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JavaScript Articles

JavaScript: Past, Present and Future (Open Studio - November 1998)
By Molly Wright Steenson
What drives JavaScript's development? Where's it been - and where's it going next? Open Studio Editor Molly Wright Steenson interviewed Clayton Lewis, Netscape JavaScript Development Manager, and got the inside scoop.

Roll Your Own Object Model (Open Studio - November 1998)
By Kevin Ready
Are you feeling limited by the Document Object Model (DOM)? Why not just roll your own? That's what Kevin Ready, founder of Blue Platypus, suggests. He shows you how in this informative, code-packed TechNote.

JavaScript Conference ’98 Highlights Open Studio - November 1998)
By Paul MacAdam
Don’t fret if you missed Thunder Lizard’s JavaScript ’98 Conference. Netscape Production Engineer Paul MacAdam was there and has brought home a bundle of impressions, highlights, and sample code.

ColorPicker 2.0 (Open Studio - November 1998)
By Michael Bostock
DHTML and JavaScript form the backbone of Michael Bostock's ColorPicker 2.0. Instead of using RGB values to choose colors, this color picker uses the more intuitive hue, saturation, and brightness factors.

Browser-Friendly Dragging in Dynamic HTML (View Source - April 1998)
By Danny Goodman
Using Dynamic HTML to put draggable elements into a cross-browser web page -- one that won't cause Internet Explorer 4.0 or (worse) Netscape Communicator 4.0 to gag -- has been a tricky business. Until now, that is. In his own inimitable fashion, JavaScript Apostle Danny Goodman shows you how to put elements into your web interfaces that users can drag and drop -- without having to write Java, and without limiting the audience for your web development schemes. As Danny says, "Object dragging is real, and you can perform big-time software interactivity without a ton of code." 'Nuff said.

Connecting JavaScript to Java With LiveConnect (View Source - April 1998)
By Gary Smith
Netscape engineer Gary Smith is a clever guy; in this article, in his own words, he shows you ". . . how you can write pure JavaScript code that will have Java-like capabilities without your having to write any Java applets or plug-ins." Neat trick, eh? Read on to find out just how clever Gary is . . . and to find some useful code samples you can drop into your own applications.

Accessing LDAP from Server-Side JavaScript (View Source - March 1998)
By Mark Wilcox
How can you access LDAP from server-side JavaScript (SSJS)? This article will show you how to do it, with the help of the Netscape LDAP Java SDK (also known as the Directory IFC) and a library we provide. We start off with a look at the LDAP record structure, which you will need to understand in order to search an LDAP database.

Reusable Routines For Server-Side JavaScript (View Source - March 1998)
By JJ Kuslich
Once you've gathered requirements, done the functional design, and decided on the application architecture, you're ready to start creating your routines and HTML pages. In other words, you can finally start writing code! This article continues on the theme of providing practical advice based on real-world development experience, by giving pointers and code that will help you with the development phase of your projects.

Java vs. Javascript--The Impact of Dynamic HTML (View Source - March 1998)
By Danny Goodman
Danny Goodman explains the considerations you'll need to make when choosing between Java and Dynamic HTML technologies (including JavaScript) for interface coding and reassesses the roles of Java applets and JavaScript in client-side interactivity.

Standards and Scripting (View Source - February 1998)
By Danny Goodman
Perhaps one of the greatest headaches you face as a developer is figuring out how to use the different, even conflicting, so-called standards for Dynamic HTML web page development. JavaScript Apostle Danny Goodman has learned the hard way that the world of web-page development has become a far more tricky place. In "Standards and Scripting", Danny covers the current standards efforts and how they affect developers. Learn how, with just a bit more effort you can raise the bar with your web pages, incorporating exciting new features and preparing for future innovation.

Danny Goodman's Server-Side JavaScript Object Road Map and Compatibility Guide (View Source - December 1997)
By Danny Goodman
When we published Danny's similar guide to core and client-side JavaScript a couple issues back, many of you wrote asking for a similar guide for server-side scripting. Here it is, in a handy-dandy format you can put together and keep next to your computer.

