Preface
The first JavaScript I remember writing was a routine
to change two frames at the same time. I was the production
specialist for HotWired, and it was shortly after
frames and JavaScript debuted, well before there was documentation for
either. Fortunately, it was also well before Internet Explorer 3.0 appeared on
the scene, so I only had to make sure my JavaScript worked for Netscape 2.0.
Even so, without a reference book to point out where possible pitfalls could be
or answer simple questions such as how to set variables that JavaScript would
like or how to make different windows talk to each other, it was one hell of a
challenge. And it was deeply satisfying when I got it to work correctly.
When Dave asked me to do the technical review of the second edition
of The Book of JavaScript, I couldn’t have been more pleased or honored. The
deep satisfaction I felt when I wrote those first JavaScripts and they worked
correctly, and the deeper satisfaction I felt as more and more browsers were
released and I figured out how to write cross-browser and cross-platform
JavaScript, are the same feelings I got when I read Dave’s explanations and
examples. He describes what a piece of code is going to do and how to think
about it, then lays out an example of code that makes sense—whether you’re
a seasoned programmer or entirely new to JavaScript. On top of all that, he
takes a practical approach to programming, he’s able to explain complex
xxii Foreword
problems in a way that doesn’t make them sound daunting, and when you’re
done covering each topic, you feel like you’ve earned the knowledge. That’s
rare, and it’s really, really refreshing.
Since the first edition of this book was published, there have been a few
advancements in JavaScript, most notably the advent of Ajax. Ajax is a concept
that makes even a few professional programmers’ heads spin, but (not surprisingly)
Dave manages to break down what Ajax is and what it isn’t, explains
when it makes sense to use it, and shows you how to do it.
If you’re new to JavaScript, you win—you couldn’t ask for a better person
to teach you how to program. If you’re an old hat at JavaScript and you’re
looking for a refresher course or wondering how to take advantage of Ajax,
you win too.
Happy coding!
Hacene@freebooks
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