Frequently Asked Questions

What is this course about? In this course, you learn to write JavaScript to create dynamic, animated Web pages and interactive forms with built-in validation. You develop the skills needed to create active links using rollover graphics and to exploit Dynamic HTML. You gain experience controlling Java applets, ActiveX, plug-ins with JavaScript and Ajax. JavaScript is a popular scripting language developed by Netscape that interacts with HTML, enabling you to spice up your Web site with dynamic content. JavaScript can also be used as a Web server programming language (this is briefly covered in the final chapter). Although it borrows many features from Java and despite their similar names, it is important to remember that JavaScript is not Java. What version of JavaScript is covered? JavaScript version 1.1 contains the "core" functionality used in all later releases and is the basis of the ECMA and ISO standards. This course covers the core JavaScript syntax and functionality. All material in this course is applicable to versions 1.1 to 1.5. Will I learn JScript in this course? Yes. JScript is Microsoft's implementation of JavaScript. This course covers both the Netscape and Microsoft implementations of JavaScript. Who will benefit from this course? This course benefits those who are in the process of building, contributing to and/or maintaining a Web site for themselves or their organisations, including Webmasters, Web site managers, system administrators and Web developers. What background do I need? Experience developing Web pages with HTML is required. Specifically, you should know how to create a basic HTML document that includes the use of anchors, images, tables, frames, and forms. You can learn enough HTML to be ready for this course by completing Course 470, Developing a Web Site: Hands-On. An understanding of programming concepts is also helpful. Is database integration covered in this course? No. This course focuses on client-side JavaScript (processing done by your browser). Database integration involves server-side JavaScript (processing executed on the Web server). Is form validation covered in this course? Yes. This course provides in-depth coverage of how to create interactive, self-validating forms for Web sites. Will I learn about interactive graphics? Yes. This course covers rollover graphics applied to links as well as images that can be dynamically manipulated. Is Dynamic HTML covered? Yes. Topics include dynamic positioning of images and text, handling browser events, dynamic manipulation of style rules and hidden menus. How much time is devoted to each topic? Content Hours Introduction and overview 1.0 Fundamentals of JavaScript syntax 3.5 Writing client-side JavaScript 6.0 Creating intelligent forms 5.0 DHTML 4.5 Cookies and JavaScript security 1.5 Controlling applets, ActiveX, plug-ins and Ajax 1.5 Times, including the workshops, are estimates; exact times may vary according to the needs of each class. What kinds of hands-on exercises are in the course? Approximately 40 percent of class time is spent participating in hands-on exercises structured around an evolving case study. You gain practical skills transforming a static Web site into a dynamic and interactive site using JavaScript. Exercises include: Creating rollover graphics Building interactive, self-validating forms Incorporating DHTML effects Implementing animation using JavaScript Constructing drop-down menus Employing cookies to personalise pages Manipulating Java applets from JavaScript What systems and software are used with this course? The normal classroom setup uses PCs running Windows XP with the latest Microsoft and Netscape browsers. Everything you learn about JavaScript applies equally to UNIX, Macintosh, Windows and other operating systems. How does this course relate to other Learning Tree courses? 470, Developing a Web Site: Hands-On covers the core technologies of Web site development. Participants build a Web site from the ground up, mastering HTML, Web servers, server-side scripting and database integration 522, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) for Web Page Development: Hands-On provides the skills to design and develop efficient, accessible, cross-browser compatible and visually attractive Web pages using CSS and HTML 548, Hands-On Dreamweaver®: Building Robust Web Applications provides extensive experience using the rapid automated design process of Dreamweaver. You learn to create and edit sophisticated, data-driven Web sites with ASP and ASP.NET 487, Designing and Building Great Web Pages: Hands-On offers practical experience designing the organisation and presentation of Web content, including the latest techniques and tools 986, Developing Ajax Web 2.0 Applications: Hands-On provides the knowledge and practical skills required to effectively design, create and implement Ajax-enabled Web sites 566, Internet Information Services 6 for Windows Server® 2003: Hands-On provides the essential knowledge required to manage Microsoft's latest IIS 6 enterprise Web server 471, Java Programming: A Comprehensive Hands-On Introduction offers extensive experience with the Java language and its run-time development environment 221, Writing for the Web: Skills for Reaching an Online Audience provides the skills to create and deliver compelling Web content that meets stakeholder needs and Web accessibility and Section 508 guidelines for broader audience usability

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