Think JavaScript is only good for image swaps and flying <div>s?Think again - this article takes an in-depth look at some of theobject-oriented constructs available in JavaScript, and demonstrates howJavaScript objects can substantially speed up code development anddeployment.
It's sad but true - there are a whole bunch of people out there who think that JavaScript is only good for image swaps and ticker tapes.
I'm here to tell you that it ain't so.
Yes, JavaScript is a client-side scripting language; most often, it's used to make objects fly around on a Web page, or validate the data entered into an HTML form. But, once you go beyond the obvious and dig a little deeper, it will become obvious that there's a whole lot more to this simple, easy-to-learn language.
In order to illustrate this, I'm going to spend the next few pages exploring some of the object-oriented constructs available in JavaScript. You didn't know you could use object-oriented concepts in JavaScript?! Shock, shock! Horror, horror!
Now, JavaScript doesn't offer nearly as much power and flexibility in its object model as do languages like Java and Perl; however, as you will see, even the limited features available can come in quite handy at times. And, with a little bit of thought, a clever developer like you can use JavaScript objects to substantially reduce the time spent on code development and testing...while simultaneously gaining the respect of your colleagues and the admiration of the pretty girl next door.