JavaScript

JavaScript (JS) is a high-level, interpreted (or just-in-time compiled) programming language, primarily known for enabling interactive content and dynamic behavior on web pages. Alongside HTML and CSS, it is one of the core technologies of the World Wide Web, extensible to server-side and mobile…

Key facts

First appeared: 1995
Category: technology
Problem solved: JavaScript was created to bring client-side interactivity and dynamic content to web browsers. Prior to JavaScript, web pages were largely static, requiring server round-trips for basic validations or UI updates, leading to slow and cumbersome user experiences. It aimed to provide a lightweight scripting language for small client-side tasks.
Platforms: web_browsers, mobile (React Native, Ionic), IoT, server_side (Node.js, Deno), desktop (Electron)

Related technologies

TypeScript
CSS
WebAssembly
Angular
Vue.js
HTML
Node.js
REST APIs
React

Notable users

LinkedIn
Uber
Microsoft
Netflix
Meta (Facebook)
PayPal
Any company with a significant web presence
Google
Amazon