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The various client-side technologies differ in many ways, starting with the way they get loaded and executed by the web client. JavaScript is a scripting language, whose code is written in plain text and can be embedded into HTML pages to empower them. When a client requests an HTML page, that HTML page can contain JavaScript. JavaScript is supported by all modern web browsers without requiring users to install new components on the system.
JavaScript is a language in its own right (theoretically it isn’t tied to web development), it’s supported by most web clients under any platform, and it has some object-oriented capabilities. JavaScript is not a compiled language so it’s not suited for intensive calculations or writing device drivers and it must arrive in one piece at the client browser to be interpreted so it is not secure either, but it does a good job when used in web pages.
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There is a serious information gap for Webmasters learning client-side JavaScript skills and trying to solve common Web-related problems. Knowing the syntax is one thing, being able to build a useful application is another. And while there are dozens of “how- to” JavaScript books available, few literally hand the Webmaster a set of ready-to-go, client-side JavaScript applications with thorough documentation that enable the reader to fully understand and extend those applications. By providing such a set of applications, JavaScript Application Cookbook allows Webmasters to immediately add extra functionality to their Web sites. This book targets readers with two different skill sets. The primary target is JavaScript-knowledgeable Webmasters and designers who can immediately begin constructing their own versions of the applications. The secondary target is those with little or no JavaScript experience. The included applications are ready for immediate use and require little customization. This book explores both the code and the techniques that are centered around core JavaScript functionality, a functionality that will not become incompatible or obsolete. The source file design of most applications and libraries will help modularize reader Web sites and facilitate easier site management and coding practices. Chapters are organized by application. Among the included applications are:
A client-side search engine that will show coders how to build their own search engine and get excellent results, all with a client-side tool
A drag-and-drop greeting application that lets users custom build and send DHTML email greetings
A GUI image rollover tool that generates cross-browser image rollover code for all versions of JavaScript
A robust client-side shopping cart application that lets shoppers browse and shop, while the application keeps a tab of the shopper’s selections and a running bill, including tax and shipping
An online test application that auto-administers, grades, and displays answers to online exams or surveys
An additional value to this book is an online resource (http://www.serve.com/hotsyte/) that discusses the applications and points to other resources. With its focus on providing practical real-world solutions for Webmasters, JavaScript Application Cookbook is destined to become a staple for every JavaScript developer, regardless of experience.

JavaScript is a scripting language most often used for client-side web development. It was the originating dialect of the ECMAScript standard. It is a dynamic, weakly typed, prototype-based language with first-class functions. JavaScript was influenced by many languages and was designed to have a similar look to Java, but be easier for non-programmers to work with. The language is best known for its use in websites (as client-side JavaScript), but is also used to enable scripting access to objects embedded in other applications (for example Microsoft Gadgets in Windows Vista Sidebar). (more…)