Is JavaScript used only for Web Application Development?

00:07:00 Aaliyah 6 Comments

At present, JavaScript is the most widely used client-side programming language available in the market. According to the usage statistics posted on various website, it is currently being used by more than 90% of websites. The advanced tools like Node.js further enable programmers to use JavaScript for server-side application development. Also, JavaScript has been updated at regular intervals to meet the latest trends in software development. The developers also have option to use specific frameworks to create desktop applications and mobile apps with JavaScript. There are also many developers who prefer writing a variety of applications in JavaScript.



Using JavaScript for Desktop Application Development
There are a number of tools that enable developers to create desktop applications using commonly used web technologies like HTML, CSS and JavaScript. The programmers also have option to choose from a number of frameworks including Electron, AppJS, Chrome App, and NW.js.

Electron: The open source framework from Github enables developers to build desktop applications using HTML, CSS and JavaScript. The desktop applications developed using Electron further runs on major operating systems like Windows, Linux and OS X. Electron further simplifies desktop application development by providing features like Windows installers, native menus and notifications, debugging and profiling, automatic updates and crash reporting.

AppJS: Like Electron, AppJS also helps developers to create cross-platform desktop applications using popular web technologies like HTML, CSS and JavaScript. It further allows programmers to create a variety of desktop applications using HTML 5 APIs. AppJS further uses Node.js to facilitate development of networking and real-time apps with JavaScript. The users can further install and download AppJS in a faster and simpler way.

Chrome App: The Chrome App enables developers create desktop applications using HTML, CSS and JavaScript that run on Windows, Linux and Mac OS X. But it does not require programmers to write code for each platform individually. So the developers can build and maintain a single code base to create applications that run on any operating system that supports Google Chrome. The developers can additionally use Chrome App for Mobile to extend the application to popular mobile platforms like iOS and Android.

NW.js: NW.js enables developers to create desktop applications using HTML5, CSS3, WebGL and JavaScript for Windows, Linux and OS X. In addition to supporting the Node.js APIs fully, NW.js further calls these Node.js modules directly from the document object model (DOM). Also, the tool provides a number of features to simplify packaging and distribution of the application across different platforms.

However, it is important for the developers to compare these tools according to the specific needs of each project, and pick the one that complements all business requirements.

Using JavaScript for Mobile App Development
With more and more people accessing websites on their smartphones and tablets, it has become essential for developers to adopt responsive web design to make the website look good on each device. So many developers nowadays build websites and web applications using HTML5, CSS3 and JavaScript to make them more responsive and mobile friendly. Likewise, JavaScript, along with HTML5 and CSS3, is also used widely for development of cross-platform and web-based mobile apps. The developers also have option to use a number of specialized tools to build a variety of mobile applications with JavaScript.

Based on the nature and requirements of the mobile app, the programmers have option to choose from several mobile web application development tools including PhoneGap, Rhodes, Ionic, jQuery Mobile, Sencha Touch, Lungo, jQT, Jo and Junior. Each of these frameworks helps programmers to create mobile apps using HTML, CSS and JavaScript. But the features and tools provided by individual frameworks differ. That is why; it become essential for the developers to pick the right mobile web application development tool according to specific needs of each mobile app development project.

However, the programmers must remember that JavaScript is not a high-level and compiled programming language. As an interpreted programming language, it lacks many features and functionality provided by other modern programming languages. So the developers need to use HTML, CSS and other frameworks, libraries and tools additionally to create desktop applications and mobile apps with JavaScript.

Aaliyah

6 comments:

  1. byodbuzz0415 March 2019 at 23:15

    David Walsh is Mozilla’s senior web developer, and the core developer for the MooTools Javascript Framework. David’s blog reflects his skills in HTML/5, JS and CSS, and offers a ton of engaging advice and insight into front-end technologies. Even more obvious is his passion for open source contribution and trial-and-error development, making his blog one of the most honest and engaging around.
    Website: davidwalsh.name

    ReplyDelete
  2. byodbuzz0818 March 2019 at 00:05

    David Walsh is Mozilla’s senior web developer, and the core developer for the MooTools Javascript Framework. David’s blog reflects his skills in HTML/5, JS and CSS, and offers a ton of engaging advice and insight into front-end technologies. Even more obvious is his passion for open source contribution and trial-and-error development, making his blog one of the most honest and engaging around.
    Website: davidwalsh.name

    ReplyDelete
  3. byodbuzz0625 March 2019 at 02:44

    David Walsh is Mozilla’s senior web developer, and the core developer for the MooTools Javascript Framework. David’s blog reflects his skills in HTML/5, JS and CSS, and offers a ton of engaging advice and insight into front-end technologies. Even more obvious is his passion for open source contribution and trial-and-error development, making his blog one of the most honest and engaging around.
    Website: davidwalsh.name

    ReplyDelete
  4. byodbuzz0528 March 2019 at 23:46

    David Walsh is Mozilla’s senior web developer, and the core developer for the MooTools Javascript Framework. David’s blog reflects his skills in HTML/5, JS and CSS, and offers a ton of engaging advice and insight into front-end technologies. Even more obvious is his passion for open source contribution and trial-and-error development, making his blog one of the most honest and engaging around.
    Website: davidwalsh.name

    ReplyDelete
  5. byodbuzz032 April 2019 at 23:52

    David Walsh is Mozilla’s senior web developer, and the core developer for the MooTools Javascript Framework. David’s blog reflects his skills in HTML/5, JS and CSS, and offers a ton of engaging advice and insight into front-end technologies. Even more obvious is his passion for open source contribution and trial-and-error development, making his blog one of the most honest and engaging around.
    Website: davidwalsh.name

    ReplyDelete
  6. byodbuzz037 April 2019 at 22:10

    David Walsh is Mozilla’s senior web developer, and the core developer for the MooTools Javascript Framework. David’s blog reflects his skills in HTML/5, JS and CSS, and offers a ton of engaging advice and insight into front-end technologies. Even more obvious is his passion for open source contribution and trial-and-error development, making his blog one of the most honest and engaging around.
    Website: davidwalsh.name

    ReplyDelete

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