JavaScript is confused with Java because of the name. In the early nineties Navigator had one of the first scripting programs built into its browser which was called Livescript. At the same time a true programming language called Java was making headlines and waves. So in a bold move by Netscape they decided to cash in on the popularity by renaming their scripting program from Livescript to JavaScript. (A very microsoftic move.) So that is where the name JavaScript came from. The difference between Java and JavaScript is that Java is a true programming language whereas JavaScript is a scripting language. It's main purpose is web based and it is a lot simpler than Java.
A scripting language is separate from the program with which it interacts. Scripts are read by a program such as a browser and that browser will interpret and implement what that script tells it to do. This is different from a program which can execute independently from any other application. A script needs to be read and decoded by a program. Scripts are accessible to the end user and therefore they can be adapted to the users needs.
From what i was able to find JavaScript has gained in popularity due in part to it becoming a more standardized language much in the same way that HTML and CSS have. And also that is has gained far more browser support. It also has undergone a few name changes and then there was the difference between Microsoft's version and Suns version. I read some articles where it is being used in a lot of different non web based programs. I couldn't understand a lot of the acronyms they were using but it sounded impressive and gave me the impression that it was not only being used more extensively but also that it was going to continue to develop and change in structure.
4 comments:
Huh, What? I too had to re-read sections of Ch.2 and I am still somewhat foggy with what is taking place.
I have also used Dreamweaver for a couple of scripts (rollovers) and found it doesn't validate and looked rather scary. XHTML vs HTML I'd guess was the problem.
I read, somewhere, that Microsoft called their scripting language JScript, to even add more confusion. (microsoftic? that is good.) You have made a good comparison between Java/JavaScript and how a full on computer language and a scripting language are different. I wonder what Java looks like?
I agree with both of you. I still don't know if I am even starting to understand what JavaScript is and how to do it. I am trying to learn a little at a time. Kind of like one step at a time.
I don't know if I would even want to see what Java is or some of the other program languages that is being used.
I have found it strange how different browsers open JavaScript.
Good Luck to you.
I've read chapter 2 a number of times, and I'm still not completely getting it either. Although, the lab discussions did help a lot.
I think I liked it better when Dreamweaver did it for me, too. But, I try to just keep telling myself that it's frustrating right now, but it will get easier with time. And I'm already kind of impressed with the little applications we've done.
Holy cow! I mean Kittens! Whatever.
You know, I really should have been a genius and read your post BEFORE I decided to make mine. That was a lot of great information about the origins of JavaScript. I knew the stuff about Netscape originally making it, but not that they renamed it part way through or anything. Also, thanks for the great info on what a scripting language ACTUALLY is! =)
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