# JavaScript

> high-level programming language

**Wikidata**: [Q2005](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2005)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JavaScript)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/javascript

## Summary

JavaScript was influenced by Self, Java, LiveScript, Lua, HyperTalk, and Python.[1]

## Summary
JavaScript is a high-level, dynamic, and interpreted programming language primarily used for web development. Created in 1995 by Brendan Eich, it was initially named LiveScript before being renamed to JavaScript to capitalize on Java's popularity. It is standardized by ECMAScript and is a core technology of the World Wide Web.

## Key Facts
- **Inception**: JavaScript was first released on December 4, 1995, by Netscape Communications Corporation.
- **Designed by**: Brendan Eich, a former Netscape employee.
- **Standardization**: It is standardized by ECMAScript, with the latest version being ECMAScript 2023.
- **Use cases**: Primarily used for client-side scripting in web browsers, enabling dynamic content and interactivity.
- **Paradigms**: Supports multi-paradigm programming, including imperative, functional, and prototype-based programming.
- **File extensions**: Commonly uses `.js` for JavaScript files.
- **Ownership**: Initially owned by Sun Microsystems (now Oracle Corporation) due to trademark issues.
- **Alternatives**: Direct competitors include Python, Java, PHP, and TypeScript.
- **Influenced by**: Languages like Self, Java, and Scheme.

## FAQs
### Q: What is JavaScript used for?
A: JavaScript is primarily used for client-side scripting in web browsers to create dynamic and interactive web pages. It is also used for server-side development with frameworks like Node.js.

### Q: Who created JavaScript?
A: JavaScript was created by Brendan Eich, a former Netscape employee, in 1995.

### Q: What is the difference between JavaScript and ECMAScript?
A: JavaScript is the programming language, while ECMAScript is the standard that defines its syntax and features. JavaScript implements ECMAScript specifications.

### Q: Is JavaScript the same as JScript?
A: Yes, JScript is Microsoft's implementation of JavaScript, and the two are largely compatible, though there are some differences in certain edge cases.

### Q: What are the latest versions of JavaScript?
A: The latest versions of JavaScript are ECMAScript 2023, ECMAScript 2022, and ECMAScript 2021, each introducing new features and improvements.

## Why It Matters
JavaScript is one of the most influential programming languages in history, revolutionizing web development by enabling dynamic and interactive web pages. Its widespread adoption has made it a cornerstone of modern web technologies, powering everything from simple websites to complex web applications. JavaScript's integration with HTML and CSS allows developers to create rich user experiences, making it essential for both front-end and back-end development. Its versatility and ease of use have contributed to its dominance in the programming landscape, making it a critical skill for developers worldwide.

## Notable For
- **Web Dominance**: JavaScript is the primary language for web development, powering 95% of websites.
- **Node.js**: Enabled server-side JavaScript execution, expanding its use beyond browsers.
- **Frameworks**: Supported by major frameworks like React, Angular, and Vue.js.
- **Cross-Platform**: Runs on all major browsers and operating systems.
- **Open Standard**: Governed by Ecma International, ensuring broad compatibility.

## Body
### History and Development
JavaScript was created in 1995 by Brendan Eich at Netscape Communications Corporation. Initially named LiveScript, it was renamed to JavaScript to leverage Java's popularity. The language was standardized as ECMAScript in 1997 by Ecma International.

### Technical Specifications
JavaScript is a dynamic, weakly typed language that supports object-oriented, imperative, and functional programming styles. It features prototype-based inheritance and first-class functions. The language includes built-in objects like `Array`, `Date`, and `Math`, as well as control structures like `if`, `for`, and `while`.

### Versions and Standards
JavaScript's evolution is governed by ECMAScript standards. Key versions include:
- **ECMAScript 5.1** (2011)
- **ECMAScript 6 (ES2015)** (2015), introducing features like arrow functions, classes, and modules.
- **ECMAScript 2023** (latest as of 2023), adding new features like array grouping and changes to class fields.

### Usage and Impact
JavaScript is essential for web development, enabling dynamic content and interactivity. It is supported by all major web browsers and is used in conjunction with HTML and CSS. The language's popularity is further amplified by frameworks like React, Angular, and Vue.js, which simplify complex web development tasks.

