JavaScript Step by Step

Chapter 1. JavaScript Is More Than You Might Think

Welcome to the introductory chapter. After reading this chapter, you'll be able to

• Understand the history of JavaScript.

• Recognize the parts of a JavaScript program.

• Use the javascript pseudoprotocol.

• Understand where JavaScript fits within a Web page.

• Understand what JavaScript can and cannot do.

A Brief History of JavaScript

JavaScript isn't Java. There, with that out of the way, we can move on to bigger, more important things, like how to make cool drop-down menus. In all seriousness, JavaScript is the colloquial name for a specification more formally known as ECMAScript. But the name ECMAScript doesn't exactly roll off the tongue. Go ahead, try saying it aloud: "ECMAScript." See? (More on ECMAScript ...