What is JavaScript?

JavaScript is a scripting language and commonly used in millions of web pages. The main benefit of JavaScript is to increase web page functionality and user interactivity.

Common uses of JavaScript include:

• HTML Form Data Validation
• Alerts, Messages, Popup Windows
• Drop Down Menus
• Password Protecting
• Image Rollover Affects

JavaScript is a client-side scripting language. This means the user's browser will be running the script, as opposed to server-side (on the web server). This sigificantly increases the web performance. In addition, JavaScript works in all major browsers, such Internet Explorer, Firefox and Opera.

JavaScript is easy to learn, but still quite different to HTML. So I recommend you take your time and cover off a little bit each day.

What do I need to create JavaScript?

You can create JavaScript using the same equipment you use to create HTML. That is:

• Computer
• Text editor. e.g. Notepad for Windows, or SimpleText for Mac. I strongly recommend you use the most basic text editor to write JavaScript. Don't use any rich text editor, such as Microsoft word. JavaScript can only be written in plain text documents.
• Web browser