Native JavaScript - Basics

JavaScript is a versatile programming language primarily used for creating dynamic and interactive features on websites. It is one of the core technologies of web development, alongside HTML and CSS, and enables developers to build modern, responsive, and user-friendly web applications.

Key Features of JavaScript

• Dynamic Content: JavaScript allows websites to display timely updates, interactive maps, animations, and multimedia control. For example, features like image carousels or dropdown menus are powered by JavaScript
• Client-Side Scripting: It runs directly in web browsers, enabling immediate responses to user interactions without needing server communication. This reduces server load and improves performance
• Integration with HTML and CSS: JavaScript can manipulate and update HTML elements and CSS styles dynamically, making it integral to creating interactive web pages
• Cross-Platform Usage: JavaScript code can run on any machine with a compatible browser, making it platform-independent

Applications of JavaScript

1. Web Development: It is used to create interactive websites that respond to user actions, such as form validation or dynamic content updates.
2. Server-Side Development: With tools like Node.js, JavaScript can be used for backend development to build entire applications
3. Mobile App Development: Frameworks like React Native enable developers to use JavaScript for building mobile applications for iOS and Android
4. API Integration: JavaScript interacts with APIs to fetch and display data from external services like social media platforms

How JavaScript Works

JavaScript code is interpreted by a browser's JavaScript engine. When a webpage loads:

1. The browser creates a Document Object Model (DOM) structure.
2. The engine interprets the JavaScript code into bytecode.
3. Events like button clicks trigger the execution of code blocks that modify the DOM.
4. The browser updates the page dynamically based on these changes

Benefits of JavaScript

• Ease of Learning: Its syntax is relatively simple, making it accessible for beginners.