JavaScript A Underdog Story
For a long time, languages like C++ and Java have dominated the programming world. And while lightweight languages like PHP have made a name for themselves in server-side development, nothing quite compares to the versatility of JavaScript when it comes to client-side scripting.
Unfortunately, many people still see JavaScript as a small, simple scripting language with limited capabilities. But the truth is, JavaScript is much more powerful than people give it credit for.
History
JavaScript has come a long way since it was first developed by Brendan Each in just ten days back in May 1995. Originally called Mocha, it was later renamed to LiveScript and eventually JavaScript. But for JavaScript to become widely adopted, it needed to be standardized. In 1996-1997, it was taken to the European Computer Manufacturers Association (ECMA) to create a standard specification known as ECMAScript. JavaScript is the most well-known implementation of this standard, with ActionScript 3 being another notable implementation.
JavaScript Now
JavaScript has evolved dramatically over the past few years. No longer just a client-side scripting language, it has become a full-fledged dynamic programming language capable of providing dynamic interactivity on websites. And the best part? Learning JavaScript is much easier than you might think. Even if you only have a basic understanding of programming, JavaScript’s freedom and versatility make it easy to learn and use.
Programming
One of the most valuable features of JavaScript is its support for object-oriented programming (OOP). By using self-contained pieces of code called objects, developers can build applications that use techniques like inheritance, polymorphism, and encapsulation. With encapsulation, we can hide an object’s internal workings from the rest of the application, which allows us to abstract or localize specific functionalities. Inheritance, on the other hand, allows an object to inherit methods and properties from a parent object.
Functional programming is another powerful technique that JavaScript supports. By using pure functions and avoiding shared state, mutable data, and side-effects, developers can build software that is declarative rather than imperative. This allows the application state to flow through pure functions, making it easier to manage and maintain.
Other Technologies
JavaScript’s capabilities don’t stop there. Thanks to technologies like Node.js, you can now use JavaScript for server-side development as well. NoSQL databases like MongoDB and CouchDB owe much of their existence to JavaScript. And if you’re interested in creating desktop applications, there are plenty of tools available like app.js, tangible.js, and Electron.
In short, JavaScript is a highly versatile language with a vast array of frameworks and libraries. With Microsoft pioneering the development of MEAN, a combination of MongoDB, Express, AngularJS, and Node.js, and Google and Microsoft coming together for TypeScript with Angular 2, the future looks bright for JavaScript. So why not give it a try and see what all the fuss is about?