JavaScript is a universal programming language, and there are many things you can do with JavaScript. It's everywhere but even more potent than that. You can do a lot more than create web pages. Simply, this language opens up a lot of unique possibilities.
Atwood's Law says that any application written in JavaScript is eventually written in that language. Of course, it was just a joke, but Atwood's statement is more valid than not.
For 11 years, according to Stack Overflow, JavaScript has been the most commonly used programming language, beating HTML and Ruby on Rails. It has held the position for a while, first hitting number one in 2014.
Brendan Eich created JavaScript in 1995. It was developed for Netscape 2 and, in 1997, became the ECMA-262 standard. The Mozilla Foundation continues to develop JavaScript for Firefox, with the latest version currently being ES5. Now JavaScript ES6 is compatible with all browsers.
JavaScript is getting more complex daily and can create some craziest things. Supper apps dominate the market, and JavaScript has become even more essential. So let’s take a closer look at javascript and its best uses.
The JavaScript Basic Concept
JavaScript (JS) is a dynamic programming language for web development, games, and more. It is a light, prototype-based, multi-paradigm scripting language that makes it easy to control dynamic web content.
The JS code is embedded in HTML, and all browsers can run it. Developers often use this combination to add interactivity to web pages. It is also a loosely typed language, which means that you don't have to specify the data type of a variable before you use it. Plus, JS is open source so you can access different implementations and collaborations of this programming language.
JavaScript has many libraries (JQuery, ReactJS, etc.), databases, and JSON. Code snippets or databases can be used when building applications or websites.
JS is a client-side scripting language. It operates in the user's browser and works on internal devices. You don't need to download anything to your device because it's already integrated into modern browsers. These advantages make JS friendlier than other programming languages.
8 best uses of JavaScript
You are only limited by your imagination when it comes to JavaScript. Incredible things are realised because of this programming language. Below are things you can do with JS.
1. Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are hot topics, and JavaScript can make them even more fantastic. You can add AI and ML features to your app through JS.
Furthermore, the web browser has access to a webcam and microphone, which you can use for visual and audio input. This feature combination will make machine learning as compelling as facial recognition applications.
Moreover, you can use TensorFlow JavaScript Library to create real-time applications such as piano performances. It works by retaining existing trained models instead of building a model from scratch.
Developers can also use JS to create chatbots. Some frameworks can develop AI-powered chatbots in JS, such as Chatfuel and Botkit. Chatbots can function as personal assistants or customer service representatives.
2. Game
HTML5 brings significant changes to games on the web browser. Even now, there are web games that help make it easier for you to learn to program. You can use web games without installing them.
Phaser, Babylon, and Three.js help you to implement JavaScript in 2D and 3D. These three frameworks are suitable for building games of various sizes, from simple to complex.
3. Animate Website
JavaScript lifts your user experience into an extra web through animations and transitions. Or you can give your slides and other animations a little creative touch.
You can use Three.js to create complex 3D animations without much difficulty. This library streamlines and simplifies developers when creating 3D animations.
Another recommendation for using JS to create website animations is scroll animation. Making it easy to use the library ScrollReveal, and the outcomes are beautiful on the Website.
4. Mobile Apps
You can use JavaScript to build mobile apps with React Native. It allows you to create iOS or Android-based apps without learning the native language of each platform.
Besides React Native, there is the Ionic framework. The difference between them is how it's used. Developers must learn React and JS before using React Native, whereas in Ionic, they can use the framework of their choice, such as Angular, Vue, React, Knockout, etc. You are creating a web application that you can convert to a mobile one.
5. Controlling Robots and Drones
Now you can manipulate drones and robots using JavaScript. Some quadcopters come with a basic OS that is enough to install NodeJS. The combination of NodeJS and some suitable libraries makes it possible to control drones or flying robots.
More so, there is AR Drone with API, which makes it possible to stream video, return data and send instructions. If you are interested in this field, there is a unique website that discusses it, NodeCopter.
6. Plugins
A third-party app plugin can also apply JavaScript, such as Microsoft Office. Developers can create plugins with JS code to add specific features or even entire applications within a given application.
One of the plugins that come from JS is an add-on for Firefox and Chrome. You can see thousands of plugins for games or productivity in Firefox or Chrome extensions.
Some Minecraft developers also use JS to create add-ons. It allows users to create valuable utilities or minigames within Minecraft.
7. Data Visualisation
JavaScript can help you visualise data and create representations using code. For example, D3.js helps create interactive charts or maps that you can update in real-time. Plus, you can also create it in various visuals.
The process of creating data visualisations with D3 is relatively simple. Create an account for free, then upload your data in .csv format. You can choose the type of chart you want, then click generate. What's more, you can create animated GIFs using D3.js.
In conclusion, D3.js works with all data types and transforms them with beautiful and responsive visualisations.
8. Embedded Device Development and IoT
IoT is also becoming popular these days. Luckily, developers can use JavaScript to develop IoT (Internet of Things). For many devices connected to the internet (refrigerators, televisions, etc.), JS is the best choice for developing those smart devices.
Johnny-Five is the most popular framework for developing IoT-based devices with JS. It helps developers make hardware interact with software.
Conclusion
There are more great things you can do with JavaScript. The fact that JS is a beginner-friendly language is the reason. Using JS, you can build mobile or desktop applications. After reading about these eight cool things JavaScript can do, it seems you're only limited by your imagination when you can come up with even more extraordinary things.
