ECMAScript and JavaScript
ECMA
● ECMA (European Computer Manufacturers Association) is an
international standards organization responsible for standardizing
ECMAScript, which serves as the foundation for JavaScript and other
scripting languages. This note provides a comprehensive overview of
ECMA, explains the difference between ECMAScript and JavaScript,
and highlights the main purpose of ECMA standards for JavaScript.
● Founded in 1961, ECMA consists of member organizations
representing various industry sectors, including technology companies,
standards bodies, and government agencies.
● The organization focuses on developing and maintaining standards to
promote interoperability and facilitate technological advancements.
ECMAScript vs. JavaScript:
ECMAScript:
● ECMAScript refers to the standardized scripting language specification
governed by the ECMA organization.
● It defines the syntax, semantics, and behavior of scripting languages,
including JavaScript.
● It provides a common foundation for multiple implementations, ensuring
consistency and interoperability across platforms.
JavaScript:
● JavaScript is a popular programming language that serves as an
implementation of the ECMAScript specification.
● It encompasses the ECMAScript rules, features, and core functionality,
while also incorporating additional capabilities such as DOM
manipulation, AJAX, and APIs specific to web browsers.
Purpose of ECMA Standards for JavaScript:
Interoperability
● The primary objective of ECMA standards for JavaScript is to promote
interoperability across different implementations.
● By establishing a common set of rules and specifications, developers
can write code that works consistently across various JavaScript
engines, browsers, and platforms.
Stability
● ECMA standards provide a stable foundation for the JavaScript
language. They ensure that core language features, syntax, and
semantics remain consistent over time, reducing compatibility issues
and enabling long-term code maintenance.
Language Evolution
● ECMA standards facilitate the evolution of the JavaScript language.
Through a standardized process, proposals for new language features,
enhancements, and modifications can be reviewed, refined, and
incorporated into future ECMAScript versions.
● This enables JavaScript to stay relevant and adapt to the changing
needs of the web development community.
Collaboration and Consensus
● The ECMA standards process encourages collaboration among
developers, implementers, and other stakeholders.
● It provides a platform for the JavaScript community to actively
participate in shaping the language, making decisions collectively, and
ensuring that the standards reflect the needs and perspectives of a
diverse range of developers.