In computer news this week, 01/29/2002

Java Java Java Java Java Java Java said the monkey to the chimp.....

That's a line from a popular song my parents used to listen to, and java used to mean coffee to the beatnik generation, but Java script today means something completely different to the internet generation.

JavaScript is NOT Java. JavaScript is a basic scripting language that allows Web authors to create web pages with some really cool features.

JavaScript is based loosely on the Java programming language. JavaScript programs are contained within the HTML code of the Web page and are interpreted by the browser as it its read in contrast to Java programs that are downloaded separately from the HTML page. JavaScript provides greater flexibility to the Web designer through such luxuries as being able to create windows, display moving text, sound or other multimedia elements with relative ease.

A lot of the special effects you see on web pages are done with javascript, and for those of you interested or involved in web page creation, even if you use a canned program like Frontpage, you can add any of the special effects you see on other web pages to yours very easily.

One of the best sources for information on javascripting can be found at http://javascript.internet.com/ . Here you will find Frequently asked questions and answers, but best of all you will find a huge free library of javascripts you can spiff up your own web pages with. And the best part of all - it's incredibly easy to do. You just have to browse through their library, which gives the name of each script and the source code for it, and you can click on each script and see exactly how it works . Then if you like it, you can download the source code for it and insert it into one of your web pages. You actually just insert the javascript code you download into your web page and it works as is, no muss, no fuss, works great, less filling. People will think you're an internet guru but all you really know how to do is download files and use resources wisely.

And what are some of the functions you can download and add to your page? Well, anything from cutesy graphics to complex routines. If you go to my Raw Bytes page now you'll see an example of cutesy graphics. I actually modified this routine and used it on other pages too. In looking at their a-z script list, I found at least a couple dozen scripts I downloaded to use now or to keep in case I ever needed them, being the packrat that I am. That's probably why I have over 90,000 files on my computer.

The free javascripts include cool textbox scrollers, calculators, fancy graphics effects, audio and musical background sounds, various buttons and popup boxes, scrolling pictures and backgrounds, banners, calendars, slideshows, clocks, games, and some very useful routines for getting information and conveying messages to people who visit your site.

Hey it's a candy store - help yourself.

For Raw Bytes, This is Frank Delaney

POB 222 Spangle, Wa 99031 (509)245-3736 624-7230