What Is JavaScript Used For?

JavaScript is a versatile programming language used in a variety of applications, including web and mobile development, game development, virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence (AI). While it has its advantages and disadvantages, JavaScript remains a popular choice for web developers due to its ease of use, versatility, and wide-ranging capabilities. 

Read on to discover some of the benefits and challenges that JavaScript offers, some of the applications of JavaScript, and how you can begin learning this versatile language.

What is JavaScript?

JavaScript is a dynamic, interpreted programming language. Users primarily use it for developing the interactive front-end of web applications, but you can also use it in back-end development in tandem with Node.js. Brendan Eich created JavaScript in 1995 while working at Netscape Communications Corporation. Since then, it has become one of the most popular programming languages in the world.

JavaScript typically runs on the client’s side, which means it is executed directly in the user’s web browser. This integration makes JavaScript an essential part of building advanced features for web applications. Digital creators use JavaScript in everything, from simple web page animations to complex interactive games and applications.

JavaScript’s syntax is similar to other programming languages, such as Python. However, it is a more flexible, dynamic language that allows developers to run code more quickly. It is also weakly typed, meaning variables do not declare a specific data type. This makes it easier for developers to write code and makes it a more approachable coding language for beginners.

Read more: Python vs. Java: Which Should I Learn?

One of JavaScript's unique features is its ability to manipulate a web page's document object model (DOMe) in real-time. The DOM is a hierarchical structure that represents the HTML elements of a web page, and JavaScript manipulates this structure in real-time. This allows developers to create dynamic, interactive web pages that respond to input.

Another feature of JavaScript is its support for asynchronous programming. Asynchronous programming allows code to execute without blocking the main thread, leading to faster, more efficient code. This efficiency is vital for web applications to respond quickly to user input and events.

As a versatile programming language, JavaScript handles front-end and back-end development. With help from frameworks like Node.js, developers can use JavaScript to create server-side applications and build full-stack web applications.

Advantages of using JavaScript

JavaScript has several advantages that make it an excellent choice for web development. First, it is a great language for beginners because it is easy to learn. It is also versatile, and you can use it for various purposes, such as adding web page interactivity or creating animations. JavaScript is also supported by most web browsers, making it accessible to many users.

Another advantage of JavaScript is its ability to improve user experience. With JavaScript, web developers can create dynamic, interactive web pages that respond to user input. This feature enhances the user experience and makes the website more engaging.

Disadvantages of using JavaScript

While JavaScript has many advantages, it also has some drawbacks. One significant disadvantage of JavaScript is that it may react differently in different browsers. Since JavaScript is executed client-side, you might see slight differences in how different devices display JavaScript.

Another disadvantage of JavaScript is that it can be vulnerable to security threats. Malicious users can use JavaScript to inject code into a web page, resulting in data theft or damage and increased vulnerability. To mitigate these risks, web developers must ensure they use proper security protocols and regularly update their code.

What is JavaScript used for?

Some common uses of JavaScript include adding interactive behavior to web pages, web and mobile development, game development, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence. Explore these in more detail below to better understand JavaScript’s capabilities.

1. Adding interactive behavior to web pages

One of the most prevalent uses of this programming language is adding interactive behavior to web pages. With JavaScript, web developers can create dynamic, interactive web pages responding to user input. Drop-down menus, animations, and popup windows all use JavaScript.

2. Web and mobile development

Web developers use JavaScript to create interactive web applications, and mobile developers use frameworks like React Native to build mobile applications. With JavaScript, developers can create responsive and engaging user interfaces for their web and mobile applications.

3. Game development

Game developers also use JavaScript. With the help of frameworks like Phaser, web developers can create complex and engaging games that run on web browsers. JavaScript-based games are accessible on desktops, laptops, and mobile devices, making them accessible to many users.

4. VR and AI

You can also use JavaScript in virtual reality and artificial intelligence applications. With the help of frameworks, including A-Frame and Babylon.js, developers can create virtual reality experiences and machine learning models that run on web browsers. JavaScript also supports developing chatbots, natural language processing, and other AI applications.

What makes JavaScript different from other programming languages?

While JavaScript is a unique language with many differences from other programming languages, three significant qualities make it stand out. One primary difference is that JavaScript is a dynamic and interpreted language, meaning it is executed on the interpreter’s side and does not require a compilation step. A compiled language typically offers more efficiency than an interpreted language, but an interpreted language can be easier to code, test, or prototype. 

Another difference is that JavaScript is a weakly typed language, meaning variables do not have a specific data type declared. This feature allows developers to write code more quickly. The program responds more flexibly to the input than a strongly typed language, which requires more manual coding.

Finally, JavaScript’s versatility allows it to handle front-end and back-end development. With the help of frameworks such as Node.js, developers can use JavaScript to create server-side applications and build full-stack web applications.

Read more: Popular Programming Languages in 2024

How can I learn to write JavaScript?

You can start learning how to write JavaScript with the many resources available to you online. Some popular online courses for learning JavaScript include JavaScript Basics and HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for Web Developers on Coursera. These courses offer interactive tutorials, projects, and quizzes to help you learn JavaScript independently.

Many books and online resources are also available for learning JavaScript. One of the most popular books about JavaScript is JavaScript: The Definitive Guide by David Flanagan. Another popular book option is Eloquent JavaScript by Marijn Haverbeke. 

Another great way to learn JavaScript is to practice writing code. Set up a development environment and build small projects, such as interactive web pages or simple games. Experiment with different frameworks and libraries to find what works best for your projects.

Getting started with Coursera

JavaScript is commonly used in web, application, and game development to add interactivity and animations to programming projects. Its popularity and age contribute to its substantial documentation and many resources available to help you understand and write JavaScript. 

On Coursera, you can enroll in some of the top web development courses in the world. For example, check out Learn JavaScript by Scrimba. This course is for beginners with limited prior experience and offers a flexible schedule to learn at your own pace. To learn how to write programs in JavaScript, consider enrolling in Programming with JavaScript by Meta.