JavaScript (JS) is a versatile, high-level programming language that is one of the core technologies of the web, along with HTML and CSS. Created in 1995 by Brendan Eich at Netscape Communications, it was initially designed to add interactivity to web pages, which were largely static at the time. Originally named LiveScript, it was soon renamed JavaScript, possibly as a marketing strategy to capitalize on the popularity of Java, though the two languages are distinct. Today, JavaScript powers the dynamic content of most websites and web applications.
JavaScript is known for its flexibility, functioning both on the client-side (in web browsers) and server-side (using Node.js). It is an interpreted language, meaning it runs line-by-line in the browser, and it supports multiple programming paradigms, including event-driven, functional, and object-oriented styles. JavaScript's capabilities extend to manipulating web page content in real time through the Document Object Model (DOM), handling user interactions, and creating complex web applications and browser-based games. The latest version of JavaScript is ECMAScript 2023 (ES2023), which includes features like new array methods and improved data organization. ECMAScript 2025 is already on the horizon with more updates.