The JavaScript Apostle: Dueling Event Models -- A Cross-Platform Look (View Source - November 1997)
By Danny Goodman
The critics raved about Danny Goodman's last article on scripting techniques that work with both Netscape Communicator (yeah! go for it!) and Microsoft Internet Explorer 4 (no comment). One reader wrote: "This is one of the best articles I have read in a long time;" another said: "With the article, I can fix up commands that will allow customers to use any browser that they please." Now, the JavaScript Apostle offers his advice for taking advantage of both browsers' event models in the same web pages.

Sending an Attachment With the Server-Side JavaScript SendMail Object (View Source - November 1997)
By Mike Polikoff
And if all the above weren't enough, here's a little gem on using the server-side JavaScript SendMail object to send email attachments from within Netscape Enterprise Server applications. Author Mike Polikoff originally challenged us to show the world how to do this; while we were figuring out the best way to do this, he beat us to the punch by writing this article. Thanks, Mike! (Any would-be authors out there: You're invited to the same. Send your ideas to View Source Editor Paul Dreyfus.)

Setting Up and Managing Database Connections Using Server-Side JavaScript (View Source - November 1997)
By Victoria Gilbert
The DevEdge Online Library is full of thorough, useful books for developers building web applications based on the Netscape ONE platform. If you haven't spent any time there, we'd strongly recommend you do so today; you could be missing out on a valuable resource. To give you an idea of what's there, this week we feature a portion of a book call Writing Server-Side JavaScript Applications, which is also about to be published as a printed book available for purchase. This excerpt describes a new feature of the Enterprise Server 3.0 server-side JavaScript LiveWire database libraries, the DbPool object, a flexible approach that lets you maintain multiple database connections and conduct transactions that span multiple client requests.

The JavaScript Apostle: Danny Goodman's JavaScript Object Road Map and Compatibility Guide (Updated) (View Source - November 1997)
By Danny Goodman
For you JavaScripters out there, here's an updated version of Danny Goodman's JavaScript 1.2 roadmap, including a couple bug fixes to the original and information about Internet Explorer 4.0 compatibility. The roadmap provides a quick reference to Netscape Communicator's document object model and all the core JavaScript language objects and constructions. Follow the instructions provided to download and assemble it. The next View Source, to be posted November 19, will include Danny's guide to using the JavaScript 1.2 event model for scripting that works regardless of a user's browser, so stay tuned!

JavaScript Form-Submission Tips (View Source - October 1997)
By Robert Husted
Some problems are actually fairly easy to fix, as you'll find out from Robert Husted's latest contribution, a short but sweet description of JavaScript coding techniques for form-submission handling.

Form-Data Handling in Server-Side JavaScript (View Source - September 1997)
By Robert Husted
This article, written by Netscape Technology Evangelist Robert Husted, shows you how to use server-side JavaScript to collect and process data from web-based forms, describing some of the benefits of JavaScript techniques over traditional CGI programming. It'll also teach you to use the SendMail object, a new feature in Enterprise Server 3.0 for sending plain or rich text (that is, HTML-formatted) email directly from your JavaScript application

Using the Netscape JavaScript Debugger (View Source - September 1997)
By Angus Davis
Says View Source Staff Writer Angus Davis:
I used Netscape JavaScript Debugger recently while writing a small crossware application that helps build Netcaster channels. Although I had never used any scripting debugger before, I picked up on the essential features quickly. In the end, using the debugger made my development process much easier, as the time required to complete my project was reduced by about 25 percent.
Read Angus's detailed explanation -- with lots of pictures! -- about how the JavaScript Debugger can simplify and speed your JavaScript development work.

String Matching and Replacing in JavaScript 1.2 (View Source - August 1997)
By Angus Davis
Regular Expressions let you match and replace patterns in strings. Staff Writer Angus Davis teaches you how to create a regexp pattern that converts standard English to Pig Latin. (Okay, so that's not the whole point of the article, but it's a really cool trick.) This is all made possible through new features in avascriptjay, er, JavaScript.

