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Top Features of JavaScript You Need to Know!

Top Features of JavaScript You Need to Know!

05 Dec 2024
Beginner
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35 min read
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Features of Javascript

When you hear about JavaScript, you might wonder, "What makes it so special?" Well, JavaScript is like the magic behind all those interactive web pages you see. From clickable buttons to dynamic updates without refreshing the page, JavaScript does it all. But that’s just scratching the surface!

First, let’s start with what JavaScript is. In this JavaScript tutorial, we’ll explore how it works, why it’s so powerful, and how you can use it effectively. You’ll also learn aboutdesign patterns in JavaScript, when to use them, and see examples that will helpyou apply them to your projects. Let’s explore it!

What is Javascript?

  • JavaScript is a programming language you use to make websites interactive. It is what makes things happen on a website, like buttons you can click, forms that check what you type, or animations you see.
  • It is like the brain of a website that helps it do more than just show text and pictures. For example, if you see a dropdown menu or a pop-up, JavaScript is making it work.
  • You can use JavaScript in your browser, and it is easy to learn. That is why it is so popular for making websites.
Read More: Different Types of Design Patterns

Top features of JavaScript.

The table below summarizes the essential features of JavaScript, highlighting its versatility, asynchronous capabilities, and role in creating dynamic, interactive web content. These features make it a cornerstone of modern web development.

Serial Number FeatureExplanation
1Light-Weight Scripting LanguageJavaScript is a lightweight language that runs directly in browsers without heavy resource requirements.
2InterpreterJavaScript is interpreted, so it executes code line by line without needing prior compilation.
3Dynamic TypingYou don’t need to specify variable types; JavaScript assigns them automatically at runtime.
4Event HandlingHandles user actions like clicks, key presses, and form submissions to make applications interactive.
5Case SensitiveJavaScript treats uppercase and lowercase letters differently in variable and function names.
6Control StatementsIncludes if-else, switch, loops, and more to control the flow of code execution.
7Objects as First-Class CitizensObjects can be created, modified, and passed as dynamic arguments in JavaScript.
8Functions as First-Class CitizensFunctions can be assigned to variables, passed as arguments, or returned from other functions.
9Client-side ValidationsValidates user inputs on the browser before sending them to the server, improving user experience.
10Cross-Browser CompatibilityJavaScript works across all modern browsers, ensuring consistent functionality.
11Async ProcessingSupports asynchronous operations like API calls using callbacks, promises, or async/await syntax.
12Prototype-BasedJavaScript uses prototypes for inheritance instead of traditional classes.
13Nullish Coalescing Operator (??)Provides a concise way to handle null or undefined values in expressions.
14Logical Nullish Assignment (??=)Allows you to assign a value only if the variable is null or undefined.
15Styling Console LogOffers custom styles for console messages to make debugging visually organized.
16Date and Time HandlingProvides built-in objects and methods to handle date and time operations.
17HTML Content GenerationDynamically generates and modifies HTML using the Document Object Model (DOM).
18Browser and OS DetectionIdentifies the user’s browser and operating system for customizing functionality.
19Let & Const KeywordsOffers block-scoped variable declarations with better control over variable scope and immutability.
20Arrow FunctionsProvides a concise syntax for writing functions, with the added benefit of maintaining this context.
21Template LiteralsAllows multi-line strings and embedded expressions using backticks (`).
22New Array FunctionsProvides modern methods like map(), filter(), reduce(), and more for array manipulation.
23Default ParametersEnables setting default values for function parameters when no value is provided.
24Property ShorthandSimplifies object creation by using the same name for variables and their properties.
25Similar Syntax to JavaShares a familiar syntax with Java, making it easier for Java developers to learn.
26If-Else StatementImplements decision-making logic for executing different code blocks based on conditions.
27Looping StatementsSupports loops like for, while, and forEach for iterative operations.
28BigIntHandles very large numbers that exceed the Number type’s limits.
29Dynamic ImportEnables dynamically imported modules during runtime for modular programming.
30Promise.allSettledReturns results of all promises, whether they are fulfilled or rejected, as an array.
31Object-Oriented ProgrammingSupports object-oriented concepts like classes, inheritance, and encapsulation.
32DOM ManipulationDirectly interacts with and updates the HTML structure for dynamic web pages.
33Libraries and FrameworksIntegrates seamlessly with popular tools like React, Angular, and Vue.js.
34Template LiteralsMakes string formatting simpler with embedded expressions and multi-line support.
35Async/AwaitSimplifies writing asynchronous code for improved readability and error handling.

