Interactivity and dynamics add life to an otherwise dull website - something plain HTML is unable to provide. CGI and Javascript are the two great resources that can spice up your website making it more user friendly and attractive. We discussed CGI last week, this week examine Javascript and review a few select resources from the Net.

One of the simplest uses for JavaScripts is to keep a site looking up to date and fresh with dynamic data. Add date and time, smart looking pop-up windows or useful scroll down menus and lots more with simple javascript applications.

What is JavaScript?

Javascript is an easy-to-use programming language that can be embedded in your HTML web pages. It can enhance the dynamics and interactive features of your page by allowing you to perform calculations, check forms, write interactive games, add special effects, customize graphics selections, create security passwords and more.

What's the difference between JavaScript and Java?

There's hardly anything common between the two except name. Although Java is technically an interpreted programming language, it is coded in a similar fashion to C++, with separate header and class files, compiled together prior to execution. It is powerful enough to write major applications and insert them in a web page as a special object called an "applet." Java has been generating a lot of excitement because of its unique ability to run the same program on IBM, Mac, and Unix computers. Java is not considered an easy-to-use language for non-programmers.

In contrast, Javascript is much simpler to use than Java. With JavaScript, you can do a great deal with very little programming. You don't need any software other than a word processor and a Web browser, and you don't need access to a Web server. You simply open up a text editor, type it, then save it and it's ready to be run by your browser.

Following is a list of few select Javascript resource sites that have wonderful tutorials, hundreds of free software that you can cut-and-paste and lots more - for beginners as well as advanced users.

Free Javascript Resources

Webteacher

This tutorial will take you step by step through the fundamentals of Javascript. The tutorial assumes that you have no prior programming experience, but that you have created your own HTML pages. It is a great site and a good place to start.

Javascript resources from internet.com

Excellent source on free java script cut-and-paste code, tutorials, latest information, books etc.

Javascripts by Earthweb

They have a great selection of scripts. They also have a tutorial aimed at beginners. Earthweb is associated with HTML goodies, one of the best HTML tutorials on the Internet. They offer over 2500 free javascripts.

General Javascript Tutorials

This tutorial is for the absolute beginner and also offers resources for the advanced users

Javascript World

This is a site with a huge collection of scripts targeted at the advanced user. Also has news, articles, tutorials etc.

Vodoo's Tutorial

An introduction to JavaScript for beginners. It's pretty easy to understand. Vodoo's is a good starting place for beginners.

Webmonkey

Webmonkey has a lot of great resources for web development tools. This tutorial is easy to read and understand.

The Java Script Source

Hundreds of free "cut and paste" JavaScript examples for your web pages, tutorials, jobs, references, resources etc.

Danny Goodman's JavaScript Pages

Written by a well-known author of books on JavaScript and other web development tools. Not for the absolute beginner.

Webdeveloper.com

Here's a premier site for web developers. It has great resources for both the beginner and the advanced user. It has a lot of very useful trips and hints for JavaScript users.

iBoost Network

One of the Internet's top JavaScript Resources.

JavaScript Search

JavaScript Search is your source for hundreds of free JavaScripts and JavaScript related information. This site contains tutorials, FAQ's, articles, and many other resources.