Introduction

JavaScript, originally dubbed LiveScript, is Netscape's client-side, object-oriented programming language for web-based applications. Client-side means actions are performed by the web browser, without any data transmitted over the net. Object-oriented means information is organized in terms of objects which have properties (descriptions) and methods (actions) -- descriptions like name, status, images and actions like open and close. Methods require parentheses to pass parameters, even if no parameters are passed.

JavaScript may sound like a distant cousin of Java (Sun Microsystems' object-oriented programming language) but aside from the fact both can extend the capabilitities of a web browser, the two languages are entirely unrelated.

JavaScript can help improve the form (aesthics) of a web site such as JavaScript roll-overs (i.e. a picture of a raised button appears to be pushed in when you move the mouse over it). JavaScript can also improve the function of a web site, for example, by providing client-side form validation (which means less wasted bandwidth since validation JavaScript validates the data before sending the information).

This site is not a tutorial; it's more of a reference manual. Hence the title of these sections: "Webtop Reference." For an excellent tutorial, check out Thau's JavaScript tutorial at Wired's Webmonkey site. He provides an excellent 5-day beginner and 5-day advance tutorial.

Thua's Beginning and Advance JavaScript Tutorial
http://www.hotwired.com/webmonkey/javascript/

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