What is JavaScript

JavaScript is a higher-level programming language that uses Just In Time compilation. It is able to run in the browser, making it popular when building websites.

History

JavaScript was invented in 1995 by Brendan Eich while working at Netscape in partnership with Sun Microsystems, who owned the JavaScript trademark.

In 1997 ECMA International introduced the open standards for JavaScript that defines the syntax and behaviour.

In 2008 Google released Chrome which included the V8 JavaScript engine that significantly improved JavaScript performance.

In 2009 Ryan Dahl created Node.js that allowed JavaScript to be run on the server using the v8 engine.

In 2010 Oracle bought Sun Microsystems and along with it the JavaScript trademark but has never added any meaningful contributions to the language.

In 2012 Microsoft introduced TypeScript that added static typing to JavaScript.

What is meant by higher-level

A low-level programming language interacts with the computer hardware. A higher-level language compiles to a low-level language, but is not concerned with the hardware. They are designed to be simpler to read and write.

Just In Time

Just In Time, or "JIT", is a compilation strategy used by JavaScript. Whereas some languages are compiled before they are run, JavaScript is compiled and converted to machine code at runtime.