Javascript Guide

Section Contents

Getting Started
For Loops
Variables
Arrays
Operators
Functions
Using Forms
The Quiz Script
List Boxes
Dynamic Menus
Message Script
More With Forms
The Date Object

About This Section

This is a self-study introduction to Javascript. You must have a working knowledge of HTML before attempting to follow this guide. If you have never used Javascript before or have only copied and pasted the code of other programmers, then you should work through the exercises in order. This is by no means a complete reference to Javascript. Many items have not been included. It is, however, designed to allow you to start using Javascript in your web pages as quickly as possible.

Compatibility

All of these scripts work on Internet Explorer 5.5 and above and most will work on other browsers of this generation. Some scripts may not work on other browsers and earlier versions of IE.

If You Take Your Javascript Seriously

If you want to make serious progress with Javascript, you will have to learn about the way that the language is structured. There is a huge amount of material on the web and there are many tutorials that you could read. I find books can be more helpful at the beginning and tend to use online references when I have a good grip on the basics. The Dummies guide gives a good basic introduction. Javascript, The Definitive Guide, written by David Flanagan and published by O'Reilly is a must have for mad keen Javascripters.

What is Javascript?

Javascript is an interpreted programming language. It integrates with HTML to allow web authors to provide interactivity in their web pages. This guide deals with client-side Javascript programming where code contained in HTML files is run on the browser's computer. Javascript can be used to alter the style settings of the elements on the page to create some stunning effects.