Calling IFC-Based Applications from JavaScript (View Source - August 1997)
By Alastair Dallas
There's not a lot of available literature on linking IFC-based Java applications with JavaScript, so this article should be a treat to those interested. The examples display that, once you understand a few fundamental points, communicating with IFC-based Java applets isn't nearly as hard as it looks.

Advanced JavaScript Debugging Techniques (View Source - August 1997)
By Danny Goodman
Make your JavaScript Debugging more efficient! Danny Goodman shows you how to create an external library file that enables you to tailor your debugging techniques to more specifically meet your needs.

HTML Q&A: How to pre-load images using JavaScript, plus... (NetscapeWorld - August 1997)
Keeping frames around your pages, and JavaScript's ubiquity.
By Chuck Musciano
Ask, and you shall receive. Back in June 1997, I was discussing image preloading and promised to publish any good JavaScript solutions to the image preloading problem. The net came through, and I'll be sharing a simple way to load images using JavaScript. We'll also touch on using JavaScript everywhere, the ongoing HTML standard (and the lack thereof), and the flip side of frameproofing. (1,900 words)

Applying Signed Scripts (View Source - July 1997)
By Danny Goodman
With Netscape Communicator comes a new technology called signed objects that you can use to give users the ability to selectively allow Java and JavaScript objects to interact with their systems. Danny Goodman goes inside the new technology to highlight what you need to know about object signing to use it with JavaScript.

CGI vs. Server-Side JavaScript for Database Applications (View Source - July 1997)
By Z. Peter Lazar and Peter Holfelder
Traditional CGI and Perl-based methods are still widely used for dynamically presenting data on the Web. But are there advantages to using more recent Web-database middleware - namely server-side JavaScript - instead? In this article, two developers examine the architectural differences between traditional CGI and server-side JavaScript database development by creating functionally equivalent database applications using each. The performances of both methods are then measured, compared, and contrasted.

Defining Netcaster Channels in JavaScript (View Source - July 1997)
By Angus Davis
Staff writer Angus Davis describes how to build Netscape Netcaster channels, giving an overview of the JavaScript coding techniques required to build a channel subscription mechanism. He also explains the technical aspects of channel deployment, recommending tools and approaches to building channel content and applications, and introduces the Add Channel wizard, which you can use to make an existing Web site available as a channel without writing any JavaScript code.

JavaScript Q&A: Our guide to ECMAScript's facts & quirks, plus... (NetscapeWorld - July 1997)
We answer 5 readers' questions about JavaScript & sound, and more
By Lisa Rein and Jennifer Spelman
NetscapeWorld's ECMA-262 readers' guide contains details and clarifications regarding ECMAScript's unique handling of certain properties and attributes. Our guide also includes three reference tables: an ECMA-262 browser compliance table, an ECMA-262 value & variable behavior table, and an ECMA-262 reserved word table. There's also an index of ECMA-262 compliance terms and clarifications.

We also answer five readers' questions. Answers include how to: make a custom sound console, force sound files to load in after the rest of your page, dynamically generate browser-specific sound tags, anchor links in frames and pop-up windows, and fool around with the formatting of those date-specific greeting scripts.

You need Internet Explorer 3.0 or Navigator 3.0 (or later versions) to view the examples. (3,900 words)

Exclusive interview: Andreessen warns of attempt to 'rehighjack the hearts & minds of content developers' (NetscapeWorld - July 1997)
Netscape cofounder prognosticates Internet's future, the role of JavaBeans & JavaScript's grab for a standard.
By Erica Rex
NetscapeWorld spoke with Marc Andreessen, Netscape Communications co-founder and Chief Technical Officer at the Netscape Devcon in San Jose in June 1997. Andreessen offered some insights into Netscape's business goals and directions. (See the Resources section below for more information about each of the topics Andreessen addresses.) (2,000 words)

Developing a Scripting Style (View Source - June 1997)
By Danny Goodman
"ScriptBoy" Danny Goodman shares his ideas about the way to write scripts that are readable, not just by computers but also by programmers who want to understand how a program works. Danny's philosophy is based on years of programming and scripting experience.

