This page researched and written by Tom Irish, owner, webkewl design
and by Donna Sanclemente, owner, Point
of View
JavaScript is a language that is widely used in web pages to perform a vast variety of functions. You know those rollover images that you see with increasing regularity on the net? Ever had a page say "redirecting browser"? How about a link to bring up a print dialog? Most likely, these functions were being performed with JavaScript.
The language was developed by Netscape. Microsoft refers to its implementation as JScript (apologies for an earlier error regarding this). The level of support for JavaScript varies by browser and version with some browsers (iCab for example) not supporting it all (yet). As such, becoming solely dependent on JavaScript for anything is probably not a good idea. Users can also choose to disable its use in a browser. Sometimes you will see warnings on web pages explaining that to access certain functionality you must have a version 4 browser with JavaScript enabled.
IMHO this doesn't necessarily mean that you should avoid using JavaScript because there are plenty of ways to workaround the obstacles that crop up. For instance, a simple statement in the beginning of your pages will hide the code from browsers that are not JavaScript enabled. You can also provide two or more sets of pages and redirect browsers according to their capabilities.
JavaScript is very powerful. You can create a calculator that will return results in a form, automatically place a different image on your page(s) each hour, day, or week, or show users how long they have until the new millennium in seconds. This kind of functionality makes your site more dynamic. While there are plenty of JavaScript "tricks" that do little more than provide "eye candy" for a site (and this is NOT to belittle the importance of eye candy), it is a widely accepted, powerful, and useful tool that you can use even if you don't know how to "code".
As with CGI scripts written in Perl, many JavaScript programmers have been kind enough to make their work freely available, allowing non programmers simple "cut and paste" solutions. Below are a tiny sampling of some sites that offer these, as well as additional resources.
| JavaScript Search | Extensive CGI directory of JavaScripts.... |
| The JavaScript Source | Cut and paste your way through tons of JavaScript examples. Great JavaScript tutorial and more! |
| The JavaScript Planet | You have to wait for it to load but this site has scads of scripts. I liked that scripts were clearly labeled as to browser compatibility. |
| The JavaScript Corral | Fun site to poke around. While it appeared that many scripts were free for all at least one had noncommercial use stipulations. Nice clock assortment. |
| Netscape JavaScript Resources | Get it from the horses mouth. Everything you wanted to know about JavaScript but were afraid to ask. Looking for the definitive browser redirect that supports both Internet Explorer and Netscape version 5 browsers? This is _the_ place. |
| WebReference JavaScript Links | Links to tutorials, collections, specs, discussion groups and magazines. A great starting point for a serious look at JavaScript. |
As with free Perl scripts it is important to remember that these scripts are written by human beings. Some of the scripts you will run across on the net will be better than others. To that end, I reiterate the warning I offer in the CGI section as well: Check out the demos. If the author can't make it work, chances are good that it won't work for you. ;-) JavaScript does have some serious compatibility issues however if you are willing and able to take the time to workaround these properly, all visitors will be able to access your pages and most will enjoy the added functionality of the JavaScripts you include.
In closing, I thought I'd point you to one of my favorite little JavaScript treats. This JavaScript which I found at Doc Ozone's is only supported on Netscape version 4 browsers and displays little images buzzing as they follow your mouse. On this page, they are little apples, much like the ones you see on this site. If you have a little understanding of coding web pages, you can view the source of the page with your browser, copy the necessary code and incorporate it into a page of your own with the images of your choice. Please make sure to leave the comments which give credit to the creators. Here's the direct link so only use it if you have NS4.X.
Enjoy!
