# JavaScript Basics: Understanding the Language of the Web

JavaScript is the language of the web. It’s the go-to programming language for adding interactivity and dynamic content to websites. But what exactly is JavaScript, and why is it so important?

JavaScript is a high-level, interpreted programming language that was created by Brendan Eich in 1995. It was initially developed for use in web browsers to make web pages more interactive. Over the years, it has evolved into a versatile language that can be used for both front-end and back-end web development, as well as for creating desktop and mobile applications.

JavaScript is a scripting language, which means that it is executed on the client-side (in the browser) rather than on the server. This allows JavaScript to interact with the HTML and CSS of a web page, making it possible to create dynamic and responsive websites.

One of the key features of JavaScript is its event-driven, non-linear execution model. This means that JavaScript can respond to user actions, such as clicking a button or submitting a form, and execute code accordingly. This is what enables the interactive nature of modern web applications.

JavaScript is also a loosely typed language, which means that you don’t have to declare the data type of a variable before using it. This makes it easy to work with and allows for more flexibility in your code.

Here’s an example of a simple JavaScript program that displays a greeting message when a button is clicked:

“`javascript
function showGreeting() {
var name = prompt(“What is your name?”);
alert(“Hello, ” + name + “!”);
}
“`

In this example, the `showGreeting` function is defined with a single event handler, `onclick`, that is triggered when a button is clicked. The function prompts the user to enter their name and then displays a greeting message using an alert box.

JavaScript is a powerful language that offers a wide range of features and capabilities. In the coming weeks, we will delve deeper into the basics of JavaScript, exploring topics such as variables, data types, operators, control structures, functions, and more. We’ll also look at how JavaScript can be used in conjunction with HTML and CSS to create engaging and interactive web experiences.

So, whether you’re a seasoned web developer or just starting out, this blog series is for you. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of JavaScript and discover why it’s the language of the web.

## Exercise
Instructions:
Create a simple HTML file with a button element. When the button is clicked, a JavaScript function should be triggered that displays an alert box with a greeting message.

“`html








Click me!

“`

### Solution
“`html








Click me!

“`

When you open this HTML file in a web browser and click the button, an alert box with the greeting message “Hello, world!” will be displayed. This is a simple example of how JavaScript can be used to add interactivity to a web page.