The James Webb Telescope has been sending us amazing images of our Universe and objects in our solar system. Do you know how the images are photographed and sent back to Earth?
The answer is JavaScript! NASA uses JavasScript "to talk" with the James Webb telescope.
JavaScript is the most used programming language. It's used by 78% of developers to build many applications and is mainly used for web development and mobile applications.
Understanding what Javascript is used for will give you insights into the world of computer programming and web development. It might just be the programming language you want to learn!
What JavaScript is used for in web development
JavaScript is used by 98% of all websites.
You can view websites through browsers such as Google Chrome or Firefox. The content is mainly digital, consisting of text, images, video, or audio. A website usually only allows visitors to view content, and interaction is limited.
A website typically uses 3 technologies:
HTML or Hyper Text Markup Language. HTML describes the structure of the website to the browser. For example, HTML allows you to add headings and paragraphs, create links, build tables, and more.
CSS or Cascading Style Sheets: CSS is used to style your website. For example, you can use it to tell the browser the colors, fonts, size, and spacing of your content.
JavaScript is the programming language that allows you to add interactivity. It is the only language that can be inserted directly in the HTML of a page. For example, JavaScript will allow you to add the following:
mouse hover effects
animations
create drop-down menus
show and hide menus and information
autocompletion
slide through a carousel of images
zoom in and out of an image
play audio or video
responsive content or content that changes as you resize the browser window
What JavaScript is used for in web applications
Web applications are accessible through a browser. They provide interactivity and functionality and are used to perform specific tasks.
The front-end, or the part the user interacts with, is created using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
The back-end, or the part of the website you don't see, consists of a server or database coded using JavaScript and/or other programming languages such as C++, Java, or PHP.
YouTube
Its easy-to-use navigation and tools are all made possible by JavaScript.
Facebook
JavaScript gives you the ability to share images, videos, and messages.
LinkedIn
JavaScript allows you to connect with colleagues, do searches, create job alerts, and other features.
Google
The ability to search is made possible with JavaScript.
What JavaScript is used for in mobile applications
Most of today's popular mobile apps are built using JavaScript. These apps are designed to run on mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets.
Uber
JavaScript allows Uber users to request a car to take them to a specific destination with a single click of a button.
Groupon
JavaScript to allows users to buy discounted products or services.
Pinterest
Its internal search engine is built by JavaScript, allowing you to search for ideas on almost anything. You can also organize these ideas on boards.
Ebay
Through Javascript, buyers and sellers exchange products through online auctions.
What JavaScript is used for in other areas
JavaScript is used for various applications, like software, hardware controls, and servers.
Game Development — JavaScript allows you to create advanced video games that run on browsers.
Virtual Reality — You can now use JavaScript to build a virtual reality experience right from your browser!
Artificial Intelligence (AI) — JavaScript is used to develop artificial intelligence that can foresee future events.
Reasons to Learn JavaScript
The best thing about JavaScript: there's no need to install any software to start using it! You can run it on your browser. You can also use it to create many different projects!
Easy to Learn
JavaScript is easy to understand, unlike other programming languages. It has a simple syntax, or a set of rules on how characters should be organized for you to start writing simple programs.
Great for Beginners
Once you master JavaScript, it will be easy to move on to more complicated programming languages like Java or C++. There's also a large online community that you can turn to for support.
Popular
JavaScript is the most popular programming language in the world! As mentioned earlier, it's used by 78% of developers today.
Career Possibilities
There is a massive demand for JavaScript developers! According to Indeed.com, the average salary of a JavaScript developer in the US is $115,072.
Quiz
Erica wants to start learning JavaScript but feels it will be too hard to learn. What steps should Erica take to start learning JavaScript?
Take Action
Nearly every electronic device or website you come across every day uses JavaScript. Without JavaScript, all the websites and mobile apps we have come to love and rely on wouldn't exist!
The demand for JavaScript professionals keeps growing! It's currently one of the most sought-after skills in the web development industry.
You can learn to code both front-end and back-end, decide what you like best, and qualify for even more job possibilities!
Learn more about what Javascript is used for and how to use it:
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