An Interpreted Language
Some languages are interpreted, and some are compiled. JavaScript is an interpreted language. Your browser, most likely Netscape Navigator or Internet Explorer, acts as a translator between JavaScript and the native language that your computer uses. The process involves your browser parsing (interpreting) the JavaScript code and then creating an equivalent machine language and having your computer execute the interpreted code. Compiled languages such as Java and C++ are already interpreted (compiled), so they go right into the computer, ready to talk with your computer.
The process is something like visiting France and communicating in French. If you don’t know French, the easiest way to communicate is with an interpreter ...
Become an O’Reilly member and get unlimited access to this title plus top books and audiobooks from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers, thousands of courses curated by job role, 150+ live events each month,
and much more.
Read now
Unlock full access