, with no license needed.
Think of JavaScript as the language that turns a plain web page into something interactive and alive.
Java vs JavaScript: Are They the Same?
Although the names sound similar, Java and JavaScript are completely different languages.
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Java: A powerful, compiled language developed by Sun Microsystems, often used for large-scale applications.
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JavaScript: A lightweight, interpreted scripting language designed for web interactivity.
The similarity in names is mostly historical marketing—don’t get confused!
What Can JavaScript Do?
Here are some of the key things JavaScript brings to web pages:
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Add Interactivity: Respond to user actions like clicks, typing, or scrolling.
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Handle Events: Run code when the page loads, when a button is pressed, or when a form is submitted.
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Manipulate HTML & CSS: Change content, update styles, or create elements on the fly.
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Validate Forms: Check user input before sending data to the server.
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Detect Browsers & Devices: Adapt the page depending on the visitor’s environment.
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Work with Cookies: Store and retrieve small amounts of data on the user’s device.
In short, JavaScript allows you to build dynamic, user-friendly web experiences.
JavaScript = ECMAScript
JavaScript follows the ECMAScript standard (ECMA-262):
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Invented by Brendan Eich at Netscape.
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Standardized in 1997 by ECMA (a trade standards organization).
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Adopted internationally by ISO in 1998.
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Still evolving today with new features released regularly.
Modern JavaScript is powerful, fast, and versatile—far beyond its humble beginnings.
Final Thoughts
JavaScript is one of the core building blocks of the web. If HTML provides the structure and CSS adds style, then JavaScript makes everything interactive. Mastering it opens the door to becoming a web developer, building full-stack applications, and even creating desktop or mobile apps.
Are you ready to start coding with JavaScript? Let’s dive in! 🚀
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