JavaScript Lecture Notes

Introduction to JavaScript

• JavaScript is a versatile programming language.
• Can be used to build:
  • Web applications (front-end and back-end)
  • Mobile applications
  • Desktop applications
  • Machine learning applications

History of JavaScript

• 1995: JavaScript was created, initially for web front-end development.
• Web Interactivity:
  • Before JavaScript, websites were static and only interacted through hyperlinks.
  • JavaScript was introduced to make websites interactive.
  • Developed by Netscape with help from Sun Microsystems and released in Netscape Navigator 2.

Evolution of JavaScript Usage

• Originally limited to web front-end development.
• Now used widely across different platforms due to:
  • Simplicity of the language
  • Large community support
• JavaScript can now be used for:
  • Back-end development (Node.js)
  • Mobile applications
  • Desktop applications
  • Machine learning

JavaScript Engines

• Every browser has a JavaScript engine to run code.
• JavaScript can run on various operating systems through environments like Node.js.

Learning Approach for the Course

• Course Objective:
  • Treat JavaScript as a complete programming language, not just for front-end.
• Focus on running JavaScript directly on the machine.
• Aim to understand JavaScript from start to end.
• Will cover front-end applications as well but emphasize broader applications.

Popularity of JavaScript

• JavaScript consistently ranks among the top programming languages.
• According to Wikipedia, 97% of websites use JavaScript for client-side scripting.

Fun Fact

• Trademarks:
  • The trademark for JavaScript is owned by Oracle.

Course Engagement

• Encouragement to comment and engage with the content.
• Importance of practical application:
  • Practice coding on your own machine.
  • Experimentation with code is encouraged.

Conclusion

• Excitement for the upcoming series and the importance of practice.