Last Modified: 12/5/98
Intro to JavaScript

Introduction to JavaScript for the Web


Credit: J Hestor/ASU/NASA)

Description
This is an introductory class that outlines the purpose, structure, and applications of JavaScript for the WWW. It makes extensive use of examples to explain the elements of the JavaScript language and how it can be applied to control and enhance WWW pages.

What You Will Learn
Specifically, it discusses the purpose and goals of JavaScript, dispells some of its myths, and demonstrates the relationship of JavaScript to HTML, DHTML, Java, JScript, VBscript, and CGI scripts; introduces the syntax and concepts for major elements of the language, such as classes, arrays, functions, and the major WWW objects, including the Window and Document objects; demonstrates program flow and navigation of objects in a browser; and illustrates these concepts with (1) Forms Verification, (2) user-controlled animation, (3) navigation and control of browser objects (Windows, Documents, and other objects), (4) cookies, and (5) animation and mouse-control of DHTML elements, such as CSS and positioning.

The first part of the class is lecture-style, where the concepts are introduced and illustrated with small examples. The second part features (optional) homework assignments along with hands-on modification of the major examples.

We also provide pointers to additional information, in terms of free online JavaScript and DHTML tutorials, on-line for-fee courses, and related C&C and UWired courses.

Note: this class is meant to be viewed using Microsoft Internet Explorer 4 (or above). Other browsers, such as Netscape, will not work for many of the examples.

Instructor
Larry Gales

Prerequisites
knowledge of a modern programming language, such as C, C++, Perl, Java. Knowledge of programming variables, control structures, functions or subroutines, is essential, as is a working knowledge of the WWW and building web pages with HTML. t