11 JavaScripts & tips you asked for (NetscapeWorld - June 1997)
Keen advice you never knew you needed, a handy JavaScript/VBScript comparison chart, & answers to reader mail.
By Lisa Rein
This month, we're offering practical scripts, a host of non-documented details you won't find in books or any standard documentation, and answers to more of your questions, while asking a few questions of our own. Unless specifically stated, these should work on Windows 95 and NT, 68000 and Power Macintosh, most Unix versions, and both Netscape 3 and Internet Explorer 3.

JavaScript on the Server (View Source - May 1997)
By Paul Dreyfus
Server-side JavaScript, which is part of the Netscape LiveWire development tool, provides an easy-to-learn, yet powerful alternative to writing CGIs, one that nonexpert programmers can use to develop robust Web applications that run on both Windows NT and Unix servers. This article introduces server-side JavaScript and describes what you can do with it.

Server-Side JavaScript Techniques for Dynamic Content Delivery and Usage Tracking (View Source - May 1997)
By Arnold Kling and Dirk Reinshagen
Developers Arnold Kling and Dirk Reinshagen show how you can use several unique JavaScript functions to clone your Web site, customize Web pages on the fly, and capture information about how visitors use your site.

Controlling the User Environment with JavaScript 1.2 (View Source - May 1997)
By Angus Davis
Learn new ways you can help users control their working environment in Netscape Communicator. JavaScript 1.2 gives you - and your users - precise control over the Communicator user environment through a new Screen object and enhacements to the existing Window object. (You'll need to use Communicator to fully benefit from this article.)

Getting Ready for JavaScript 1.2 Events (View Source - May 1997)
By Danny Goodman
JavaScript events are about to play a more important role in your script-enhanced pages. While all of your existing event-related code will run fine in Netscape Communicator, the new event model associated with JavaScript 1.2 offers some inspiring opportunities for improved user interaction with your Web pages. In this article, the author introduces you to key concepts surrounding the event model in Communicator.

Cut and Paste JavaScript from our readers! (NetscapeWorld - May 1997)
A JavaScript imager, two flashy new background color changers, and a cool scrolling status bar applet. Plus, we answer a few questions about positioning custom browser windows.
By Lisa Rein
This article features JavaScripts and Java applets that were sent in by our readers. We will explain the fundamental concepts behind each script, and then run the script itself to demonstrate its properties and behaviors. An introduction to JavaScript's image object and Window object is included, as well as a rundown of the basics required for calling a Java applet from JavaScript with a little help from Navigator's LiveConnect feature. At present time these scripts are still being tested in order to determine the correct cross- platform and cross-browser functionality of each. (2,000 words)

Expressing yourself in JavaScript (JavaWorld - April 1997)
Find out how you can use expressions to make your scripts think on their own.
By Gordon McComb
Expressions tell JavaScript what to do with the data you provide, and are most commonly used in for , if , and while statements. Expressions are also used to perform basic math functions using JavaScript. In these ways, JavaScript can keep track of what's going on around it, testing for and storing important information it might need later. (3,100 words)

We reveal 6 clever readers' JavaScripts you can steal! (NetscapeWorld - April 1997)
Use these scripts to change background color, estimate your taxes, check fields in forms, check plugins, plus a technique to get the `opener' property to work with Navigator 2.X browsers.
By Lisa Rein
This collection of clever JavaScripts was collected from a number of expert sources, including our own readers. Your questions and comments give us a great deal of useful technical information. In fact, this month were starting a JavaScript Bug Report Form to make it easier for you to tell us when you've discovered a bug or if you have determined a workaround. (1,900 words)

Netscape unveils friendlier JavaScript toolkit (NetscapeWorld - April 1997)
New development environment to include debugger, drag-&-drop "visual" app builder.
By Niall McKay
Visual JavaScript (formerly called Palomar) features a point-and-click interface that lets users drag and drop software components written in Java, JavaScript or Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) to build applications that work across networks. (400 words)

Beyond Data Basics: Writing JavaScript Database Applications, Part II (View Source - March 1997)
By J.J. Kuslich
A continuation of a previous article, this article describes how to create "live" input forms that let users edit existing data instead of merely entering information into blank input forms. The techniques presented here go beyond the simple examples presented in the Netscape LiveWire Developer's Guide.

