
You may ask, “What can you do with JavaScript?” but a better question may be “What can’t you do?” JavaScript is a popular language, in part, because it accommodates both front end (client-side) and back end (server-side) programming. Here are some additional characteristics to be aware of. In fact, developers have voted JavaScript as their most-used language for nine consecutive years, according to Stack Overflow’s 2021 Developer Survey. And, for this reason, it’s not surprising that JavaScript is the world’s most commonly used programming language. JavaScript builds on this functionality by enabling interactivity in websites such as interactive maps and animated 2D/3D graphics. JavaScript expands on the functions of HTML (HyperText Markup Language) and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), which define the basic structure and aesthetic of websites, respectively. Today, JavaScript is available in every web browser and is one of the three fundamental languages of web development. Sun and Netscape joined forces to unveil the new language and it was quickly adopted by companies such as Apple and AT&T to include in their products. JavaScript is based, in part, on Sun Microsystems’ Java programming language. Originally known as Mocha, the language underwent several naming iterations before landing on JavaScript. Along with HTML and CSS, JavaScript is a primary language for creating websites.ĭeveloper Brendan Eich created JavaScript in 1995 to add dynamic activity to websites. Read on to learn more about JavaScript use, the job opportunities it can provide, and educational options to learn this valuable programming language.Īccording to PCMag, JavaScript is a high-level, interpreted language developers use to add interactive functions to otherwise static websites. In addition, JavaScript has a large, active user community that developers can turn to for help.Īlthough web developers are often mentioned when discussing JavaScript users, there is actually a wide variety of coding roles that use JavaScript. JavaScript allows coders to “test as you go,” meaning it’s possible to check the functionality of code as it’s written, rather than having to complete it and then debug. In fact, according to technology tracking site W3Techs, the internet hosts nearly 1.9 billion websites, of which 97.9 percent use JavaScript.įortunately for coding newcomers, JavaScript ranks among the most accessible programming languages and is often one of the first beginners learn. Specifically, any audio, video, maps, animations, menus, buttons, and interactive elements that you encounter online have likely been developed through JavaScript.

JavaScript is essential to the interactivity of the internet and IoT (Internet of Things).
