JavaScript: what is it?

Javascript (also known as the abbreviated JS) is a dynamic scripting language used on the web for things such as validating email address/forms and adding functionality to web pages.

I use Chrome mostly, but there is a nifty little app called Firebug (download at http://getfirebug.com/) which allows you to edit javascript and run it, through the Firefox browser. You can also view and edit html, css, etc.

Below is a helpful video tutorial on how to get to grips with using Firebug and Javascript:




Here is the most simple of all 'programs' you can create using JS, just like with Ruby:

alert("Hello world!");

When you type that into Firebug and hit 'Run' you will get the following: