| JavaScript is a compact, object-based scripting language for developing client and server Internet applications. JavaScript statements can be embedded directly in an HTML page. These statements can recognize and respond to user events such as mouse clicks, form input, and page navigation. For example, you can write a JavaScript function to verify that users enter valid information into a form. Without any network transmission, an HTML page with embedded JavaScript can interpret the entered text and alert the user with a message dialog if the input is invalid. Or you can use JavaScript to perform an action (such as play an audio file, execute an applet, or communicate with a plug-in) in response to the user opening or exiting a page. |
JavaScript is a programmable API that allows cross-platform scripting of events, objects, and actions. It allows the page designer to access events such as startups, exits, and users' mouse clicks. JavaScript extends the programmatic capabilities of Netscape Navigator (and to a slightly lesser extent, Microsoft's Internet Explorer) to a wide range of authors, and is easy enough for anyone who can compose HTML. Because JavaScript is part of LiveConnect, you can use it to create interaction between HTML, plug-ins, and Java. LiveConnect enables:
 | Navigator plug-ins loaded on a page to interact with JavaScripts running on the same page. |
| Java applets loaded on a page to communicate with JavaScripts running on the same page, and vice versa. |
Using JavaScript, even less-experienced developers will be able to direct responses from a variety of events, objects, and actions. It provides anyone who can compose HTML with the ability to change images and play different sounds in response to specified events, such as a users' mouse click or screen exit and entry.