JavaScript and User Interface Design (View Source - March 1997)
By Danny Goodman
In this article, the author shares his thoughts and experiences about several common issues that bring together JavaScript and user interface design. In particular, the article looks at the following: Applying scripting to match your audience, handling loading delays, Client-side forms validations, assisting with new plug-in installation, deploying sound and other rich media, and advanced mouse rollover behavior.

JavaScript Date Object Techniques (View Source - March 1997)
By Danny Goodman
The purpose of this article is to explain the concepts behind JavaScript's Date object and describe a few practical implications of this object in both plain and forms-based HTML pages. Along the way, the author also points out some of the pitfalls and bugs you'll need to work around, including a few recent discoveries.

5 more JavaScripts you can steal & use now! (NetscapeWorld - March 1997)
How to customize your users' experiences dynamically.
By Reaz Hoque
This article will explain, show the code, and then demonstrate working examples for several useful JavaScript functions that can be added to your Web pages in minutes.

JavaScript: More frequently sought solutions (JavaWorld - March 1997)
Our esteemed columnist tackles 10 more of your most common JavaScript questions.
by Gordon McComb
Most JavaScripters have the wits and creativity to write almost any program they can imagine. However, wits and creativity can only get you so far. Unfortunately, many JavaScript writers know where they want to go, but they just don't know how to get there. To bridge this gap, I'm devoting this month's JavaScript to providing the answers you need most.

Beyond Data Basics: Writing JavaScript Database Applications (View Source - February 1997)
By J.J. Kuslich
This article deals with creating flexible "views" on databases. For you die-hard SQL experts, this is not speaking of strict SQL views, but rather simply creating result sets and displaying them to the user in a useful format. The article further demonstrates some useful ways to display and organize data from databases on HTML pages. The techniques presented here go beyond the simple examples presented in the Netscape LiveWire Developer's Guide.

JavaScript: Make your life easier: Create reusable routines in JavaScript (JavaWorld - February 1997)
Tired of rewriting everything? Here's how to build a component library for JavaScript and reuse common routines -- simply by cutting and pasting code.
By Gordon McComb
Most JavaScript programs are constructed using common building blocks, or routines. Routines can be encapsulated into self-contained functions that are then cut and pasted between JavaScript programs. As you develop in JavaScript, you can save your routines and create a library of common functions. When you need a particular function, simply copy the function into your current project. You don't have to rewrite everything from scratch. (4,025 words)

Steal this plug-in and LiveConnect manipulation code! (NetscapeWorld - February 1997)
4 JavaScript applications you can put in your Web pages today.
By Reaz Hoque
We provide more cut-and-paste JavaScript code that you can use immediately. Offerings include: a rotating banner script to automatically update your banners; a script to manipulate Netscape plug-ins, such as LiveAudio, Macromedia Flash, and Envoy, using Netscape 3.0's LiveConnect functionality; a way to enhance site navigation using the selection options discussed in December's column; and a simple price calculator that displays its results in an invoice format. (3,500 words)

Detecting a JavaScript Client (View Source - January 1997)
By Danny Goodman
This article discusses basic strategies you can use to accomodate browsers with different levels of JavaScript awareness.

JavaScript: Take advantage of user-defined variables (JavaWorld - January 1997)
Variables, special information-holding areas, are a crucial part of any programming language. This article teaches the ins and outs of JavaScript user-defined variables, and demonstrates their power to programmers of all levels.
By Gordon McComb
As with all programming languages, JavaScript relies heavily on user-defined variables. But unlike many languages -- including Java -- JavaScript's system of variables is simplified, so that even users with minimal programming experience can immediately use them. JavaScript doesn't impose strict data formats or types for its variables, which can greatly simplify programming. However, just because JavaScript's variables are easy to use doesn't mean they lack power. (3,100 words)

Do-it-yourself JavaScript forms and frames (NetscapeWorld - January 1997)
Cut-and-paste your way to interactive forms and frames on your page.
By Reaz Hoque
This column continues to discuss common uses of JavaScript and offers eight scripts you can drop into your Web pages immediately. (2,500 words)

Bringing Images to Life with JavaScript (View Source - December 1997)
By Angus Davis
JavaScript 1.1 gives scripting developers new controls over images in HTML documents. Whether the content resides behind the firewall on intranets or on your public Web page, JavaScript image control sparks new life and functionality into documents through methods that are easy to learn.

