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JavaScript

TLDR: JavaScript is a programming language that is used to make websites interactive and dynamic. It is one of the core technologies of the World Wide Web, along with HTML and CSS.

JavaScript is a high-level programming language that is often used in web development. It is not to be confused with Java, which is a different programming language. JavaScript is used to add interactivity and dynamic behavior to websites. It is supported by all major web browsers and has a dedicated JavaScript engine to execute the code on users' devices.

JavaScript is a versatile language that supports multiple programming paradigms, including event-driven, functional, and imperative programming. It has APIs for working with text, dates, regular expressions, data structures, and the Document Object Model (DOM). However, it does not include built-in input/output capabilities like networking or graphics. Instead, web browsers provide JavaScript APIs for these functionalities.

JavaScript was created by Brendan Eich of Netscape in 1995. It was initially called LiveScript but was later renamed to JavaScript for marketing purposes. Despite its name, JavaScript is not directly related to Java. It gained popularity with the rise of the web and the need for dynamic web pages.

JavaScript has evolved over the years, with new features and standards being added. The ECMAScript standard defines the language specification, and new versions are released regularly. JavaScript is not limited to web browsers and is now used in server-side environments, mobile applications, and other non-browser applications.

JavaScript code is executed by a JavaScript engine, which can be found in web browsers and other runtime systems like Node.js. The engine uses just-in-time compilation to improve performance. JavaScript also relies on a run-time environment to interact with the web page's DOM and provide other functionalities.

JavaScript is a weakly typed language, meaning that types are implicitly cast depending on the operation used. It is dynamically typed, allowing for flexible and dynamic programming. JavaScript also supports object-oriented programming with its prototype-based inheritance model.

In addition to web development, JavaScript is used in various libraries and frameworks like jQuery, React, and Angular. These tools make it easier to develop complex web applications. JavaScript has a vibrant and active community, with many resources and tutorials available for learning and mastering the language.

Overall, JavaScript is a powerful and versatile programming language that plays a crucial role in web development and beyond.