Now, let's explore the Features of Javascript one by one.

1. Light-Weight Scripting Language

JavaScript is a lightweight scripting language you can use to make websites interactive. It runs directly in your browser, so you don’t need special tools to see it in action. It’s easy to learn, and you can use it to add things like animations, buttons, or dynamic content to your website. You can also use it with frameworks like React or Angular for advanced web apps. Plus, it works with APIs to fetch and display data seamlessly.

2. Interpreter

JavaScript is interpreted directly by browsers without the need for compilation.


console.log("JavaScript is interpreted!");    

Output:

JavaScript is interpreted!

3. Dynamic Typing

Variables in JavaScript can hold values of any type, and you don’t need to specify the type.


let value = 42; 
console.log(typeof value); 
value = "Hello"; 
console.log(typeof value);    

Output:

number
string

4. Event Handling

You can respond to user actions, such as clicks, using event handling.


document.getElementById("eventButton").onclick = function () {
    alert("Button clicked!");
};   

Clicking the button shows an alert.

Output:

Button clicked!

5. Case Sensitive

JavaScript distinguishes between uppercase and lowercase letters.


let value = 10; 
let Value = 20; 
console.log(value, Value);    

Output:

10 20

6. Control Statements

Control statements like if, else, and loops guide the program flow.


let age = 18;
if (age >= 18) {
    console.log("You are an adult.");
} else {
    console.log("You are not an adult yet.");
}    

Output:

You are an adult.
Read More: Java Conditional Statements: if-else and switch

7. Objects as First-Class Citizens

Objects are essential in JavaScript, and they can be passed around as values.


let person = { name: "Alice", age: 25 };
console.log(person.name);    

Output:

Alice

8. Functions as First-Class Citizens

Functions in JavaScript can be assigned to variables in JavaScript, passed as arguments, and returned from other functions.


function greet(name) {
    return "Hello, " + name;
}
let sayHi = greet;
console.log(sayHi("Alice"));    

Output:

Hello, Alice

9. Client-side Validations

JavaScript can validate form inputs before sending them to the server.


function validate() {
    let name = document.getElementById("name").value;
    if (name === "") {
        alert("Name cannot be empty.");
    } else {
        console.log("Form submitted.");
    }
}    

Output:

"Name cannot be empty"

10. Platform Independent

JavaScript works across all platforms as long as a browser is available.


console.log("JavaScript works on any platform!");    

Output:

JavaScript works on any platform!

11. Async Processing

JavaScript can handle tasks in the background, allowing you to perform other actions simultaneously.


setTimeout(() => {
    console.log("This runs after 2 seconds!");
}, 2000);    

Output:

This runs after 2 seconds!

12. Prototype-Based

JavaScript uses prototypes for inheritance instead of traditional class-based inheritance.


function Person(name) {
    this.name = name;
}
Person.prototype.greet = function () {
    console.log("Hi, I'm " + this.name);
};
let john = new Person("John");
john.greet();    

Output:

Hi, I'm John
Read More: Understanding Inheritance and Different Types of Inheritance

13. Nullish Coalescing Operator (??)

The ?? operator returns the right-hand value if the left-hand value is null or undefined.


let user = null;
console.log(user ?? "Guest");    

Output:

Guest

14. Logical Nullish Assignment (??=)

The ??= operator assigns a value only if the variable is null or undefined.


let user = null;
user ??= "Guest";
console.log(user);    

Output:

Guest
Read More: Java Operators: Arithmetic, Relational, Logical, and More

15. Styling Console Log

You can add styles to your console log messages using CSS.


console.log("%cStyled Text!", "color: blue; font-size: 20px;");    

Output:

The console displays styled text.

