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What is JavaScript?

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Quick answer

JavaScript is the programming language that makes web pages interactive — handling clicks, animations, forms, and live updates. It runs in every browser and, today, on servers too, making it one of the world's most widely used languages. It's the language that adds interactivity to web pages.

Key things to understand

  1. It's the language that adds interactivity to web pages.
  2. It runs in every web browser without installation.
  3. It powers buttons, forms, animations, and live updates.
  4. With Node.js it also runs on servers, not just browsers.

People also ask

What is JavaScript used for?
Making web pages interactive — responding to clicks, validating forms, animating content, and updating data live.
Is JavaScript the same as Java?
No — despite the name, they're entirely different languages with different uses.
Where does JavaScript run?
In every web browser, and on servers via Node.js, making it usable across the whole web stack.