JavaScript Explained in Plain English: A Beginner's Guide to Getting Started

Are you tired of reading about JavaScript and its superpowers but have no clue how to get started? Then this article is for you. In this blog post, well take a look at what makes JavaScript so special and why its become such an essential part of the web.

Youll also get a brief overview of what exactly makes JavaScript different from other programming languages and the fundamentals you need to know to start coding right away. If you are reading this article, you probably already have some knowledge about web development. However, if this isnt the case yet, we recommend that you first check our article on How to Become a Web Developer.

It covers everything you need to know about becoming a software developer in general as well as the specifics of becoming a web developer. Once youve finished reading that article, come back here and lets dive into JavaScript!

What is JavaScript?

JavaScript is a programming language that is used to code web pages. JavaScript enables you to add interactivity to your web pages by allowing you to change elements of the page, send information, and handle events without reloading the page.

It's the most popular programming language used for web development and is used to power the majority of websites, apps, and other services online. JavaScript is used for a variety of things, from adding a simple bit of interactivity to your site to building powerful, serverless apps. It can be used for both front-end and back-end development. JavaScript is a client-side language.
This means that it runs locally within the browser, as opposed to server-side languages such as PHP. This has significant implications for how you write JavaScript compared to languages like PHP. JavaScript is often used in conjunction with HTML and CSS. It is used to add functionality and functionality related to user interaction to a website.

How does JavaScript differ from other programming languages?

JavaScript is part of a family of programming languages called programming languages that run in the browser.
Other members of this family include CSS and HTML, which are almost as old as JavaScript itself. While the history of these languages goes back to the early days of the internet, their usage and popularity has increased phenomenally over the last decade.

This isnt just because websites have gotten more and more complex, but because these technologies allow us to achieve new and innovative things when it comes to the web. JavaScript, CSS and HTML arent just used to create static or static websites with lists and tables anymore they enable us to create interactive websites with animations, videos, full-blown applications, and more. JavaScript is a programming language that is used to code web pages.

JavaScript enables you to add interactivity to your web pages by allowing you to change elements of the page, send information, and handle events without reloading the page.

The importance of JavaScript

JavaScript is the language of the web and has become more important with every year that has passed since its inception. The functionality of web pages has gotten more and more advanced, and this can only be achieved with robust programming languages like JavaScript.

JavaScript enables you to create interactive web pages with a variety of uses and purposes. This means that JavaScript isnt just used for creating websites.
It is also used for creating mobile apps, desktop applications, and even games. JavaScript has become the leading programming language for creating all kinds of digital services and applications. Whats more, JavaScript is a language thats easy to learn and use.
And not only is it easy to learn, its also easy to teach. The simplicity of the language, as well as its versatility and power, has allowed it to become the most popular programming language in the world.

The fundamentals of JavaScript you need to know to get started

• Variables, Functions, Loops, and Conditions - These are the four core elements of any programming language.In JavaScript, they are easy to start using right away.

• Arrays and Object-Oriented Programming - Arrays and object-oriented programming are two advanced concepts that are somewhat hard to grasp for beginner coders. JavaScript doesnt really have these its a bit more beginner-friendly.

• Functions - Functions are used to split your code into smaller parts. This makes it easier to read, understand, and maintain your code.

• Classes and Inheritance - Classes and inheritance dont come naturally to most people. You have to be familiar with them to start creating advanced JavaScript code.

• Object-Oriented Programming - JavaScript can be used in an object-oriented way, but it isnt an OOP language per se.

• The Document Object Model (DOM) - DOM is the heart of JavaScript everything revolves around it. Understanding it is essential to create advanced JavaScript applications.

Conclusion

If you want to become a web developer, JavaScript is the language you need to learn. JavaScript powers 80% of the worlds websites and is used in almost every type of application. If you want to create anything interactive for the web, JavaScript is the way to go. All web developers need to know this language and understand its inner workings. Once you have a basic understanding of how JavaScript works, you can start applying it to real-life scenarios and create anything from interactive advertising to custom-made games and apps.

This article was originaly published at melbite/Javascript-A-Beginner's Guide-to-Getting-Started