16. Date and Time Handling

JavaScript provides built-in support for working with dates and times through the Date object.


let currentDate = new Date();
console.log("Current Date and Time:", currentDate);    

Output:

Current Date and Time: [Current Date and Time]

17. HTML Content Generation

You can dynamically create and manipulate HTML content using JavaScript.


document.body.innerHTML = "Welcome to JavaScript";    

Output:

The page now displays: Welcome to JavaScript

18. Browser and OS Detection

JavaScript can detect the user's browser and operating system using the navigator object.


console.log("Browser Info:", navigator.userAgent);    

Output:

Browser Info: [Details about the browser]

19. Let & Const Keywords

JavaScript uses let for block-scoped variables and const for constants.


let age = 25;
const pi = 3.14;
console.log("Age:", age, "Pi:", pi);    

Output:

Age: 25 Pi: 3.14

20. Arrow Functions

Arrow functions in JavaScript provide a concise way to write functions in JavaScript.


let greet = (name) => console.log("Hello, " + name);
greet("Alice");    

Output:

Hello, Alice

21. Template Literals

Template literals allow you to embed variables and expressions directly into Strings in JavaScript.


let name = "Alice";
console.log(`Hello, ${name}!`);    

Output:

Hello, Alice!

22. New Array Functions

JavaScript provides useful array methods in JavaScript like map(), filter(), and reduce().


let numbers = [1, 2, 3];
let doubled = numbers.map(num => num * 2);
console.log(doubled);    

Output:

[2, 4, 6]

23. Default Parameters

You can set default values for function parameters.


function greet(name = "Guest") {
    console.log("Hello, " + name);
}
greet();    

Output:

Hello, Guest

24. Property Shorthand

Object property shorthand reduces redundancy when the property name matches the variable name.


let name = "Alice";
let age = 30;
let person = { name, age };
console.log(person);    

Output:

{ name: 'Alice', age: 30 }

25. Similar Syntax to Java

JavaScript has a syntax similar to Java, making it familiar to developers with a Java background.


class Person {
    constructor(name) {
        this.name = name;
    }
    greet() {
        console.log("Hello, " + this.name);
    }
}
let alice = new Person("Alice");
alice.greet();    

Output:

Hello, Alice

26. If-Else Statement

JavaScript allows you to perform conditional checks using the if-else statement.


let age = 20;
if (age >= 18) {
    console.log("You are an adult.");
} else {
    console.log("You are not an adult.");
}    

Output:

You are an adult.

27. Looping Statements

JavaScript provides loops like for, while, and do-while to execute repetitive tasks.


for (let i = 1; i <= 5; i++) {
    console.log("Count:", i);
}    

Output:

Count: 1
Count: 2
Count: 3
Count: 4
Count: 5
Read More: For Loop in JavaScript

28. BigInt

The BigInt type is used to handle numbers larger than the Number type's limit.


let bigNumber = 123456789012345678901234567890n;
console.log(bigNumber);    

Output:

123456789012345678901234567890

29. Dynamic Import

JavaScript allows importing modules dynamically at runtime using import().


// Assuming module.js exports a function named greet
import('./module.js').then(module => {
    module.greet();
});

30. Promise.allSettled

Promise.allSettled waits for all promises to settle (either fulfilled or rejected).


let promises = [
    Promise.resolve("Success"),
    Promise.reject("Error"),
    Promise.resolve("Another Success"),
];
Promise.allSettled(promises).then(results => console.log(results));
    

Output:

[
  { status: 'fulfilled', value: 'Success' },
  { status: 'rejected', reason: 'Error' },
  { status: 'fulfilled', value: 'Another Success' }
]

31. Object-Oriented Programming

JavaScript supports object-oriented programming with class and constructor syntax.


class Animal {
    constructor(name) {
        this.name = name;
    }
    speak() {
        console.log(this.name + " makes a sound.");
    }
}
let dog = new Animal("Dog");
dog.speak();
    

Output:

Dog makes a sound.
Practice with these Articles:

32. DOM Manipulation

JavaScript lets you manipulate the Document Object Model (DOM) to change HTML content.


document.body.style.backgroundColor = "lightblue";
    

Output:

The background color of the page changes to light blue.

33. Libraries and Frameworks

JavaScript has popular libraries and frameworks like React, Angular, and Vue for building modern applications.

