Evolution of JavaScript and History
The History of
JavaScript
JavaScript is everywhere, and for the seventh year in a row, it has been
ranked the most commonly used programming language, with 67.8% of
developers employing it in 2019. Its ascent to the world’s most popular
programming language is synonymous with the rise of the internet itself.
Created out of necessity, it is used to build 95.2% (1.52 billion) of websites
today, including some of the world’s largest, like Facebook and YouTube.
Without it, we would not have popular and useful web apps such as Google
Maps and eBay.
So, without further ado, let’s take a look at what JavaScript is, how and why it
was created, and what’s next for the language.
What Is JavaScript?
JavaScript is a scripting language that is one of the three core languages
used to develop websites. Whereas HTML and CSS give a website structure
and style, JavaScript lets you add functionality and behaviors to your website,
allowing your website’s visitors to interact with content in many imaginative
ways.
JavaScript is primarily a client-side language, meaning it runs on your
computer within your browser. However, more recently the introduction of
Node.js has allowed JavaScript to also execute code on servers.
Since its release, JavaScript has surpassed Java, Flash, and other
languages because it is relatively easy to learn, has a free and open
community, and, most importantly, is incredibly useful, allowing developers to
quickly create apps with audiences in the millions.
JavaScript Origins
The early to mid-1990s was an important time for the internet. Key players like
Netscape and Microsoft were in the midst of browser wars, with Netscape’s
Navigator and Microsoft’s Internet Explorer going head to head.
In September 1995, a Netscape programmer named Brandan Eich developed
a new scripting language in just 10 days. It was originally named Mocha, but
quickly became known as LiveScript and, later, JavaScript.
The History of
JavaScript
JavaScript is everywhere, and for the seventh year in a row, it has been
ranked the most commonly used programming language, with 67.8% of
developers employing it in 2019. Its ascent to the world’s most popular
programming language is synonymous with the rise of the internet itself.
Created out of necessity, it is used to build 95.2% (1.52 billion) of websites
today, including some of the world’s largest, like Facebook and YouTube.
Without it, we would not have popular and useful web apps such as Google
Maps and eBay.
So, without further ado, let’s take a look at what JavaScript is, how and why it
was created, and what’s next for the language.
What Is JavaScript?
JavaScript is a scripting language that is one of the three core languages
used to develop websites. Whereas HTML and CSS give a website structure
and style, JavaScript lets you add functionality and behaviors to your website,
allowing your website’s visitors to interact with content in many imaginative
ways.
JavaScript is primarily a client-side language, meaning it runs on your
computer within your browser. However, more recently the introduction of
Node.js has allowed JavaScript to also execute code on servers.
Since its release, JavaScript has surpassed Java, Flash, and other
languages because it is relatively easy to learn, has a free and open
community, and, most importantly, is incredibly useful, allowing developers to
quickly create apps with audiences in the millions.
JavaScript Origins
The early to mid-1990s was an important time for the internet. Key players like
Netscape and Microsoft were in the midst of browser wars, with Netscape’s
Navigator and Microsoft’s Internet Explorer going head to head.
In September 1995, a Netscape programmer named Brandan Eich developed
a new scripting language in just 10 days. It was originally named Mocha, but
quickly became known as LiveScript and, later, JavaScript.
