JavaScript

What is JavaScript?

JavaScript is a programming language that permits you to incorporate advanced and complex elements on website pages. Each time a site page accomplishes something other than merely existing, it is essentially using JavaScript. 

This includes content updates, dynamic maps, creative and high-functioning 2D/3D designs, and video players! If you see any of those happening, you can presume that JavaScript is at work! It is the third layer of the layer cake of standard web advancements, and hence quite an important part of the web development universe.

In short, JavaScript is a programming language that allows you to create dynamic content that involves loads of multimedia elements, images, and everything else that essentially spices up a website. 

Usually, JavaScript is paired with HTML and CSS. They form a nice combination and give websites the functionality they need. 

Advantages of JavaScript

Now, let’s have a look at some of the advantages offered by JavaScript.

JavaScript is speedy. 

The client-side of JavaScript is very quick. The reason behind this is that it is run immediately within the client-side browser. 

JavaScript is simple. 

JavaScript is considerably simple to understand and use, which is why it resonates with so many people. 

JavaScript is popular.

Almost every website on the Internet uses JavaScript. Need I say more?

JavaScript is interoperable. 

Since it is interoperable, JavaScript can easily be paired up with other languages in different sorts of applications. 

JavaScript reduces server load.

Since JavaScript is mostly client-side, there is a reduced demand on the website server. 

JavaScript allows your creativity to flow.

JavaScript is the programming language that allows your creativity to flow by enabling you to build rich interfaces and a dynamic connection between all of them. 

Disadvantages of JavaScript

However, there are specific problems associated with JavaScript as well! 

Security issues

Since the code takes place on the user’s end, there is room for it to be exploited to cause harm! For this reason, a lot of people disable JavaScript and choose to avoid using it. 

Browser support issues

Not all browsers support JavaScript. Every browser interprets it differently, and hence coming up with a code that will be interpreted by every browser is not always possible. 

JavaScript Best Practices

If you plan to learn JavaScript and execute it on your platform, the following best practices by W3C will help you make sure that you can make the most out of this programming language.

• Call things by their name — accessible, short, and readable variable and function names
• Avoid global variables.
• Stick to a strict coding style.
• Comment as much as needed but not more.
• Avoid mixing with other technologies.
• Use shortcut notation when it makes sense.
• Modularize by creating one function per task.
• Enhance progressively.
• Allow for configuration and translation.
• Avoid heavy nesting.
• Optimize loops.
• Keep DOM access to a minimum.
• Build code based on universal standards.
• Don’t trust any data. 
• Use JavaScript for increasing functionality instead of creating content. 
• Use JavaScript libraries and frameworks to aid your development. 
• Remember that live code is different from development code.

The Bottom Line

JavaScript is one of the most prominent programming languages in the world. Along with HTML and CSS, it is an indispensable element of all web activity across the world. Therefore, increasing your knowledge on the subject of JavaScript will only prove to be beneficial! 

The thing about JavaScript is that you should avoid taking the easy path. Yes, the other option means putting in a lot of effort and time in executing JavaScript in the most perfect way possible. However, it’s going to be worth it!