What is JavaScript?

Published by UCode Research on May 13, 2022

What is JavaScript? No matter what your child’s interests are, they may find coding might be something to look into! They are probably thinking, “there is no way I am smart enough” or “that is something only nerds know how to do.”

We want to show you how achievable this could be.

Computer programming jobs are hot on the market and pay far above other career fields. Here is an introduction to JavaScript, and how learning to code can change your life.

What is JavaScript?

If the concept of code is as foreign to you as another language, this is going to sound super complicated, but we promise you will get the hang of it.

JavaScript is a scripting or programming language used to create features on a web page. So anytime you have clicked on links, buttons, dropdowns, seen animations, or an interactive map- that was all because of JavaScript.

It is super versatile and can be used to create anything from web pages, apps, and games. It is also a great beginner language and incorporates concepts you will carry into learning other coding languages.

The fundamental building blocks of JavaScript are HTML and CSS. HTML stands for hypertext markup language, and CSS stands for cascading style sheet. These things work hand in hand to create a user-friendly experience. Let’s look at these three components a little closer:

HTML – This gives meaning to your web page; think defining heading, paragraphs, data tables, images, or videos.
CSS – This is a language style that gives HTML visuals; think colors, fonts, and layout.
JavaScript – This is the scripting language that gives you control over your web page; think updating content, multimedia, animating images, and well, the possibilities are almost endless.

These three things work together so beautifully and are a dynamic trio.

Another neat feature JavaScript uses API or application programming interfaces, which gives you even more control. It is essentially the building blocks that allow developers to implement programs they would not be able to otherwise; kind of like a home building kit, it is easier to assemble pieces with instructions then to buy new materials and build something from scratch. There are browser APIs that are built into your browser that does a series of complicated things by collecting data from the surrounding computer environment. Then there are third-party APIs that are not built into the browser, and you simply need to go to the web to get their codes.

Looking into these few aspects of JavaScript will give you a running start on your way to learning how to code.

How Learning to Code Can Change Your Life

“Everybody in this country should learn to program a computer because it teaches you how to think” – Steve Jobs, the former CEO of Apple and Pixar Studios.

Steve Jobs knows the importance of learning to code and thinks everyone should know how.

Here are five reasons learning to code can change your life:

Keep up with the times. Our world is ever-changing, and technology is to blame. Many jobs have become obsolete in recent years due to machines and computers being able to work faster, more efficiently, and, most of all, saving companies loads of money. Too many people lost their jobs because they were not prepared or equipped to handle this shift. Do not let this happen to you; learn to code and be competitive in the workforce.
Coding means more than math and logic. Most career fields today use computers and technology to simplify the job and solve real-world issues. There is a lot more to learning to program computers than confusing codes and symbols; it is the future of the workplace. If you know how to create web pages and apps, you will be a highly valuable employee in any field you choose.
Dealing with problems. “Fall in love with the problem, not the solution.” – this slogan from CODE University in Berlin says it perfectly. When you think of a problem, your first thought is what is the solution; this is considered a solution-oriented approach and is used in courses you learned in school like mathematics. Coding, on the other hand, is a problem-oriented approach that teaches you how to think on your feet and gets really good at problem-solving.
School’s shortcomings. To put it simply, school is outdated in a lot of ways. It does not correctly equip children for our technologically advancing world. Everyone learns Math, Science, and English, but classes for computer coding are rarely available, and that is often due to being able to find or afford a teacher.
Get your hands dirty. Instead of feeling like schools failed to prepare, even if that may be true, look at this from a problem-oriented approach to find the solution. You could sit in disappointment at where you are in life due to your circumstances, or do something about it. Luckily, there are so many online courses, games, apps, books, and online resources that make learning to code completely achievable.

These are just a few ways learning to code can change your life, and why you should go for it.

JavaScript Courses

We offer a couple of different courses, specifically for JavaScript, designed for different ages and skill levels.

If your child is younger and has no prior experience, they will probably want to start with our Introduction to Coding course to learn the basics and become familiar with what coding is.

Once they are familiar with what coding is, they will want to move on to HTML/CSS 1 and HTML/CSS 2 because this will help them as they dive further into JavaScript for Kids.

Our live courses offer a unique and engaging learning experience for kids of many ages and skill levels. Each course teaches through fun animated videos, quizzes, exercises, and projects to test their knowledge. Experienced teachers are ready to answer questions, provide support and encouragement, and give your child the perfect amount of push to challenge them without overly frustrating them.

Is it JavaScript or Java?

You have probably seen both of these words in the coding community and may be wondering, are they the same? What is the difference?

Java is a programming language that is used to create applications and is similar to C++ but with fewer complications.

JavaScipt, on the other hand, works inside of HTML as a powerful scripting language that allows you to do things you would not be able too with just HTML. It was initially called LiveScript until 1995, when it was installed into the Netscape browser version.

Conclusion

With our help your child will quickly be more than capable of creating their very own games, apps, and webpages. Coding can absolutely change your life by giving you the confidence and thinking skills that are necessary for far more than just programming. Stop sitting on the sidelines and get in the game. Take control of your life and be a problem-oriented driven person by purchasing a membership, and get started today!

Sources: