Bummer! This is just a preview. You need to be signed in with a Basic account to view the entire video.

Preview

Start a free Basic trial
to watch this video

Sign up for Treehouse

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!

JavaScript on the web

JavaScript in Google Apps and Microsoft Office

JavaScript in native, and cross-platform desktop applications

JavaScript and VR

JavaScript and the Internet of Things (IoT)

JavaScript in Machine Learning (ML)

JavaScript in Space

Run JavaScript outside of the browser

  • 0:00

    Although originally designed to run in the browser,

  • 0:03

    JavaScript is now a multi platform language.

  • 0:05

    It's used in native application development, virtual reality,

  • 0:08

    even to build chat and

  • 0:09

    voice controlled bots, games, and just about anything you can think up.

  • 0:13

    So once you've got the basics down,

  • 0:15

    you can begin to work with JavaScript in all sorts of fascinating ways.

  • 0:18

    So let's have a look at some of them.

  • 0:21

    The most common place you'll encounter JavaScript is on the web.

  • 0:24

    Developers use JavaScript to make websites more engaging and pleasurable to use.

  • 0:29

    For example, let's look at the Wed'ze Lookbook winter website, which

  • 0:32

    really showcases what's possible with JavaScript interactivity and animation.

  • 0:36

    This site uses 3D graphics and smooth animations, all created with JavaScript.

  • 0:43

    Next is the site for EVS, a popular video production studio.

  • 0:48

    The captivating animations, particle movement, and

  • 0:50

    scrolling transitions are all done with JavaScript.

  • 0:54

    JavaScript is also used to create add-ons for

  • 0:57

    popular productivity apps like Google Apps and Microsoft Office.

  • 1:01

    And it's possible to build native apps that run on your iOS and

  • 1:04

    Android devices using only JavaScript.

  • 1:07

    For example, Airbnb, Tesla, Instagram, and

  • 1:10

    many more apps that are published to the Google play and iOS app store.

  • 1:15

    You can also build cross-platform desktop applications using just HTML,

  • 1:19

    CSS, and JavaScript.

  • 1:21

    For instance, the text editor Visual Studio Code and

  • 1:24

    the popular messaging tool Slack where built using JavaScript.

  • 1:28

    And developers are using JavaScript to create virtual reality

  • 1:31

    experiences on the web.

  • 1:32

    For example, at Airbnb engineers prototype, build, and

  • 1:35

    deploy VR experiences with the React VR.

  • 1:38

    JavaScript also runs on hardware.

  • 1:40

    It's capable of running on micro-controllers,

  • 1:43

    which makes it ideal for Internet of Things, or IoT devices.

  • 1:47

    An IoT device meaning any physical device with an on and

  • 1:50

    off switch that can connect to the Internet or with other IoT devices.

  • 1:54

    For instance, wearable devices like the Fitbit, smart home devices like the Nest

  • 1:59

    and voice services like Alexa, can be controlled and powered by JavaScript.

  • 2:03

    Even mirrors, JavaScript is being used to create mirrors that display calendar

  • 2:08

    information with weather and traffic updates.

  • 2:11

    So don't be surprised if you find out that JavaScript is being used to power your

  • 2:14

    WiFi connected coffee maker, headphones, or washing machine.

  • 2:18

    And JavaScript has found its way into machine learning.

  • 2:21

    TensorFlow.js is an open source library you can use to define,

  • 2:25

    train, and run machine learning models in the browser using JavaScript.

  • 2:29

    So if you're a JavaScript developer who's new to machine learning,

  • 2:33

    TensorFlow.js is a great way to begin leaning ML.

  • 2:36

    Now you probably didn't expect to find JavaScript in space, did you?

  • 2:40

    That's right, SpaxeX engineers are using JavaScript to build the flight interface

  • 2:45

    for the Dragon 2 spacecraft.

  • 2:47

    And NASA used Node.js an open source JavaScript environment to monitor space

  • 2:52

    suits and keep astronauts safe in space.

  • 2:55

    As you can see JavaScript is anything but stagnant.

  • 2:58

    Long gone over the days when JavaScript was just a browser based language.

  • 3:02

    Now to learn more about some of the tools that allow JavaScript to run just about

  • 3:06

    anywhere be sure to check the teacher's notes with this video.

You need to sign up for Treehouse in order to download course files.

Sign up