JavaScript® Fundamentals
What is JavaScript?
JavaScript is a programming language that is used to create interactive web pages. It is a client-side
scripting language, which means that it is executed by the user's web browser. JavaScript can be
used to do things like:
Add dynamic content to web pages
Respond to user events
Create animations and games
Variables and Data Types
Variables are used to store data in JavaScript. There are different types of data that can be stored in
variables, such as strings, numbers, booleans, and objects.
Strings are used to store text data.
Numbers are used to store numeric data.
Booleans are used to store true or false values.
Objects are used to store complex data structures.
Functions
Functions are used to group together a set of instructions that can be executed repeatedly.
Functions can be used to perform common tasks, such as validating user input or calculating a
mathematical expression.
Conditional Statements
Conditional statements are used to control the flow of execution of a JavaScript program.
Conditional statements allow you to execute different code depending on the value of a variable or
expression.
The if statement is used to execute code if a condition is met.
The else statement is used to execute code if a condition is not met.
The switch statement is used to execute code based on the value of a variable.
Loops
Loops are used to execute a block of code repeatedly. Loops can be used to iterate through a
collection of data or to perform a task a certain number of times.
The for loop is used to execute a block of code a specified number of times.
The while loop is used to execute a block of code as long as a condition is met.
The do-while loop is used to execute a block of code at least once, even if the condition is not met.
Objects
Objects are used to store complex data structures in JavaScript. Objects are made up of properties
and methods.
Properties are used to store data in an object.
Methods are used to perform actions on an object.
Events
Events are used to respond to user interactions with a web page. Events can be triggered by things
like mouse clicks, key presses, and form submissions.
Libraries and Frameworks
There are many JavaScript libraries and frameworks available that can help you to build complex
web applications. Some popular libraries and frameworks include:
jQuery
React
AngularJS
Vue.js
Conclusion
These are just some of the fundamentals of JavaScript. There is much more to learn about this
powerful programming language. However, if you understand the concepts in this 30 minute read,
you will be well on your way to becoming a JavaScript developer.
Here are some additional resources that you may find
helpful:
Mozilla Developer Network: https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/JavaScript
Eloquent JavaScript: https://eloquentjavascript.net/
JavaScript Tutorial: https://www.w3schools.com/js/
JavaScript® Syntax/Commands
var: The var keyword is used to declare a variable in
JavaScript. Variables can be used to store data, such as
numbers, strings, and objects.
function: The function keyword is used to declare a function
in JavaScript. Functions are blocks of code that can be
reused.
console.log: The console.log() function is used to print text
to the console. The console is a debugging tool that can be
used to see the output of JavaScript code.
alert(): The alert() function will display a pop-up message
with the text you specify. The prompt() function will
display a pop-up message that prompts the user to enter
text. The text that the user enters will then be displayed in a
pop-up message.
if...else: The if...else statement is used to control the flow
of execution of a JavaScript program. The if statement is
executed if the condition inside the parentheses is true.
The else statement is executed if the condition inside the
parentheses is false.
while: The while loop is used to execute a block of code
repeatedly until a condition is met.
for: The for loop is used to execute a block of code a
specific number of times.
switch: The switch statement is used to execute different
blocks of code depending on the value of a variable.
strings: Strings are a way of representing text in JavaScript.
Strings are enclosed in quotes, and they can contain any
characters, including spaces.
numbers: Numbers are a way of representing numeric
values in JavaScript. They can be integers or floating-point
numbers.
booleans: Booleans are a way of representing true or false
values in JavaScript. They can be the values true or false.
operators: Operators are used to perform operations on
variables and expressions. There are many different types of
operators in JavaScript, including arithmetic operators,
logical operators, and comparison operators.
arrays: Arrays are a data structure that can store a collection
of elements. The elements of an array can be of any type,
including numbers, strings, objects, or even other arrays.
objects: Objects are a data structure that can store a
collection of properties. Each property has a name and a
value. The values of properties can be of any type, including
numbers, strings, objects, or even other arrays.
