Beginning JavaScript (Programmer to Programmer)

JavaScript is the preferred programming language for Web page applications, letting you enhance your sites with interactive, dynamic, and personalized pages. This fully updated guide shows you how to take advantage of JavaScript's client-side scripting techniques for the newest versions of NetscapeR and Internet ExplorerR, even if you've never programmed before.You will begin with basic syntax and learn about data types and how to structure code for decision-making. Then you'll learn to use dates, strings, and other basic objects of JavaScript. Next, you will see how to use JavaScript to manipulate objects provided by the browser, such as forms and windows. From there you will move into advanced topics like using cookies and dynamic HTML.After you have a solid foundation, you will explore dynamic generation of Web content using server-side scripting and back-end databases. And you'll practice what you learn by building a sample application as you go.What you will learn from this book * What types of data are used in JavaScript * How to identify and correct flaws in your code * Techniques for programming the browser * How to use MicrosoftR Script Debugger and Netscape Script Debugger * Ways to manage cross-browser issues * How JavaScript interacts with XML and HTMLWho this book is forThis book is for anyone who wants to learn JavaScript programming. You should have some understanding of HTML and how to create static Web pages, but no prior programming experience is necessary.Wrox Beginning guides are crafted to make learning programming languages and technologies easier than you think, providing a structured, tutorial format that will guide you through all the techniques involved. JavaScript is a scripting language that enables you to enhance static web applications by providing dynamic, personalized, and interactive content. This improves the experience of visitors to your site and makes it more likely that they will visit again. You must have seen the flashy drop-down menus, moving text, and changing content that are now widespread on web sitesthey are enabled through JavaScript. Supported by all the major browsers, JavaScript is the language of choice on the Web. It can even be used outside web applicationsto automate administrative tasks, for example. This book aims to teach you all you need to know to start experimenting with what it is, how it works, and what you can do with it. Starting from the basic syntax, you'll move on to learn how to create powerful web applications. Don't worry if you've never programmed beforethis book will teach you all you need to know, step by step. You'll find that JavaScript can be a great introduction to the world of programming: with the knowledge and understanding that you'll gain from this book, you'll be able to move on to learn newer and more advanced technologies in the world of computing. In order to get the most out of this book, you'll need to have an understanding of HTML and how to create a static web page. You don't need to have any programming experience. This book will also suit you if you have some programming experience already, and would like to turn your hand to web programming. You will know a fair amount about computing concepts, but maybe not as much about web technologies. Alternatively, you may have a design background and know relatively little about the Web and computing concepts. For you, JavaScript will be a cheap and relatively easy introduction to the world of programming and web application development. Whoever you are, we hope that this book lives up to your expectations. You'll begin by looking at exactly what JavaScript is, and taking your first steps with the underlying language and syntax. You'll learn all the fundamental programming concepts, including data and data types, and structuring your code to make decisions in your programs or to loop over the same piece of code many times. Once you're comfortable with the basics, you'll move on to one of the key ideas in JavaScriptthe object. You'll learn how to take advantage of the objects that are native to the JavaScript language, such as dates and strings, and find out how these objects enable you to manage complex data and simplify your programs. Next, you'll see how you can use JavaScript to manipulate objects made available to you in the browser, such as forms, windows, and other controls. Using this knowledge, you can start to create truly professional-looking applications that enable you to interact with the user. Long pieces of code are very hard to get right every timeeven for the experienced programmerand JavaScript code is no exception. You look at common syntax and logical errors, how you can spot them, and how to use the Microsoft Script Debugger to aid you with this task. Also, you need to examine how to handle the errors that slip through the net, and ensure that these do not detract from the experience of the end user of your application. From here, you'll move on to more advanced topics, such as using cookies and jazzing up your web pages with dynamic HTML and XML. Finally, you'll be looking at a relatively new and exciting technology, remote scripting. This allows your JavaScript in a HTML page to communicate directly with a server, and useful for, say, looking up information on a database sitting on your server. If you have the Google toolbar you'll have seen something like this in action already. When you type a search word in the Google toolbar, it comes up with suggestions, which it gets via the Google search database. All the new concepts introduced in this book will be illustrated with practical examples, which enable you to experiment with JavaScript and build on the theory that you have just learned. The appendix provides solutions to the exercises included at the end of most chapters throughout the book. During the first half of the book, you'll also be building up a more complex sample applicationan online trivia quizwhich will show you how JavaScript is used in action in a real-world situation. JavaScript is the preferred programming language for Web page applications, letting you enhance your sites with interactive, dynamic, and personalized pages. This fully updated guide shows you how to take advantage of JavaScript's client-side scripting techniques for the newest versions of Netscape and Internet Explorer, even if you've never programmed before. You will begin with basic syntax and learn about data types and how to structure code for decision-making. Then you'll learn to use dates, strings, and other basic objects of JavaScript. Next, you will see how to use JavaScript to manipulate objects provided by the browser, such as forms and windows. From there you will move into advanced topics like using cookies and dynamic HTML. After you have a solid foundation, you will explore dynamic generation of Web content using server-side scripting and back-end databases. And you'll practice what you learn by building a sample application as you go. This book is for anyone who wants to learn JavaScript programming. You should have some understanding of HTML and how to create static Web pages, but no prior programming experience is necessary. Introduction to JavaScript and the Web Data types and variables Decisions, loops, and functions an object-based language Programming the browser HTML forms : interacting with the user Windows and frames String manipulation Date, time and timers Common mistakes, debugging, and error handling Storing information : cookies Dynamic HTML in early browsers Dynamic HTML in modern browsers JavaScript and XML Using ActiveX and Plug-Ins with JavaScript Server-side scripting with ASP Databases. Assuming a familiarity with HTML, this guide explains how to manage complex data with objects in the JavaScript language, manipulate strings, locate syntax and logical errors, use cookies, jazz up web pages with Dynamic HTML, and insert server-side scripting into a web page using active server pages (ASP). A sample online trivia quiz application running throughout the book ties the concepts together. Annotation : 2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com) Assuming no prior programming knowledge, this book helps readers learn JavaScript and use this knowledge for practical purposes on their Web sites to create interesting, useful and dynamic sites. Its primary focus is on practical application of JavaScript to Web site creation.