JavaScript For Dummies [Paperback]

Emily A. Vander Veer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 15, 2000 | ISBN-10: 0764506331 | ISBN-13: 978-0764506338 | Edition: 3

JavaScript has evolved quite a bit since its earliest days, from a relatively basic scripting language to a full-blown programming language in its own right. You can use JavaScript to create even more breathtakingly cool Web sites than ever before. You've probably seen Web sites with the following features:

• Images that change when your mouse moves over them
• Slide-show animations
• Input forms with pop-up messages that help you fill in the fields correctly
• Customized messages that welcome repeat visitors

All of these features (and much more) can be created with JavaScript. The thing is, JavaScript isn't easy to use. The JavaScript language itself has become more complex than its earlier incarnations – but that's where his new, improved, better-tasting edition of JavaScript For Dummies comes in! Even if you're not a crackerjack programmer, you can use the techniques and sample scripts in this book to create interactive, "intelligent" Web pages bursting with animated effects.

JavaScript For Dummies, 3rd Edition, gives you all you need to know to get started with JavaScript, plus some really cool JavaScript tricks, all explained from the point of view of the first-time JavaScript programmer. Here are just a few of the topics you'll find covered:

• Understanding JavaScript programming concepts
• Writing your first script
• Sampling browser cookies
• Making your pages interactive with button events and mouse rollovers
• Fiddling with forms and frames
• Automating your Web site
• Top Ten lists on online resources, common mistakes (and how to avoid them), and debugging your scripts
• Appendixes on JavaScript reserved words, color values, special characters, and the document object model reference

JavaScript For Dummies, 3rd Edition, also includes a CD-ROM with trial versions of popular Web creations tools, such as HomeSite, Dreamweaver, NetObjects ScriptBuilder, and SurfMap JavaScript.

So if you've worked with HTML before but want to add more flexibility and punch to your pages, or even if you've never written a stick of code in your life but are eager to hop on the JavaScript bandwagon, JavaScript For Dummies, 3rd Edition, is the book for you.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

JavaScript For Dummies, 3rd edition:

Explains JavaScript and how it differs from java, HTML, and other Web programming tools

Describes what users can do with JavaScript that they can't do with HTML

Outlines how JavaScript, the platform-independent scripting language, works with the latest versions of Netscape Navigator 5 and Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5

Includes an important overview of Object-Oriented Concepts and the JavaScript language

Shows users how to "team up" JavaScript with Java, C++, OpenDoc, and Common Gateway Interface (CGI) to create powerful multimedia applications

Describes how to build a quickie Web page using HTML tags

Shows users how to create a Java applet and run the applet from the Web page

Covers JavaScript's forms so users can easily enter data and receive feedback

Guides users as they write and debug their own JavaScript programs

BONUS CD-ROM INCLUDES:

Hot utility and sample programs, including Dreamweaver demo version, SurfMap JavaScript, Joust, NetObjects ScriptBuilder 3 trial version, Allaire HomeSite 4.5 trial version, Ant Tools Demo 3, ArtBeats Web Tools, BBEdit 4.5.1, HTML WebWeaver Lite, Paint Shop Pro 5 demo, and more!

From the Back Cover

Discover how to create dynamic, user-friendly Web sites!

Trial version of NetObjects ScriptBuilder on CD-ROM

Your key to creating dynamic, interactive web-based applications!

Explains how JavaScript works with the latest Web browser versions — in plain English!
Get with the program! Use this friendly guide to build powerful interactive Web site — without having to master a difficult programming language! Inside, you'll get tips for teaming JavaScript up with other technologies to create impressive multimedia applications, including user-friendly forms, cookies, alert-box messages, and more.

Discover how to:

• Punch up Web pages with forms, animation, and more
• Give users custom-designed Web Pages
• Get JavaScript support in Netscape Navigator and Internet Explorer
• Test and debug scripts
• Test-drive the latest JavaScript tools

all this on bonus CD-ROM

• Trial versions of Web Weaver 98, HomeSite 4.5 for Windows, and NetObjects ScriptBuilder, HTML editing and scripting tools
• Trial versions of SurfMap JavaScript v2.1 and Dreamweaver 3.0 Web-authoring tools
• Evaluation version of PaintShop Pro

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Product Details

• Paperback: 408 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; 3 edition (October 15, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764506331
• ISBN-13: 978-0764506338
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 2.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (79 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #795,843 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

57 of 58 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Javascript Professionals learn by doing, not reading!, April 13, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: JavaScript for Dummies, 2nd Edition (Paperback)

I, as well was not too impressed with the book. Fortunately, I know some Java so that JS was not too difficult. But, if you are a total novice and know nothing about object-oriented or object-based programming, then you are going to be totally lost. I think that the author dives into functions and object methods way too early. There are some useful scripts in the book, especially for client-side form validation. But, if you are not familiar with Javascript you're going to be lost. My suggestion to the author is that she also have exercises to test the reader's knowledge - you can only learn this stuff by doing. If any novice is reading this review, my suggestion would be to first visit Joe Burns' javagoodies (http://www.javagoodies.com)site and go through the 30 javascript primers that are there. The best thing about them is that they're free! Also, if Joe's new book on Javascript (Javascript Goodies) is anything like his web tutorials or his HTML Goodies book, then I would save your money and wait for that one to come out.

34 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars OK, it's not me after all...it's the book that sucks, March 2, 2001

By 

D. F. Utz "got_rice" (Daly City, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: JavaScript For Dummies (Paperback)

I tried to get through this book several times and kept giving up. I couldn't figure out why I was having such a hard time with learning JavaScript. I've learned other languages on my own. Therefore, why was it so hard to get a handle on the concepts of Javascript? I mean, this book is supposed to be for dummies like me, right? However, after my latest attempt to read this book and after reading some of the reviews on this site, I realize it's not me, it's the book. First off, the author fails to provide a context for JavaScript. She just launches into coding. There's no answer to the question "why?" A better approach would be to show a sample web page that uses JavaScript and then explain how the JavaScript accomplishes the end result. Then, explain the advantages of JavaScript over other possible solutions. Also, the author tries much to hard to make cutesy little jokes and puns and they get really annoying really fast. I don't think it's much of an exaggeration to say that she tries to make a joke in every other paragraph. I believe another review on this site recommends Thau's "Book of JavaScript." And, I agree with that recommendation. His book is just about everything this one isn't. It provides sample and context for the explanation of JavaScript. There is a light-hearted tone to the writing, which makes the reading of a technical topic easier. But, he doesn't go overboard with the cutesy puns and quips. So, if you want a beginner's guide to JavaScript, avoid this book. Try "Book of JavaScript" by Thau instead.

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Don't be a dummy. Don't buy this book!, December 7, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: JavaScript For Dummies (Paperback)

Ok. I may not be a techno geek, but I am not an idiot either. After reading this book, I was still in the "fog" about JavaScript. This is not a book for beginners of JavaScript, as the author does not teach the subject well.

It was recommended to me that I look at:

The Book of JavaScript by David Thau

Guess what. It is a great book. The examples make sense. The reasons why things happen are explained in a way that a non programmer can understand!

The entire book is like taking a class with an excellent teacher. The chapters are like assignments. In four chapters, I already know more than I did after finishing the "Dummies" book.

If you want to have a book that you can just cut and paste code with a vague idea how it works, then Dummies book may work for you. However, if you want to have understanding of what you are doing, purchase:

The Book of JavaScript by David Thau!

Amazon.com won't mind. They sell both