JavaScript is a popular programming language that is commonly used to create interactive web pages. This lightweight tool is embedded within the visitor’s computer to prevent frequent downloads. As one of the most popular scripting language on the Internet today, JavaScript works with all major browsers, including Firefox, Internet Explorer, Opera, Safari, and Chrome. There are many useful features associated with JavaScript that allow web users to enhance their web page without purchasing a license. JavaScript is popular among web designers as the scripting language consists of a very simple syntax. It can also be used to validate data, read and write HTML elements, react to events, detect the visitor’s browser, and even create cookies. Learn about the many advantages of installing JavaScript to your computer, as well as how to download and enable the software.
There are many reasons for downloading and using JavaScript on your computer. It allows users to create a more sophisticated user interface and makes a web page feel more inviting. JavaScript runs many common page effects, such as embedded audio, print page elements, scrolling banners, flying text, news scrollers, image transitions, and toggle buttons, among others. When JavaScript is enabled, websites becomes easier to explore and more appealing to the eye. JavaScript not only provides access to various HTML objects, it also gives access to platform and browser-specific objects, such as Adobe Acrobat and Media Player plug-ins. It also has the ability to send and receive information using these platform objects. Newer versions of JavaScript are being developed everyday, such as Visual JavaScript. This is a component-based visual developed tool is commonly used by programmers who want to build cross-platform Internet-based applications.
Although most web browsers are capable of running JavaScript, the support may be disabled. To test your computer to see if JavaScript is enabled, the following tricks can be performed. Begin by looking inside the tag. If a browser is able to support Java, the display will typically show as “This web browser can run Java applets” and a section of the text will be linked in blue. If the browser does not support Java, a display that says “This web browser can NOT run Java applets” should appear. JavaScript can also be manually enabled or disabled through your web browser. In Firefox 3.6.10, JavaScript can be enabled by selecting Tools, then Add-ons, then Plug-ins. Select both Java entries – Java Deployment Toolkit and Java Platform – and Java should work. If you are using Internet Explorer 8 with Windows XP, select Tools, then Manage Add-ons, then Toolbars and Extensions. Enable both Web Browser Applet Control (Active X Control) and Java Plug-in 2 SSV Helper (Browser Helper Object). If you are using Internet Explorer 8 with Windows 7, Java will already be enabled as it cannot be disabled on this browser. For Chrome version 6 users, simply enter “about:plugins” into the address bar to enable or disable JavaScript and other plug-ins.
Java can be downloaded from multiple trusted sources on the Internet. The official Java website is the original supplier of the free Java download that does not require a license and is free to use. It’s important to always download the most recent version of Java to ensure that all interactive features on visited web pages work properly. The automatic download for Java is for Windows users. However, the Java website offers downloads for other operating systems. These include Solaris, Linux, and Apple (OS X). Once you have selected your operating system and click Download, the software will run on your computer and install itself.
Java was designed with a few primary principals in mind. The creators wanted it to be easier to use, reliable, secure, and platform independent. Sun Microsystems was successful at combining these key principals to create one of the most popular, robust, and portable languages on the web today. To start programming in Java, users will need to download and install the software. The following links will provide you with additional information on Java, as well as a download link.