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hldan · Nov 13, 2003, 09:06 PM

Sorry to be so computer jargon illiterate but I have never understood what Java or Javascript is? I just download and install it when the updates are required including the new 1.4.1 Java update. I installed it but what does Java or Javascript do and what is it's function?
Any help appreciated.

mcsjgs · 10:27 AM

Java is a programming environment invented by Sun Microsystems that allows a lot of things, such as animated things in your browser. Here is what Sun says:

Java Technology

The Java platform is the ideal platform for network computing. Running across all platforms -- from servers to cell phones to smart cards -- Java technology unifies business infrastructure to create a seamless, secure, networked platform for your business.

The Java platform benefits from a massive community of developers and supporters that actively work on delivering Java technology-based products and services as well as evolving the platform through an open, community-based, standards organization known as the Java Community Process program.

You can find Java technology in cell phones, on laptop computers, on the Web, and even trackside at Formula One Grand Prix races. The fact is today, you can find Java technology just about everywhere!

hyperizer · Nov 13, 2003, 09:13 PM

JavaScript is completely different. It's a scripting language created by Netscape which is mostly used to control stuff on Web pages. Apple's updates have nothing to do with JavaScript. JavaScript support is built into most Web browsers.

hldan · Nov 13, 2003, 09:15 PM

Originally posted by mcsjgs:
It is a programming environment invented by Sun Microsystems that allows a lot of things, such as animated things in your browser. Here is what Sun says:

Java Technology

The Java platform is the ideal platform for network computing. Running across all platforms -- from servers to cell phones to smart cards -- Java technology unifies business infrastructure to create a seamless, secure, networked platform for your business.

The Java platform benefits from a massive community of developers and supporters that actively work on delivering Java technology-based products and services as well as evolving the platform through an open, community-based, standards organization known as the Java Community Process program.

You can find Java technology in cell phones, on laptop computers, on the Web, and even trackside at Formula One Grand Prix races. The fact is today, you can find Java technology just about everywhere!

Hey, that's really cool, appreciate the fast response. I knew Sun made it but I didn't know what it does and why everyone in the MacOSX forum talks about?

Arkham_c · Nov 14, 2003, 08:44 AM

Originally posted by hldan:
Hey, that's really cool, appreciate the fast response. I knew Sun made it but I didn't know what it does and why everyone in the MacOSX forum talks about?

Java is just a programming language, like C, C++, Perl, Python, Pascal, Visual basic, RealBasic, etc.

What makes java unique is the concept of "write-once, run anywhere". The idea is that every platform has a virtual machine (called a JVM) that is like a virtual computer emulator (much like Virtual PC). That computer's native instruction format is java byte code (compiled java source). If all platforms have a compatible, tested JVM, then you can write a program one time, compile it one time, and distribute it on Mac, Windows, Linux, Solaris, AIX, and BSD with no modifications. It's a really neat idea.

theolein · Nov 14, 2003, 08:59 AM

Originally posted by hldan:
Sorry to be so computer jargon illiterate but I have never understood what Java or Javascript is? I just download and install it when the updates are required including the new 1.4.1 Java update. I installed it but what does Java or Javascript do and what is it's function?
Any help appreciated.

I see people have already told you what Java is, basically a programmming language. Javascript runs in your browser to automate the html layout side, basically put.

Type the following into a plain text file and save it as hldan.html:

Code:
       <html>
               <head>
                       <script language="javascript">
                               document.write("<B>Scripted for hldan</B>");
                       </script>
               </head>
       </html>

Then open it up in Safari and you'll see a bit of what JavaScript does.

Arkham_c · Nov 14, 2003, 10:25 AM

Another thing I forgot to mention -- java and javascript have nothing to do with one another. JavaScript is actually now called "ECMAScript", although people still generally use the old name.

JavaScript was created by Netscape to script web pages.

Java was created by Sun to write software.

For more info on ECMAScript, look here: http://www.ecma-international.org/pu...s/Ecma-262.htm

Millennium · Nov 14, 2003, 12:37 PM

Originally posted by Arkham_c:
Another thing I forgot to mention -- java and javascript have nothing to do with one another. JavaScript is actually now called "ECMAScript", although people still generally use the old name.

JavaScript was created by Netscape to script web pages.

Java was created by Sun to write software.

For more info on ECMAScript, look here: http://www.ecma-international.org/pu...s/Ecma-262.htm

As a quick note to add to this, when Netscape was preparing to release Netscape 2.0 (the first browser to support this language), their original plan had been to call it LiveScript. At the time, Live_____ was kind of their trademark, you see.

But then Java came along, and Netscape decided to tie LiveScript in with the Java craze, so they renamed it to JavaScript at the last minute.