Note: Examples require additional setups, so they're not runnable in this simple environment.

34. Template Literals

Template literals make string manipulation easier with embedded expressions and multiline strings.


let greeting = `Hello,
This is a multiline string.`;
console.log(greeting);
    

Output:

Hello,
This is a multiline string.
Read More: Java Strings: Operations and Methods

35. Async/Await

The async/await syntax simplifies working with asynchronous code.


async function fetchData() {
    let data = await Promise.resolve("Fetched Data");
    console.log(data);
}
fetchData();
    

Output:

Fetched Data
Summary
This article covered the key features of JavaScript, highlighting its dynamic and versatile nature. It explained how JavaScript enables interactive web development through event handling, object-oriented programming, and platform independence. With its ability to work on both front-end and back-end development, JavaScript remains essential for building modern web applications.
Want to learn more about JavaScript? Sign up for the ScholarHat JavaScript Programming Course today and become a JavaScript pro! Don't miss your chance to improve your skills and take your career to the next level!
Further Read
Strings in JavaScript
Switch Statement in JavaScript
for Loop in JavaScript
Map in Javascript

FAQs

The main features of JavaScript include:
  1. Dynamic typing: Variables can hold any type of data, and their type is determined at runtime.
  2. Object-oriented: JavaScript supports object-oriented programming, allowing the use of objects and prototypes.
  3. Asynchronous programming: With features like callbacks, promises, and async/await, JavaScript handles asynchronous operations efficiently.
  4. Event-driven: JavaScript is widely used for handling events like user actions (clicks, keypresses, etc.) in web development.
  5. First-class functions: Functions in JavaScript are treated as objects, meaning they can be assigned to variables, passed as arguments, and returned from other functions.

The features of JSON in JavaScript include:
  1. Data interchange format: JSON is used to exchange data between a server and a client in a readable text format.
  2. Lightweight: It is easy to read and write, making it an efficient format for data transfer.
  3. JavaScript Object Notation: JSON is a subset of JavaScript and represents data as key-value pairs.
  4. Language-independent: Although it is based on JavaScript, JSON is language-independent and can be used in many programming languages.
  5. Supports objects and arrays: JSON allows you to represent data structures like objects, arrays, and nested data.

The features of a variable in JavaScript include:
  1. Dynamic Typing: Variables in JavaScript can hold any type of data and their type is determined at runtime.
  2. Function Scope or Block Scope: Variables declared with var are function-scoped, while those declared with let or const are block-scoped.
  3. Hoisting: Variables declared with var are hoisted to the top of their scope, meaning they can be used before declaration (though their value will be undefined until initialized).
  4. Mutable: Variables (except those declared with const) can be reassigned new values.
  5. Global or Local: Depending on where they are declared, variables can be global (if declared outside functions) or local (if declared within functions).

In JavaScript, scope refers to the accessibility or visibility of variables and functions in certain parts of the code. There are two main types of scope:
  1. Global Scope: Variables declared outside of any function or block are globally accessible throughout the entire script.
  2. Local Scope: Variables declared within a function or block (using let, const, or var) are only accessible within that function or block.
Additionally, JavaScript has block scope for variables declared with let and const, meaning they are confined to the block (e.g., inside loops or conditionals) in which they are defined.

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About Author
Shailendra Chauhan (Microsoft MVP, Founder & CEO at Scholarhat by DotNetTricks)

Shailendra Chauhan, Founder and CEO of ScholarHat by DotNetTricks, is a renowned expert in System Design, Software Architecture, Azure Cloud, .NET, Angular, React, Node.js, Microservices, DevOps, and Cross-Platform Mobile App Development. His skill set extends into emerging fields like Data Science, Python, Azure AI/ML, and Generative AI, making him a well-rounded expert who bridges traditional development frameworks with cutting-edge advancements. Recognized as a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) for an impressive 9 consecutive years (2016–2024), he has consistently demonstrated excellence in delivering impactful solutions and inspiring learners.

Shailendra’s unique, hands-on training programs and bestselling books have empowered thousands of professionals to excel in their careers and crack tough interviews. A visionary leader, he continues to revolutionize technology education with his innovative approach.
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