#Beginner Javascript
##What is Javascript? JavaScript is a scripting programming language used to make web pages interactive. Programming makes a computer do what you want them to by giving it a set of instructions.
JavaScript is one of 3 languages all web developers must learn:
- HTML - marks the content up into different structural types and elements, like paragraphs, divs, lists, images, tables, forms, comments etc.
- Think of HTML as the skeleton of your web pages.
- CSS - styles your web page by telling the browser how each type of element should be displayed.
- Think of CSS as the skin, hair, nails, color of the eyes, clothes, shoes, etc.
- JavaScript - to program the behavior of your web pages.
- Think of JavaScript as the director that makes everything move.
Ready to do some cool stuff? Let’s get started!
Relationship Between HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
The first step in getting your web page started is setting up your files. The first file you want to create is an index.html file. Inside the your index.html file is where you will link both the CSS file and your JavaScript code.
##Statements
Each instruction in JavaScript is a “statement”, for example:
console.log('Hello World');
Using the console.log( ) method is the most commonly used way to show information in your console or browser. After each statement be sure to use a semicolon ; to close out the statement. This lets the computer know that you're done with that statement or instruction.
Try it yourself on repl.it (https://repl.it/).
You can experiment logging something different like your name or a math equation such as 2+2.
##Variables
Use variables to store values.
You can declare and initialize in two statements. You can name these variables whatever you want to name them, in this example we will call it x.
We will use the console.log () method to check if our code is working properly.
Declares the variable x
var x;
Initializes the variable at 8
x = 8;
console.log(x);Or, you can declare and initialize in one statement.
Declares and initializes in one statement
var y = 5;
console.log(y);You can reassign a value to that variable later.
var z = 4;
z = 1;##Data Types
Variables can hold many data types including numbers, strings, arrays, objects and more! Let’s go over some of the common data types.
string: A series of characters. Strings are written within quotes, you can use single or double quotes.
var greeting = 'Welcome to Paradise!'; //string using single quotes
var restaurant = "Sushi Zushi"; //string using double quotesnumber: Numbers can be written with or without decimals.
var age = 15;
var pi = 3.14;boolean: Represents logical values TRUE or FALSE.
var catsAreBest = true;
var dogsRule = false;undefined: Represents a value that hasn’t been defined yet.
var notDefinedYet;
null: Represents an explicitly empty value.
var magicTricks = null;
Variable Names
- Begin with letters, $ or _
- Only contain letters, numbers, $ and _
- Case sensitive
- Avoid reserved words
- Choose clarity and meaning
- Prefer camelCase for multipleWords (instead of under_score)
- Pick a naming convention and stick with it
OK:
var numPets, $mainContainer, _num, _Num;
NOT ok:
var 2coolForSchool, soHappy!
##The Fortune Teller Why pay a fortune teller when you can just program your fortune yourself?
- Store the following into variables: number of children, partner's name, geographic location, job title.
- Output your fortune to the screen like so: "You will be a X in Y, and married to Z with N kids."
##The Age Calculator Want to find out how old you'll be? Calculate it!
- Store your birth year in a variable.
- Store a future year in a variable.
- Calculate your 2 possible ages for that year based on the stored values.
- For example, if you were born in 1988, then in 2026 you'll be either 37 or 38, depending on what month it is in 2026.
- Output them to the screen like so: "I will be either NN or NN in YYYY", substituting the values.
##Instructor Assessment https://goo.gl/forms/eyBmF88cnBnkqMoU2
Please let your instructor know when you are finished with this assessment!