Laura Lemay's Web Workshop: JavaScript (herein referred to as Javascript) is a complete guide to the JavaScript language, including tutorials, reference information and examples. The book's twenty chapters and three appendices are designed as self-contained workshops on specific JavaScript topics. Javascript is written in an informative and occasionally humorous style, and should be enjoyable whether you're a beginner or a veteran programmer.
April 7, 1997
The book covers all Netscape 3.0 and JavaScript features. It includes information about combining Java, CGI, and Plug-ins with JavaScript, and introductions to ActiveX, VB Script, and other features of Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0. Appendices include a complete JavaScript language quick reference, as well as online support for updates and changes in the JavaScript language.
A CD-ROM is included with the book. The disk includes examples from the book, electronic books, and more. A nice bonus is the inclusion on the CD-ROM of the entire text of Teach Yourself Web Publishing with HTML 3.2 in 14 Days.
A synopsis of the chapters (with comments) follows.
Chapter 1: Creating Simple JavaScript Programs
This chapter introduces the JavaScript language, with a brief look at where it came from and how it compares with other Web languages. It also demonstrates to the reader how to write a simple program and insert it into an HTML document.
Chapter 2: Working with Larger Programs and Variables
This chapter introduces key concepts for JavaScript programs, including variables, data types, operators, and expressions.
Chapter 3: Working with Objects and Events
Chapter 3 covers the basics of objects in JavaScript, along with functions, loops, and conditional expressions. This chapter also introduces event handlers.
Chapter 4: Using Built-in Objects and Custom Objects
Chapter 4 describes JavaScript's built-in objects (Math, Date, String, Array, and Navigator), and how to create your own objects.
Chapter 5: Accessing Window Elements as Objects
This chapter covers the JavaScript object hierarchy, which allows you to work with windows, documents, and other parts of a Web page.
Chapter 6: Using Interactive Forms
Chapter 6 describes techniques for creating JavaScript-compatible HTML forms, assigning events to a form, and using JavaScript to validate a CGI form.
Chapter 7: Real-Life Examples I
This chapter includes three examples that further illustrate the techniques learned in Chapters 3-6.
Chapter 8: Improving a Web Page with JavaScript
Chapter 8 explores ways of making a Web page more friendly and interactive. Examples include a navigation bar, friendly link descriptions, and a scrolling message.
Chapter 9: Using Frames, Cookies, and Other Advanced Features
In this chapter, the reader is introduced to JavaScript's features for working with frames and cookies. It also illustrates how these features can be used to further improve a Web page.
Chapter 10: Working with Multiple Pages and Data
This chapter moves on to more advanced uses for frames, including nested framesets. Chapter 10 also explains techniques for working with complex data in JavaScript, including data tainting.
Chapter 11: Real-Life Examples II
Chapter 11 includes three examples that expand upon the techniques learned in Chapters 8-10.
Chapter 12: Working with Graphics in JavaScript
This chapter introduces JavaScript's graphic abilities, including Netscape 3.0's dynamic images feature. Chapter 12 also explains the use of client-side image maps with JavaScript.
Chapter 13: Working with Multimedia and Plug-ins
This chapter explains how to use sounds in JavaScript. It also explores Plug-ins and the techniques for working with them in JavaScript.
Chapter 14: Debugging JavaScript Programs
Chapter 14 includes a list of common errors in JavaScript programming. The chapter also explains the critical differences between browser versions. Several useful debugging tools are also explained in this chapter.
Chapter 15: Real-Life Examples III
This chapter includes one large example program, a poker solitaire game. The logic and strategy for a large-scale program are explored.
Chapter 16: Integrating JavaScript with Java
Chapter 16 explains the basics of Java, and how to use LiveConnect to interface between Java and JavaScript applications.
Chapter 17: Combining JavaScript, CGI, and SSI
This chapter explains the basics of CGI and SSI, and explores methods for combining the strengths of CGI and JavaScript.
Chapter 18: Using ActiveX and Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0
Chapter 18 examines the alternatives to JavaScript and Java from Microsoft: VB Script and ActiveX. It also includes information about Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0 and the ActiveX Control Pad.
Chapter 19: Real-Life Examples IV
This chapter includes three examples that further illustrate the techniques in Chapters 16-18.
Chapter 20: The Future of JavaScript
This chapter offers the reader a look at what's in store for Netscape, MSIE and JavaScript in the future. It also explores the current and upcoming alternatives to JavaScript.
Appendices:
Appendix A: Covers JavaScript Structure and Objects Reference. Here, the user will have access to a quick reference for JavaScript's built-in objects, the object hierarchy, and tips for creating your own objects.
Appendix B: Covers JavaScript Statements, Functions, Operators, and Keywords Reference. There is also a quick reference for the statements, functions, operators, and keywords of JavaScript.
Appendix C: Looks at online JavaScript resources. Included in this appendix is a comprehensive list of Web sites, newsgroups and mailing lists to learn more about JavaScript and related topics.
I'd recommend this book to anyone interesting in learning Javascript (which I must point out is different than the Java programming language). It is a very nicely written, annotated reference guide packed full of lots of great information. At $39.95, the included CD-ROM would have been a good buy. With the book and CD-ROM both for the price, it's a steal.
The book covers all Netscape 3.0 and JavaScript features. It includes information about combining Java, CGI, and Plug-ins with JavaScript, and introductions to ActiveX, VB Script, and other features of Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0. Appendices include a complete JavaScript language quick reference, as well as online support for updates and changes in the JavaScript language.