It's Not Java

Don’t say Java when you mean JavaScript

JavaScript vs Java

JavaScript: A scripting language used to add interactivity to web sites, control web servers, automate Adobe apps, and more.
Java: An object-oriented programming (OOP) language used to create stand-alone applications such as Android apps.

Client-side JS runs in a web browser and lets you access and manipulate webpage elements (HTML & CSS).
Server-side JS runs on a web server and gives you back-end access to databases, file systems, and servers.

Node.js is an ”asynchronous event-driven JavaScript runtime”... “designed to build scalable network applications”.
Node.js can read/write to databases, access files, and more.
Node.js competes with other server-side languages like PHP or Ruby on Rails.

JavaScript running in Adobe apps lets you automate Photoshop, InDesign, etc.
ExtendScript is what Adobe calls their implementation of JavaScript in Adobe apps.
Example: Dan Rodney has several InDesign Scripts that automate InDesign and can save people hours of work!

JS can be put anywhere in <head> or <body>
HTML elements may need to be loaded before executing your JS code, which is why JS is often put at the bottom of <body>

Objects (the nouns of JS): An object is a bundle of information that is packaged in an organized way. Nearly everything in JS is an object.
Properties (the adjectives of JS): Objects have properties, which tell you things about the object. You can get properties and sometimes you can change them. Written as Object.property
Methods (the verbs of JS): Methods are built-in actions that do various tasks. Written as methodName()
Functions: A collection of custom-written JS code that waits to be executed until called. Written as functionName()

Object: Car
Object: Car.door
Object: Car.door.window
Property: Car.color (would return a value such as red)
Property: Car.door.open (would return true or false)
Method: Car.door.open()
Method: Car.door.window.open()

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jQuery is the most popular JavaScript library.
It’s completely free to use!
Makes it easier to target elements, handle events, and more.
jQuery is pre-written JavaScript you can use, but it was written in a way that lets you code differently that plain JavaScript.

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Many developers have written plugins to do things such as slideshows, form validation, lightboxes, and much more.
A jQuery plugin is a collection of jQuery code written in a way that it makes it easier for you to use it.
Most plugins are free, or inexpensive.

Scrolline: Create a scroll line indicator on the page.
Example
Project Page & Download
Single Page Nav: Scroll up/down within a single page.
Example
Project Page & Download
Unveil: Lazy load images to speed up page load.
Example & Project Page
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GreenSock Animation Platform (GSAP) is an ultra high-performance, professional-grade animation JavaScript library.
GSAP lets you code timeline-based animations much more easily than with plain JavaScript.
Core tools are free, unless you charge people to access your site, app, etc. Then you need a Club GreenSock membership. More licensing info & why license?
Comparison of Animation Technologies (GSAP is mentioned).

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