JavaScript Introduction — Interview Questions & Answers
Ques: What is JavaScript?
Ans: JavaScript (JS) is a high-level, interpreted scripting language used to make web pages interactive, dynamic, and functional.
It works with HTML (structure) and CSS (style) to create complete, user-friendly web experiences.
Ques: Who created JavaScript and when?
- Created by Brendan Eich in 1995 while working at Netscape.
- Originally called LiveScript, later renamed JavaScript.
- It follows the ECMAScript (ES) standard, maintained by ECMA International.
Ques: JavaScript used for?
- Form validation
- Animations and effects
- Dynamic HTML updates (DOM manipulation)
- Event handling (clicks, input, etc.)
- Backend programming using Node.js
- Game development
- Building SPAs (React, Angular, Vue)
- Mobile apps (React Native, Ionic)
Ques: What are the main features of JavaScript?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Lightweight & Fast | Runs quickly in browsers. |
| Interpreted Language | No compilation needed. |
| Cross-Platform | Works on all browsers and OS. |
| Event-Driven | Responds to user actions. |
| Object-Based | Uses objects, not pure OOP. |
| Dynamic Typing | Variables can change types. |
| Prototype-Based Inheritance | Reuses code using prototypes. |
| Asynchronous Programming | Handles async code with callbacks, promises, async/await. |
Ques: Is JavaScript the same as Java?
Ans: No, they are different languages.
| Comparison | JavaScript | Java |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Scripting Language | Programming Language |
| Execution | Browser | JVM (Java Virtual Machine) |
| Syntax | Loosely typed | Strongly typed |
| Usage | Frontend & Backend | Backend, Apps |
| File Extension | .js | .java |
| Speed | Faster for web tasks | Heavier for web usage |
Ques: How can you run JavaScript?
Ans: You can execute JS code in several environments:
-
Browser Console
- Open DevTools → Console → Type JS code → Press Enter.
-
Inside HTML file
<script> alert("Hello from JS!"); </script> -
External JS file
<script src="script.js"></script> -
Node.js Environment
node app.js
Ques: Where can you place JavaScript in HTML?
Ans: You can add JS code in three ways:
| Type | Example | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Inline JS | <button onclick="alert('Hi')">Click</button> | Small, quick actions |
| Internal JS | <script>console.log('Hello')</script> | Single-page scripts |
| External JS | <script src="main.js"></script> | Best for large projects |
Ques: What are JavaScript Data Outputs?
Ans: JavaScript can display or output data in several ways:
| Method | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
console.log() | Shows output in browser console | console.log("Debug"); |
alert() | Shows popup box | alert("Hello!"); |
document.write() | Writes to HTML directly | document.write("Hi!"); |
innerHTML | Updates specific HTML element | document.getElementById("demo").innerHTML = "Updated!"; |
Ques: What is the basic syntax of JavaScript?
Ans: JavaScript syntax defines the rules of writing code.
Example:
let name = "Aman"; // variable declaration
const age = 22; // constant
console.log(name, age);
Ques: What are JavaScript Statements?
Ans: A JavaScript statement is a single line of code that performs an action.
Example:
let a = 5; // statement 1
let b = 10; // statement 2
let sum = a + b; // statement 3
console.log(sum); // statement 4
Ques: What are JavaScript Comments?
Ans: Comments are used to add notes, descriptions, or explanations inside code. They are ignored by the browser during execution.
Types of Comments:
// Single-line comment
/*
Multi-line comment
Used to explain large code blocks
*/
Ques: What is the “Cascading” or Execution Order in JS?
Ans: JavaScript executes code line by line (top to bottom) in the order written, unless controlled by functions or conditions.
Example:
console.log("1");
console.log("2");
console.log("3");
Ques: What are the advantages of JavaScript?
Advantages:
- Easy to learn and use.
- Runs directly in the browser (no compiler).
- Improves interactivity.
- Rich ecosystem (Node.js, React, Vue).
- Supported by all browsers.
- Enables full-stack development (frontend + backend).
- Strong community and libraries.
Ques: What are the disadvantages of JavaScript?
Disadvantages:
- Client-side execution → less secure.
- Browser compatibility issues (old browsers).
- Code can be easily viewed and copied.
- Dynamic typing may cause runtime errors.
Ques: What are some popular JavaScript frameworks & libraries?
Frontend Libraries / Frameworks:
- React.js
- Vue.js
- Angular
- Svelte
Backend Frameworks:
- Node.js
- Express.js
- Next.js
- NestJS
Ques: What is ECMAScript?
Ans: ECMAScript (ES) is the official standard that defines the syntax and features of JavaScript.
Each new version (like ES6, ES7, ES8...) adds new features.
Examples:
- ES5 (2009): Strict Mode
- ES6 (2015):
let,const, Arrow Functions, Classes - ES7–ES16: Async/Await, Modules, Optional Chaining, etc.
Ques: What are common mistakes beginners make in JavaScript?
- Forgetting semicolons or
{} - Using undeclared variables
- Mixing
var,let, andconstcarelessly - Ignoring
===vs== - Using wrong script placement (in
<head>withoutdefer) - Not checking browser console for errors
Ques: What are some tools used for JavaScript development?
- VS Code – Popular code editor
- Node.js & npm – For server-side JS and package management
- Browser DevTools – For debugging
- ESLint & Prettier – For code quality
- Babel – For ES6+ transpilation
- Webpack / Vite – For bundling and optimization
Ques: Why is JavaScript essential for modern web development?
Because it:
- Controls interactivity and logic in browsers.
- Powers frontend frameworks (React, Angular, Vue).
- Runs on servers (Node.js).
- Connects APIs, databases, and UIs.
- Makes websites dynamic and user-friendly.
