JavaScript QuickStart: What Is JavaScript? : Page 3

What Can JavaScript Do for Me?
With just a few JavaScript snippets you can transform a static page into something extraordinary. But don't just let us tell you—click on the text below to see four different examples of a script in action.

JavaScript can:

• Provide visual feedback to a reader action.
  In this example, try putting your cursor on the menu choice and watch for the glowing dot that appears.

• Add a little explanatory text in the status bar (located at the bottom of the browser window) when the reader moves the mouse in certain places.
  Notice what happens in the status bar when you move your mouse over each of the celestial bodies.

• Change the graphics on the screen as the reader moves the mouse around the browser.
  In this example, your mouse movements make the comet fly as you move the cursor in the window.

• Display information based on the time of day.
  In this example, you'll see different date boxes every day. The script checks the computer's clock and pulls the appropriate graphics based on the clock information.

JavaScript scripts can also do "invisible" but critical functions like analyzing which browser a reader is using and displaying the correct version of the page for that browser type.