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If you are a Dreamweaver user, you have probably seen JavaScript functions automatically added to your web pages such as MM_preloadImages(), MM_swapImgRestore() etc. which make creating web pages so much easier. Most of easy and convenient functions/options that Dreamweaver offers are written in JavaScript and Dreamweaver continues to implement more features using JavaScript technology so that "we" don't have to add scripts ourselves any longer. Bottom line, it will make your lives that much easier if you know JavaScript when you develop beyond “the basic” level of websites or web-based media.

What is JavaScript?

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

JavaScript, in its more modern form, is an object-based scripting programming language based on the concept of prototypes. The language is best known for its use in websites, but is also used to enable scripting access to objects embedded in other applications. It was originally developed by Brendan Eich of Netscape Communications Corporation under the name Mocha, then LiveScript, and finally renamed to JavaScript. Some are of the opinion that JavaScript has a syntax close to that of Sun Microsystems’ Java programming language. Other than its name and syntax, the language has more in common with the Self programming language than with Java.  
More Web definitons of JavaScript

What You Should Already Know?

Before you continue you should have some basic understanding of the following:

  • WWW, HTML and the basics of building Web pages

If you want to study these subjects first, before you start reading about CSS, you can find the tutorials you need at W3Schools' Home Page.

Original Content - http://www.w3schools.com/js/js_intro.asp

Pros and Cons of JavaScript

Like all computer languages, JavaScript has certain advantages and disadvantages. Many of the pros and cons are related to being a client-side language.

Advantages of JavaScript

  • Speed. Being client-side, JavaScript is very fast because any code functions can be run immediately instead of having to contact the server and wait for an answer.
  • Simplicity. JavaScript is relatively simple to learn and implement.
  • Versatility. JavaScript plays nicely with other languages and can be used in a huge variety of applications. Unlike PHP or SSI scripts, JavaScript can be inserted into any web page regardless of the file extension. JavaScript can also be used inside scripts written in other languages such as Perl and PHP.
  • Server Load. Being client-side reduces the demand on the website server

Disadvantages of JavaScript

  • Security. Because the code executes on the users' computer, in some cases it can be exploited for malicious purposes. This is one reason some people choose to disable JavaScript.
  • Reliance on End User. JavaScript is sometimes interpreted differently by different browsers. Whereas server-side scripts will always produce the same output, client-side scripts can be a little unpredictable. Don't be overly concerned by this though - as long as you test your script in all the major browsers you should be safe.

Original Content - http://www.mediacollege.com/internet/javascript/pros-cons.html

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Tutorials

Because JavaScript is a scripting language and embedded in HTML, you should at least have basic knowledge of HTML and scripting languages. For most of us, there are plenty of open source examples available and it is only a matter of knowing what you want and searching for it.

If you do not have any idea of basic HTML tags and never even paid enough attention to the Code View in Dreamweaver, it will be just a little bit harder. Try to find a couple of tutorials or books that suit you and just do it.

Here are several free tutorial links that I came across.

Keep in mind that you do not need to learn how to "code/script" and/or start creating functions on your own in JavaScript unless you want to.

JavaScript Examples

There are many websites that offer free JavaScript examples which you can simply copy-paste them into your web pages and manipulate the scripts within your skill level. Most of JavaScript examples on my website are from below links and you will find more than enough by exploring them.

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I am no expert by any means but I believe in learning in a community of practice or a learning community with lots of active social interactions. If you need the kind of interactions with me learning/using JavaScript, please do not hesitate to contact me via email.
 
 
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