Product Description

JavaScript is one of the most powerful tools in the Web developer's kit. Used well, it can add hugely to the functionality and interactivity of Web pages, and is almost universally supported by browsers. Unlike Dynamic HTML, JavaScript is a language in its own right but, until recently, there was no fully agreed standard. Instant Javascript is the first book to deal with this emergent standard: ECMAScript, it also goes into detail on the various compatibility problems with existing browser implementations of JavaScript, as well as looking at stand alone JavaScript

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2094482 in Books
• Published on: 1997
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 443 pages

Amazon.com
JavaScript is a powerful way to extend HTML content and work with Java applets, but developing with this language can be tricky. With this one-volume reference, you can begin using scripts within Web pages and also learn some of JavaScript's high-end features.

Early sections treat JavaScript as just another programming language, detailing data types, operators, and basic keywords. Then the book turns to the nuts and bolts of script development inside Web pages, featuring advanced topics you might not find elsewhere, such as the possibility of running JavaScript scripts on the server.

Further chapters explain how to get to browser objects from JavaScript, describing windows, forms, and event handling. There is also a good introduction to manipulating Java applets and Netscape plug-ins (such as Shockwave) with JavaScript. But some of the best chapters teach you how to use browser cookies within Java and offer debugging tips from the author. (JavaScript is legendarily difficult to debug, and the author has a number of potentially helpful suggestions here.)

Final sections show JavaScript at work with dynamic HTML. The reference material at the end of Instant JavaScript gives a handy listing of JavaScript fundamentals and HTML tags, making this book useful as both a tutorial and a place where JavaScript developers can get answers.

From the Publisher
All Web programmers need Javascript Instant Javascript is the book to teach them. Intended for HTML authors looking to add functionality to inter- or intra-nets, or for programmers who want a reference and guide to one of the most flexible scripting languages around, the book presumes some knowledge of HTML, and a familiarity with basic programming concepts

About the Author
Nigel McFarlane is a senior software engineer at TUSC Computer Systems Pty Ltd, based in Melbourne, Australia, where he helps develop telecommunications software. Previously he worked for a major database vendor. He seems to spend most of his professional life trying to work out what it all means, so if you have any ideas please speak up, or alternatively, come to the pub afterwards

Customer Reviews

Don't waste your time
Well, I'm not going to waste any more of my time. After error after error after error that occurs in the code sections _AND_ the reference section, I've finally thrown this book away. No, really! I threw it away; it causes me more pain than any other book I've got and I wouldn't wish this book on anybody. If you're really interested in a good javascript book, pick up O'Reilly's _Definitive Javascript Guide_ (the rhino book).

Misleading.
This book claims to be a tutorial on Javascript for people with knowledge of HTML, but its really more of a referance work. Nothing is explained in detail, the code examples consist of very small fragments that don't fully illustrate the ideas being explained, and basic concepts are overlooked. For instance, the book gives examples of a variety of functions, but never explains or gives an example of how you call them within your HTML code. This is one of the trickier aspects of javascript and its not addressed at all!

Very disappointing. Only an experienced Javascript programmer will be able to get much out of it, and only then as a refresher.

Excellent Book on Javascript for PROGRAMMERS
Upon purchasing this book I scanned throug most alternatives. They were often too heavy too trivial and too narrow.

This was the only book that offered a clear and consice guide of Javascript and how it interacts with HTML, DHTML, Document Object and running server based programs. This is cruicial as Javascript is a language run in conjunction with all of these.

The writing style is easy to follow and the auther is very organized presenting the concepts in a through way. In contrast to the other books on the market it is a) to the point b) covers most the technologies used in conjuction with javascript c) great as reference.

The drawbacks with the book are: - Shouldn't be used by NON PROGRAMMERS. Less emphasise is put on examples as on theory and understanding. - It is a bit old, should be updated - Would like more information on XML.