Standalone JavaScript

[sooonernut]

Can JavaScript be used by itself without using HTML or any other scripting? In other words, can it be used like Java, C++, or Visual Basic to create a program?

[duckie]

Yes, in a manner. Check out the Microsoft Windows Script Host. You can do quite a lot with it, but no substitute for a "real" programming language.

[requestcode]

I believe you must have HTML inorder to use JavaScript. I don't think the Microsoft windows script host is JavaScript.

[duckie]

The WSH ships with VBScript and JScript engines.

Anyway I have a WSH white paper, if anybody is interested in it I could email it to you.

[Jeremy W.]

JS can be used within html, called from flash or database apps, used within html or used server side with Netscape's web server.

[duckie]

Hmm, if you want to get into server side scripting, you can also use JScript with ASP.

[Anarchos]

You can write Apache modules in js as well.

[bsacks]

I may be wrong, but doesn't JScript support all the language element of JavaScript?
bsacks
http://www.middlepeak.com

[Jeremy W.]

JScript is, essentially, server side javascript. It's MS's module which IS supported by IE but which is really only used server side (within asp) and contains all of javascript with a few "extras" for calling external objects and such.

This is my understanding, but I've never worked with it so maybe someone else can illuminate here

[duckie]

Originally posted by bsacks
I may be wrong, but doesn't JScript support all the language element of JavaScript?

Nobody's claimed otherwise.

[duckie]

Originally posted by studiococo
JScript is, essentially, server side javascript. It's MS's module which IS supported by IE but which is really only used server side (within asp) and contains all of javascript with a few "extras" for calling external objects and such.

Actually, JScript is just Microsoft's implementation of Javascript, or ECMAscript. Doesn't indicate if its client-side or server-side.

[bsacks]

Yes, So the point is;
You can use JScript with WSH which means that if you know JavaScript you should be able to write stand alone scripts to run in a windows environment.
bsacks
http://www.middlepeak.com

[Jeremy W.]

duckie, I understand that it was MS's version of js (ecma) however since then it has been relegated to server side as no browser but IE supports it and even then, check which script ms.com uses

[sooonernut]

Wow! I am suprised that this question has drawn so much discussion. Thanks for the quick responses.

After reading the Windows Script Host white paper that duckie mentions, I have concluded that JavaScript can be used on a standalone machine without HTML, but it is limited. It can be used for things like logon scripts, etc. that require no user interface. There is not provision in JavaScript to create a GUI environment like there is in Visual Basic and other languages. That is what HTML does. It creates the user interface and JavaScript provides any extra functionality needed. So there is a use for JavaScript without HTML, but it is not fully functional like most languages.

If there is an error in my conclusion, please respond and let me know. I would also suggest you read the WSH white paper. It is interesting.

[duckie]

Originally posted by studiococo
duckie, I understand that it was MS's version of js (ecma) however since then it has been relegated to server side as no browser but IE supports it and even then, check which script ms.com uses

Actually the same scripting engine is used in IE, ASP and WSH. That engine is called the JScript engine. More a marketing label than anything else I think.

[Jeremy W.]

Yeah, that's what I said, isn't it? Or did I mistype?

[duckie]

Hmm, I got the impression you are trying to say that "JScript" is what is used on the server side. Maybe I didn't read carefully enough.

[Jeremy W.]

JScript is used client side on IE, server side in asp and netscape's server and inside wsh (which I haven't tried).

The above is what I meant... am I wrong?

[duckie]

Like I said I think maybe its a simple case of me misunderstanding what you were trying to say.

When you typed "it has been relegated to server side" I though you were trying to imply that JScript is used on the server side and the Javascript implementation in IE is known as something else, which of course, isn't what you actually meant.

[Jeremy W.]

kk