1 - Javascript:Intro
What
is Javascript? (gotta love the web...)
A scripting language from Netscape that is only marginally related to Java.
Java and JavaScript are not the same thing. JavaScript was designed to resemble
Java, which in turn looks a lot like C and C++. The difference is that Java
was built as a general-purpose object language, while JavaScript is intended
to provide a quicker and simpler language for enhancing Web pages and servers.
JavaScript is embedded as a small program in a web page that is interpreted
and executed by the Web client. The scriptor controls the time and nature of
the execution, and JavaScript functions can be called from within a Web document,
often executed by mouse functions, buttons, or other actions from the user.
JavaScript can be used to fully control Netscape and Microsoft Web browsers,
including all the familiar browser attributes.
What is ECMAScript?
ECMAScript, the ECMA standard ECMA-262, is a procedural scripting language based
on JavaScript and is dedicated to be a pattern for other scripting languages
with similar needs. One well known script language that is based on ECMAScript
is WMLScript (WML%3DWireless Markup Language), that is used for mobile phones,
handhelds and other devices that meets the WAP (Wireless Application Protocol)
standard.
OK, so what's this ECMA thing?
European Carton Manufacturers Association? Nope.
East Coast Music Association? Nope.
European
Computer Manufacturer's Association. (this is a really poor use of style
sheets...). A European trade organization that issues its own standards and
is a member of the ISO.