What is JavaScript?
JavaScript is a dynamic programming language that has become a cornerstone of modern web development.
Whether you’re new to coding or looking to expand your skills, learning JavaScript can open up a world of possibilities for creating engaging and interactive web pages and applications.
So, let’s dive in and discover the exciting world of JavaScript!
Definition
“JavaScript is a programming language that is one of the core technologies of the World Wide Web, alongside HTML and CSS.” – Wikipedia
It’s essential for web development and has fundamental concepts like syntax, data types, functions, and object-oriented programming.
It runs on the user’s web browser and adds interactivity, form validation, animations, and more.
JavaScript Quickstart Tutorial
In this quickstart tutorial, we will cover the essential JavaScript data types.
Variables in JavaScript can hold various data types, such as:
- Numbers
- Strings
- Objects
- Arrays
- Functions
JavaScript utilizes variables as containers for storing data values.
In the given example, x, y, and z are instances of variables:
Example
var x = 5;
var y = 6;
var z = x + y;
From the example above, you can expect the results are:
- x stores the value 5
- y stores the value 6
- z stores the value 11
Learn more about 7 Javascript Concepts
JavaScript Numbers
This JavaScript code supports only one numeric data type, which can be represented with or without decimal points.
Example
var x = 3.14; // A number with decimals
var y = 3; // A number without decimals
This JavaScript code stores all numbers as double-precision floating point numbers, which allows for up to 17 decimal places. However, due to the nature of floating point arithmetic, the results may not always be completely accurate.
var x = 0.2 + 0.1; // x will be 0.30000000000000004
Learn more about Software Development Services in SHIFT ASIA
JavaScript Strings
In JavaScript, strings are used to represent text and are enclosed in quotation marks, which can be either single or double quotes.
Example
var carname = “Volvo XC60”; // Double quotes
var carname = ‘Volvo XC60’; // Single quotes
You can determine the length of a string in JavaScript by using the built-in property length. This property returns the number of characters in the string.
Example
var txt = “ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ”;
var sln = txt.length;
JavaScript Objects
As you have learned, variables in JavaScript are used to hold data values. The following code example assigns a string value “Fiat” to a variable named “car”:
Example
var car = “Fiat”;
In JavaScript, objects are a type of variable that can hold multiple values. The following code assigns the values “Fiat”, “500”, and “white” to properties within an object variable named “car”:
Example
var car = {type:”Fiat”, model:”500″, color:”white”};
JavaScript Arrays
JavaScript arrays provide a way to store multiple values in a single variable.
Example
var cars = [“Saab”, “Volvo”, “BMW”];
JavaScript Functions
A JavaScript function is essentially a set of instructions designed to perform a specific task. It is executed when it is called, or invoked, by “something” in the code.
Example
function myFunction(p1, p2) {
return p1 * p2; // The function returns the product of p1 and p2
}
Where to learn JavaScript
There are several resources available online where you can learn JavaScript. Some of the popular ones are:
- Mozilla Developer Network (MDN) – https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/JavaScript
- W3Schools – https://www.w3schools.com/js/
- FreeCodeCamp – https://www.freecodecamp.org/learn/javascript-algorithms-and-data-structures/
- Codecademy – https://www.codecademy.com/learn/introduction-to-javascript
- Udemy – https://www.udemy.com/topic/javascript/
- Coursera – https://www.coursera.org/courses?query=javascript
- edX – https://www.edx.org/learn/javascript
These resources offer both free and paid courses that cater to different levels of learners, from beginners to advanced.
In conclusion
JavaScript is a powerful and versatile programming language that is widely used in web development, server-side programming, and even mobile app development. With the increasing demand for JavaScript developers, there are plenty of opportunities for individuals to learn and master the language. Whether you prefer to learn through online courses, books, or interactive platforms, the resources mentioned above can help you get started on your journey to becoming a proficient JavaScript developer. By investing time and effort in learning JavaScript, you can unlock a world of possibilities and take your programming skills to the next level.
