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JavaScript as a Cross-Platform Language

3:09 with Guil Hernandez

Although originally designed to run in the browser, JavaScript is now a cross-platform language. Once you understand the basics, you can begin to work with JavaScript in all sorts of fascinating ways!

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

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