JavaScript is an interpreted, object-based scripting language. Although JavaScript is less powerful than a mature object-oriented language like C, it is powerful enough for its intended use.
JavaScript is not a stripped-down version of other languages ??(it is only vaguely and indirectly related to Java, for example), nor is it a simplification of anything. However, it has its limitations. For example, you cannot use the language to write standalone applications, and there is no built-in support for reading and writing files. In addition, JavaScript scripts can only run on a certain interpreter or "host", such as Active Server Pages (ASP), Internet Browser, or Windows Script Host.
The remainder of this reference manual is an overview of JavaScript features.