According to the most recent statistics posted on w3techs.com, more than 89% of websites currently use JavaScript as a client-side programming language. As a cross-platform and lightweight programming language, JavaScript makes it easier for programmers to build responsive websites and web applications that work with seamlessly with popular web browsers, operating systems and devices. It is also widely used by programmers as part of the web browsers to accomplish important tasks like browser control, user interaction, and asynchronous communication.
Also, the programmers have option to use JavaScript as a server-side scripting language through Node.js and similar runtime environment. At the same time, they also can use a variety of open source frameworks to reduce the amount of time and effort required for building JavaScript applications. It can also be used along with HTML5 and CSS for creating web applications and games. So you can always consider using JavaScript as a dynamic client-side programming language for building large scale web applications.
Advantages of Using JavaScript for Large Scale Web Application Development
Supported by Major Web Browsers
JavaScript is supported by most of the widely used web browsers including Firefox, Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari and Opera. It is also supported by the new web browsers whose vendors have implemented JavaScript. So the users can access the web applications using JavaScript regardless of their choice of web browser. They also have option to access all functionality of the website by enabling the scripting language if it is disable due to some reason.
No Need to Use Any Specific Tools
JavaScript is an interpreted programming language. So you can easily write the code without using any specific tool or program. You can simply open a notepad, and start writing JavaScript code. Also, you have option to use a number of editors to identify the mistakes in the code. The editors colorize or reformat the script to make it easier for users to identify the errors.
Option to Reuse the Code
You can further reuse the JavaScript code across multiple pages simply by placing the code in separate files. After placing the code in a separate file, you have to save the file with.js extension. The file can be linked to multiple web pages by using the <script> tag to the HTML code of the page. The option enables you to avoid writing additional code while adding the same functionality to various parts of the website.
Many Libraries and Frameworks
You have option to reduce the time and effort required for building large JavaScript applications by using several frameworks and libraries. Many programmers prefer using dynamic JavaScript frameworks like AngularJS, Backbone, Ember and React. However, you still have option to choose from a long list of JavaScript libraries according to your specific needs. For instance, you can effectuate GUI development using widgets like DHTMLX, Bootstrap, jQuery UI, DojoWidgets or AngularJS. Likewise, you use popular template systems like jQuery Mobile, Handlebars, Mustache and Cascade Framework.
Comparatively Faster
As noted earlier, JavaScript is a client-side scripting language. So the code is executed on user's system. As the code is executed without any server interaction, the processing is done at a comparatively faster. The faster processing enables the web application to keep the users engaged by delivering richer browsing experience.
Deliver Updated Response Data from the Server
JavaScript further uses the XmlHttpRequest API for data retrieval. The API sends HTTP or HTTPS requests to the web server, and load the response sent by the server in the script. The script can easily update the current web page based on the response data received from the server without reloading a new web page. So you can boost the web application's performance by providing updated information to the users without reloading the web page completely.
Extend the Website's Functionality
JavaScript makes it easier for you to extend the functionality of the web application without putting any extra effort. You can use the scripting language to create visual effects on the screen, calculate data, and make web pages more interactive. JavaScript further allows you to extend the website's functionality by using third-party scripts. The flexibility makes it easier for you to add out-of-box features to the web application without using any additional plug-ins or tools.
Reduces Load on Server
The server-side scripting languages require the web server to process the user request before response is sent to the user. So the process required additional time despite the user having a high-speed internet connection. But the JavaScript code is processed on the user's machine, without interacting with the web browser. Thus, the strain and load on the web server is reduced drastically, while the user gets quick response. You can use JavaScript while building large scale websites to provide faster response to users without putting excess strain on the server.
Optimizes Local Caching
JavaScript can be used along with HTML5 to enable users to access websites even when there is not active internet connection. The technologies are effective in caching data locally, and keep the web application responsive till the internet connection is restored. You can even use tools like Kendo UI DataSource to track changes made to an object locally, and upload the changes to the web server once the network connection is restored. The option enables you to make the web applications work just like mobile apps.
Works with Other Web Technologies
As mentioned earlier, JavaScript developers can be used as both client side and server side scripting language. At the same time, you also have option to use JavaScript as a client side technology along with some of the widely used web technologies like PHP, Perl and Java. The scripting language is also used widely along with HTML5 and CSS for developing responsive websites accessible on a variety of devices using the same code base.
However, you must keep in mind some of the major shortcomings of JavaScript while using it for building large websites and web applications. As JavaScript code is executed on the web browser, it becomes vulnerable to various security attacks. Also, the code becomes unpredictable as individual browsers interpret it differently.
Major bots of major search engines including Google cannot understand the client-side code written in JavaScript completely and fully. So the search engine ranking and visibility of the web applications using too much JavaScript will be impacted. But you can still use JavaScript along with other popular web technologies like HTML5 and CSS to create robust web applications accessible on multiple devices, operating systems and web browsers.