Beginning JavaScript - Paul Wilton

"With my book, you′ll gain a thorough understanding of the JavaScript language, learning all the key concepts from the ground up. The knowledge you′ll gain here will help you to start programming exciting and powerful web applications."

JavaScript is the language of the Web. Used for programming all major browsers, JavaScript gives you the ability to enhance your web site by creating interactive, dynamic and personalized pages. Our focus in this book is on client–side scripting, but JavaScript is also hugely popular as a scripting language in server–side environments, a subject that we cover in later chapters.

Beginning JavaScript assumes no prior knowledge of programming languages, and teaches you all the fundamental concepts that you need as you progress. After covering the core JavaScript language, you’ll move on to learn about more advanced techniques, including Dynamic HTML, using cookies, debugging techniques, and server–side scripting with ASP. By the end of this book, you will have mastered the art of using JavaScript to create dynamic and professional–looking web pages.

Who is this book for?

This book is for anyone who wants to learn JavaScript. You will need a very basic knowledge of HTML, but no prior programming experience is necessary. Whether you want to pick up some programming skills, or want to find out how to transfer your existing programming knowledge to the Web, then this book is for you. All you need is a text editor (like Notepad) and a browser, and you′re ready to go!

What does this book cover?

• Fundamental programming concepts


• Comprehensive practical tutorial in JavaScript


• Cross–browser scripting, including Netscape 6


• Cookie creation and use


• Plug–ins and ActiveX controls


• Dynamic HTML


• Scripting the W3C DOM


• Server–side JavaScript with ASP