Introduction to JavaScript
First Lecture - Based on JavaScript
Absolute Beginner's Guide
Learning a Language
• - Learning programming is like learning a new
language
• - It requires basics, practice, and patience
• - No shortcuts to becoming proficient
• - JavaScript is one such language to start with
Why JavaScript?
• - Adds interactivity to web pages
• - Works alongside HTML and CSS
• - Can handle events like clicks
• - Can modify web content dynamically
• - Supports games, animations, and data
communication
First Example: Hello, World!
• Basic HTML page structure:
• <!DOCTYPE html>
• <html>
• <head><title>Title</title></head>
• <body>
• <script>
• alert('hello, world!');
• </script>
• </body>
Understanding the Example
• - JavaScript code goes inside <script> tags
• - alert() is a function that displays a message
• - Text is wrapped in quotes (string)
• - Statements often end with a semicolon (;)
• - Try replacing 'hello, world!' with your name
Tools for Writing Code
• - You can start with simple editors like
Notepad
• - Recommended editors:
• * Visual Studio Code
• * Atom
• * Sublime Text
• * Notepad++
• - Any editor that supports plain text is fine
Key Takeaways
• - JavaScript makes websites interactive
• - Similar to learning a spoken language
• - Start simple, build step by step
• - Practice is essential
• - Next steps: deeper dive into statements,
functions, and strings
