Chapter 1. Getting your feet wet
A Quick Dip into Javascript

JavaScript gives you superpowers. The true programming language of the web, JavaScript lets you add behavior to your web pages. No more dry, boring, static pages that just sit there looking at you—with JavaScript you’re going to be able to reach out and touch your users, react to interesting events, grab data from the web to use in your pages, draw graphics right in your web pages and a lot more. And once you know JavaScript you’ll also be in a position to create totally new behaviors for your users.
You’ll be in good company too, JavaScript’s not only one of the most popular programming languages, it’s also supported in all modern (and most ancient) browsers; JavaScript’s even branching out and being embedded in a lot of environments outside the browser. More on that later; for now, let’s get started!
The way JavaScript works
If you’re used to creating structure, content, layout and style in your web pages, isn’t it time to add a little behavior as well? These days, there’s no need for the page to just sit there. Great pages should be dynamic, interactive, and they should work with your users in new ways. That’s where JavaScript comes in. Let’s start by taking a look at how JavaScript fits into the web page ecosystem:
