Table of Contents

Here's the table of contents of the book, with a brief description for each chapter. Chapter 2 is available online as a sample.

• Part I: Fast Track to JavaScript Programming

  Chapter 1: Creating Simple JavaScript Programs

  Introduces the JavaScript language, with a brief look at where it came from and how it compares with other web languages. Demonstrates how to write a simple program and insert it into an HTML document.

  Chapter 2: Working with Larger Programs and Variables

  Introduces key concepts for JavaScript programs, including variables, data types, operators, and expressions. You can sample this chapter online.

• Part II: Using JavaScript Objects and Forms

  Chapter 3: Working with Objects and Events

  Covers the basics of objects in JavaScript, along with functions, loops, and conditional expressions. Also introduces event handlers.

  Chapter 4: Using Built-in Objects and Custom Objects

  Describes JavaScript's built-in objects (Math, Date, String, Array, and navigator), and how to create your own objects.

  Chapter 5: Accessing Window Elements as Objects

  Covers the JavaScript object hierarchy, which allows you to work with windows, documents, and other parts of a web page.

  Chapter 6: Using Interactive Forms

  Describes techniques for creating JavaScript-compatible HTML forms, assigning events to a form, and using JavaScript to validate a CGI form.

  Chapter 7: Real-Life Examples I

  Includes three examples that further illustrate the techniques learned in Chapters 3-6.

• Part III: Creating Smart Web Pages

  Chapter 8: Improving a Web Page with JavaScript

  Explores ways of making a web page more friendly and interactive. Examples include a navigation bar, friendly link descriptions, and a scrolling message.

  Chapter 9: Using Frames, Cookies, and Other Advanced Features

  Introduces JavaScript's features for working with frames and cookies, and illustrates how these can be used to further improve a web page.

  Chapter 10: Working with Multiple Pages and Data

  Moves on to more advanced uses for frames, including nested framesets; also explains techniques for working with complex data in JavaScript, including data tainting.

  Chapter 11: Real-Life Examples II

  Includes three examples that expand upon the techniques in Chapters 8-10.

• Part IV: Advanced JavaScript Concepts

  Chapter 12: Working with Graphics in JavaScript

  Introduces JavaScript's graphic abilities, including Netscape 3.0's dynamic images feature. Also explains the use of client-side image maps with JavaScript.

  Chapter 13: Working with Multimedia and Plug-ins

  Explains how to use sounds in JavaScript; also explores Plug-ins and the techniques for working with them in JavaScript.

  Chapter 14: Debugging JavaScript Programs

  Includes a list of common errors in JavaScript programming, and critical differences between browser versions. Also explores several useful debugging tools.

  Chapter 15: Real-Life Examples III

  This chapter includes one large example program, a poker solitaire game. The logic and strategy for a large-scale program are explored.

• Part V: JavaScript Alternatives and the Future

  Chapter 16: Integrating JavaScript with Java

  Explains the basics of Java, and how to use LiveConnect to interface between Java and JavaScript applications.

  Chapter 17: Combining JavaScript, CGI, and SSI

  Explains the basics of CGI and SSI, and explores methods for combining the strengths of CGI and JavaScript.

  Chapter 18: Using ActiveX and Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0

  Examines the alternatives to JavaScript and Java from Microsoft: VB Script and ActiveX. Also includes information about MSIE 3.0 and the ActiveX Control Pad.

  Chapter 19: Real-Life Examples IV

  Includes three examples that further illustrate the techniques in Chapters 16-18.

  Chapter 20: The Future of JavaScript

  A look at what's in store for Netscape, MSIE and JavaScript in the future. Also explores the current and upcoming alternatives to JavaScript.

• Part VI: Appendices

  Appendix A: JavaScript Structure and Objects Reference

  A quick reference for JavaScript's built-in objects, the object hierarchy, and creating your own objects.

  Appendix B: JavaScript Statements, Functions, Operators, and Keywords Reference

  A quick reference for the statements, functions, operators, and keywords of JavaScript.

  Appendix C: Online JavaScript Resources

  Includes a comprehensive list of web sites, newsgroups and mailing lists to learn more about JavaScript and related topics.