### Competitors and Alternatives
JavaScript competes with other programming languages in web development, including:
- **Python**: Known for its simplicity and readability.
- **Java**: A statically typed language with strong enterprise support.
- **PHP**: A server-side scripting language popular for web development.
- **TypeScript**: A superset of JavaScript that adds static typing.

### Future Developments
The JavaScript community continues to evolve, with ongoing discussions about future ECMAScript proposals. The language's flexibility and community support ensure its continued relevance in software development.

```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "ComputerLanguage",
  "name": "JavaScript",
  "description": "A high-level, dynamic, and interpreted programming language primarily used for web development.",
  "url": "https://www.ecma-international.org/publications-and-standards/standards/ecma-262/",
  "sameAs": ["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q150", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JavaScript"],
  "dateCreated": "1995-12-04",
  "creator": {
    "@type": "Person",
    "name": "Brendan Eich"
  },
  "programmingModel": "Multi-paradigm",
  "applicationCategory": "Web Development",
  "programmingLanguage": "ECMAScript",
  "codeRepository": "https://github.com/tc39/ecma262",
  "license": "ECMAScript License"
}

## References

1. Encyclopædia Britannica
2. [Netscape and Sun announce JavaScript, the open, cross-platform object scripting language for enterprise networks and the internet. 1995](http://wp.netscape.com/newsref/pr/newsrelease67.html)
3. [Trademark Status & Document Retrieval](http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=75026640&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch)
4. [Source](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOmhtfTrRxc&t=2m5s)
5. [ECMAScript 2016 Language Specification](http://www.ecma-international.org/ecma-262/7.0/index.html)
6. [ECMAScript 2015 Language Specification](http://www.ecma-international.org/ecma-262/6.0/index.html)
7. [ECMAScript Language Specification](http://www.ecma-international.org/ecma-262/5.1/index.html)
8. [ECMAScript 2017 Language Specification](https://www.ecma-international.org/ecma-262/8.0/)
9. [ECMAScript 2018 Language Specification](https://www.ecma-international.org/ecma-262/9.0/)
10. [ECMAScript 2019 Language Specification](https://www.ecma-international.org/ecma-262/10.0/)
11. [ECMAScript 2020 Language Specification](https://www.ecma-international.org/ecma-262/11.0/)
12. [ECMAScript® 2021 language specification. 2021](https://262.ecma-international.org/12.0/)
13. [ECMAScript® 2022 Language Specification. 2022](https://262.ecma-international.org/13.0/)
14. [ECMAScript® 2023 Language Specification. 2023](https://262.ecma-international.org/14.0/)
15. [ECMAScript® 2024 Language Specification. 2024](https://262.ecma-international.org/15.0/)
16. [ECMAScript® 2025 Language Specification. 2024](https://tc39.es/ecma262/)
17. [Source](https://marketplace.sshopencloud.eu/tool-or-service/x9cgZf)
18. [The JavaScript Programming Language. 2007](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2ifWcnQs6M)
19. [Source](https://wp.netscape.com/newsref/pr/newsrelease67.html)
20. [1995](https://web.archive.org/web/20070916144913/http://wp.netscape.com/newsref/pr/newsrelease67.html)
21. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
22. [Speaking JavaScript](http://speakingjs.com/es5/ch03.html#_influences)
23. RFC 9239: Updates to ECMAScript Media Types
24. [Source](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/HTTP/Basics_of_HTTP/MIME_types)
25. [Newest 'javascript' Questions - Stack Overflow](https://stackoverflow.com/questions/tagged/javascript)
26. [Source](https://medium.freecodecamp.org/whats-the-difference-between-javascript-and-ecmascript-cba48c73a2b5)
27. [(1) #Javascript - Twitter Search / Twitter](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Javascript?src=hashtag_click)
28. [UriSchemes/javascript - W3C Wiki. 2003](https://www.w3.org/wiki/UriSchemes/javascript)
29. [The 'javascript' resource identifier scheme. 2010](https://tools.ietf.org/html/draft-hoehrmann-javascript-scheme-03)
30. [JavaScript | HTML & CSS Wiki | Fandom](https://htmlcss.fandom.com/wiki/JavaScript)
31. [Source](http://speakingjs.com/es5/ch04.html)
32. FactGrid
33. National Library of Israel
34. KBpedia
35. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)
36. [JavaScript MBTI Stereotypes: ENFP](https://www.personality-database.com/profile/379103/javascript-languages-incl-programming-language-mbti-personality-type)