What is Javascript?

JavaScript, a versatile scripting language created by Brendan Eich in 1995, is used by 97.9% of all websites and is integral to modern web development due to its ability to add interactivity and dynamic elements to web pages through the manipulation of the Document Object Model (DOM). Supported by all major web browsers, JavaScript powers various applications, from web and mobile apps to game development, and serves both client-side and server-side purposes with tools like Node.js. Understanding JavaScript is crucial for web developers and beneficial for web designers, offering a competitive advantage through enhanced collaboration with developers. Popular JavaScript frameworks, such as Angular, React.js, and Vue.js, provide pre-written code to streamline development processes, though a solid grasp of JavaScript itself is essential before delving into these frameworks. JavaScript is distinct from Java, despite their similar names, as the former is a scripting language used in browsers while Java is an object-oriented language used across various platforms. Compared to Python, JavaScript is utilized for both frontend and backend development, whereas Python is primarily favored for backend tasks and fields like data science and machine learning.