JavaScript as a Cross-Platform Language

Although originally designed to run in the browser, 0:00 JavaScript is now a multi platform language. 0:03 It's used in native application development, virtual reality, 0:05 even to build chat and 0:08 voice controlled bots, games, and just about anything you can think up. 0:09 So once you've got the basics down, 0:13 you can begin to work with JavaScript in all sorts of fascinating ways. 0:15 So let's have a look at some of them. 0:18 The most common place you'll encounter JavaScript is on the web. 0:21 Developers use JavaScript to make websites more engaging and pleasurable to use. 0:24 For example, let's look at the Wed'ze Lookbook winter website, which 0:29 really showcases what's possible with JavaScript interactivity and animation. 0:32 This site uses 3D graphics and smooth animations, all created with JavaScript. 0:36 Next is the site for EVS, a popular video production studio. 0:43 The captivating animations, particle movement, and 0:48 scrolling transitions are all done with JavaScript. 0:50 JavaScript is also used to create add-ons for 0:54 popular productivity apps like Google Apps and Microsoft Office. 0:57 And it's possible to build native apps that run on your iOS and 1:01 Android devices using only JavaScript. 1:04 For example, Airbnb, Tesla, Instagram, and 1:07 many more apps that are published to the Google play and iOS app store. 1:10 You can also build cross-platform desktop applications using just HTML, 1:15 CSS, and JavaScript. 1:19 For instance, the text editor Visual Studio Code and 1:21 the popular messaging tool Slack where built using JavaScript. 1:24 And developers are using JavaScript to create virtual reality 1:28 experiences on the web. 1:31 For example, at Airbnb engineers prototype, build, and 1:32 deploy VR experiences with the React VR. 1:35 JavaScript also runs on hardware. 1:38 It's capable of running on micro-controllers, 1:40 which makes it ideal for Internet of Things, or IoT devices. 1:43 An IoT device meaning any physical device with an on and 1:47 off switch that can connect to the Internet or with other IoT devices. 1:50 For instance, wearable devices like the Fitbit, smart home devices like the Nest 1:54 and voice services like Alexa, can be controlled and powered by JavaScript. 1:59 Even mirrors, JavaScript is being used to create mirrors that display calendar 2:03 information with weather and traffic updates. 2:08 So don't be surprised if you find out that JavaScript is being used to power your 2:11 WiFi connected coffee maker, headphones, or washing machine. 2:14 And JavaScript has found its way into machine learning. 2:18 TensorFlow.js is an open source library you can use to define, 2:21 train, and run machine learning models in the browser using JavaScript. 2:25 So if you're a JavaScript developer who's new to machine learning, 2:29 TensorFlow.js is a great way to begin leaning ML. 2:33 Now you probably didn't expect to find JavaScript in space, did you? 2:36 That's right, SpaxeX engineers are using JavaScript to build the flight interface 2:40 for the Dragon 2 spacecraft. 2:45 And NASA used Node.js an open source JavaScript environment to monitor space 2:47 suits and keep astronauts safe in space. 2:52 As you can see JavaScript is anything but stagnant. 2:55 Long gone over the days when JavaScript was just a browser based language. 2:58 Now to learn more about some of the tools that allow JavaScript to run just about 3:02 anywhere be sure to check the teacher's notes with this video. 3:06