Cookie Recipes (View Source - December 1996)
By Danny Goodman
Few Navigator and JavaScript concepts are as misunderstood as the HTTP cookie. ...Let's stick to facts.

The Java/JavaScript Connection (View Source - December 1996)
By Danny Goodman
Here, the author focuses on the long-awaited powers of controlling Java applets from JavaScript. Specifically, the article looks at the idea of generic applets that many scripters might want to use in their Web pages. Along the way, it introduces Java applet programmers to a number of issues that will likely affect their future applet designs in light of the access granted to JavaScript writers (who may not have any Java experience or tools at their disposal).

Scripting Frames in JavaScript (View Source - December 1996)
By Danny Goodman
More Web page authoring midnight oil has burned over incorporating JavaScript into multiple-frame sites than perhaps any other scriptable feature. Even if you've started to become comfortable with JavaScript, you may find your scripts tripping over references to objects that exist in other frames. This article looks at key object model issues surrounding frames and references.

Getting started with JavaScript's 13 event handlers (NetscapeWorld - December 1996)
You need to know these 13 basic interactive and non-interactive JavaScript event handlers to make your scripts interact with users.
By Reaz Hoque
Almost every Web page object uses the same event handlers to call JavaScript functions or code. An event handler executes a segment of a code based on certain events occurring within the application. This article discusses the basics of user interaction with JavaScript, including 13 examples of running code. (2,100 words)

JavaScript: Understanding and using JavaScript statements (JavaWorld - December 1996)
Moving through the eleven statements supported by JavaScript.
By Gordon McComb
Commands, constructs, statements -- whatever the term -- these are the real workhorses of any programming language. JavaScript supports a small collection of statements, including the usual if, while, and for, that you use to build intelligent applications. Combined with objects, properties, methods, and events, statements round out the JavaScript program, giving it direction, purpose, and logic. (4,250 words)

Steal this code! JavaScript you can cut-and-paste now (NetscapeWorld - December 1996)
8 ready-to-run, low-bandwidth scripts that flip images, change background color, count down, and handle plug-ins. Plus, we answer readers' Javascript questions.
By Reaz Hoque
This column continues to discuss common uses of JavaScript and offers eight scripts you can drop into your Web pages immediately. (2,500 words)

6 easy ways to add JavaScript power, to make your pages look and sound great. (NetscapeWorld - November 1996)
Cut-and-paste JavaScripts you can use immediately.
By Reaz Hoque
This article introduces some common uses of JavaScript and offers a variety of neat scripts you can use immediately to liven up your site. Just by cutting and pasting some of the code, you can make your homepage better looking than ever! (2,300 words)

JavaScript: Frequently sought solutions (JavaWorld - November 1996)
Our esteemed columnist tackles your most common JavaScript questions.
By Gordon McComb
As any service station attendant will tell you, people always ask the same questions: "Where's the bathroom?" "How do I get onto the interstate?" It's no different when working with programming languages. Most questions asked about accomplishing some task in JavaScript follow the common threads. Learning the solutions to the most popular questions helps you to get better acquainted with JavaScript.

JavaScript: New JavaScript features in Navigator 3.0 (JavaWorld - October 1996)
Discover the new and improved JavaScript functionality in Netscape's latest browser.
By Gordon McComb
Change is inevitable. And on the Internet that change comes quickly. Netscape has released version 3.0 of its phenomenally popular Navigator browser software, and with this new version comes changes in the way JavaScript works. In some cases, 3.0 fixed bugs that exist in JavaScript for Netscape 2.0, and in other cases, 3.0 added new functions. And in a few cases, changes to the way Netscape 3.0 works make JavaScript programs for 2.0 inoperative.

JavaScript resources on NetscapeWorld's Technical Resources page

A list of JavaScript columns in NetscapeWorld.
 http://www.netscapeworld.com/common/nw.backissues.column.html

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