JavaScript can improve your site by adding needed function. It can also add fun effects. Too much though really slows things down, and some of it can get annoying.

The rule for JavaScript is, make sure the effect or purpose justifies the extra time it takes to activate. Because JavaScript takes extra time to download, and because it can behave unpredictably on older computers, you'll want to make sure you need the feature you are adding. Because annoying your site guests is never a good idea.

We will not be discussing how to write JavaScript - that is a subject way beyond the scope of this page! We will be explaining the use of pre-written scripts, including where to get them.

JavaScript is a programming language that adds dynamic or interactive features to a web page. It is fairly flexible in the things it can do, but also has a definite limit as to how powerful it is. The code is inserted into the page in the same way that HTML is, and it does not change the way that the page is titled.

Java and JavaScript are two different things. Java is a more powerful programming language that is capable of producing mini-applications, called Applets, which will do more powerful functions than JavaScript is capable of. Here, we are only talking about JavaScript.

JavaScript code needs to be put into the page in the right place in order to work correctly. Some scripts control the behavior of an entire page, and will go in the top of the code. Some scripts control just how certain features of the page behave, and they go in the body of the document. Other scripts just add a single feature, and they are inserted into the document in the location that you want the feature to appear. Usually a script will come with instructions on where to put it, and how to customize it if applicable.

JavaScript code is copyright protected. That means that you cannot simply peek at the code on other pages and copy and paste it legally. You must have permission from the author to use it, and you must comply with their terms.

Scripts are available for purchase, and there are also a huge number of scripts that are available for free use. Some of them require that you leave a copyright notice in the script itself.

You can find scripts online fairly easily. There are many huge databases with free and paid scripts. Our favorite is www.dynamicdrive.com. They offer scripts of all types, and tips on using them.

There are also freeware programs which contain scripts and instructions, or which make it easier to customize scripts. Two that we found useful are EasyJava, and JavaScript Vault. JavaScript Vault contains hundreds of scripts of all varieties.

Some tasks that you can do with JavaScript on your pages are:

Calculators - There are calculator scripts written for any mathematical or scientific formula you might need!

Calendars - Personally, I have never seen the use of a calendar on a web page, but apparently many other people do, because there are calendar scripts galore!

Clocks - Much like calendars, I see no real use for them, but there are tons of scripts out there if you think you need one!

Page Protection - You can limit right clicking, disable the IE 6 toolbar, prevent selecting of text, encode your email address, password protect a page, and more. JavaScript is fairly limited in how aggressive it can be in these features, but it can certainly slow down the average browser from getting past it.

Form authentication - It does not really verify information, it just checks to make sure that the information complies with certain standards, for example, that a zip code has 5 digits, or that an email address is in a common format.

Moving objects - You can create a script with objects that move around the page. Mouse trailers, flying saucers, bugs, whatever trips you.

Slideshow - JavaScript can help you play a slideshow for your guests. It can also display images at other times, from various commands.

Dynamic Link Buttons - You see this all the time - buttons that change when you put the mouse over them, or that change when you click them.

Menus - This is also common, pop out menus in web navigation.

Cookies - Javascript can help you offer a customized browsing experience with the use of cookies. Remember, some people turn these off in their browser.

More Form Features - There are tons of little tweaks that JavaScript can add to a form, to check, inform, or clarify form data.

Games - You can add question and answer scripts, kill the aliens game, and more to your page. Why, I do not know... but you CAN.

Text Features - You can highlight links, give images labels, display additional bits of information on various commands.

HTML Builder - You can add HTML coding capability to your page.

Pop Up control - You can control how long a popup appears, to reduce the annoyance to your guest.

MetaTag Builder - Builds Metatags.

Quiz Your Users - You can build an interactive quiz that informs users of incorrect answers.

Set Screen Size - You can use JavaScript features to customize your visitor's browsing experience to thier specific monitor size.

And MUCH more! This listing represents only a small assortment of the things that JavaScript can do. Some things you might need, others are just for fun. But make sure that your use of JavaScript is really necessary, or that it is as much fun for the visitor as you though it would be, or you will annoy them and drive them away!

JavaScript is a useful way to add function to your site, but should be used with common sense and wisdom.