The JavaScript programming language is quite popular today. This is due to the fact that it can be used both for creating dynamic static web pages, and for writing full-fledged SPA applications and even computer games. However, the latter is less common today due to the fact that games are written in other languages.
A little bit of history
The first prerequisites for the emergence of this language appeared back in 1992, when the development of the Cmm embedded scripting language (C minus minus) began. It was later renamed ScripTease because the name C minus minus had a negative connotation. Overall. Before the language got its modern name, its name was changed several more times.
In 1995, Brendan Eich was given the task of incorporating a programming language into the Netscape browser. The language was originally called Mocha, then LiveScript. Finally, it got its modern name, JavaScript. This is where the developers went to the trick. At the time when they were improving LiveScript, Java was quite popular. In order to attract more developers to work with the new language, it was decided to use Java in its name. The result is JavaScript.
The latest version of ES6 to date was released in 2015. With its advent, the language took on a second life. New standards have appeared, as well as the ability to work with constants. The code itself has also changed. The language adheres to the principle of reducing code with greater functionality.
JS language features
The main features of this programming language include:
- Dynamic typing. That is, the data type will be determined only when a variable or const is assigned its value.
- Flexible work with functions. In JS, you can not only execute functions, but also return functions from functions, pass functions as parameters to other functions, and assign functions as variable values.
- JavaScript is supported by all modern browsers.
- Object-oriented programming. In other words, this is a programming methodology in which the entire program is presented as a collection of objects.
In addition, an important feature of JavaScript is its developed infrastructure. Today, developers can work with a large number of libraries and frameworks (React, Angular, and Vue being the most popular ones), multiple builders, auxiliary libraries (such as Lodash), and static site generators.
As for applications, first of all, JavaScript is widely used in web development. Moreover, it works in combination with HTML and CSS. Using JS, you can create any browser application. For example, the loan calculator, which can be found on most banks' websites, is also created using JavaScript.
Moreover, the entire visual part of this calculator is a combination of HTML+CSS. In other words, buttons, charts, and sliders are static elements. With JS, everything is animated, and all the basic calculations are performed.
Another example is a subscription or registration form. It is created in HTML+CSS. However, it is thanks to JS that the interaction with the server is provided. In addition, JavaScript can be used to create the following programs and applications:
- Mobile software development (with React Native).
- Development of server solutions using Node.js.
- Creating desktop applications. JS is used, for example, in applications created by Adobe.
- Programming home appliances and payment terminals.
JavaScript code example
In order to appreciate all the delights of this programming language, here is a simple example of JS code:
console.log (Hello world!)
What does this line do? With it, you can display the message “Hello World!” in the browser console or development environment. As you can see, this is a very simple solution that requires just one line of code. This simplicity distinguishes JS from many other programming languages, which require more code to output this label.
JS advantages and disadvantages
The popularity of JavaScript is due to many factors, including a large number of advantages, which include:
- Irreplaceable when developing websites and applications. As noted above, JS is supported by all modern browsers. Moreover, the language is easily integrated with the layout and server.
- High speed and performance. This language allows you to partially process web pages on the user's side. This allows you to spend less time opening and also reduces server load.
- A large number of tools and a rich infrastructure. While at first many people worked exclusively with the language itself, today, thanks to the availability of numerous libraries, tools that are convenient and accessible to everyone have appeared.
- Relative simplicity. Writing programs usually takes less time. At the same time, the code size is also usually smaller compared to many other languages.
- Extensive opportunities for web pages. With JS, you can revive any page on the Internet. In addition, JS significantly increases the usability level of applications and websites.
- Relative ease of study. Even those who have never experienced programming before can start learning JS. Moreover, visualizing many actions adds enthusiasm to students.
As for the shortcomings, these include the following:
- It is not possible to download and read files.
- Looser typing. All code flaws are detected when the program is running, which can be inconvenient in some cases. In addition, inconsistencies that may occur in the JS code are ignored by the language itself.
- Safety level. It's easy to embed malicious code into a programming language like JS.
Outlook
How interesting is JS for future programmers in terms of prospects? Should a child start studying it? In fact, this language is constantly being developed and new solutions are being introduced. A large number of libraries suggest that JS is very popular today. And this is quite understandable.
Today, every company wants to be represented on the Internet. Moreover, few people are interested in ready-made website templates. Therefore, programmers trust layout and programming. And that's not all.
Using JS, you can write any web application. This significantly increases the demand for programmers who speak this language. And if you look at domestic websites with vacancies, there are currently more job offers for JavaScript developers than for those who program in Java or 1C.
In the near future, JS is likely to remain the main language for developing web applications and websites. And one more important point. Recently, the popularity of so-called progressive applications that combine a website and, in fact, the application itself, has been growing in popularity. And all of this is also being developed with JS.
Finally, even if JavaScript becomes less popular over time, you can always switch to another programming language. Developers are still constantly in the learning process. For example, the arrival of a new JavaScript library requires some time to learn it. It will not be difficult for a programmer to learn another language, knowing the basic principles of programming.
