JScript
JScript is a scripting language developed by Microsoft as a dialect of ECMAScript, which is the standardized version of JavaScript. Here are some detailed aspects of JScript:
History and Development
- Introduction: JScript was first released in 1996 with the launch of Internet Explorer 3. Its purpose was to provide a scripting language for web pages that could be used with Microsoft's browser, offering an alternative to Netscape Navigator's JavaScript.
- Standardization: Although JScript was Microsoft's proprietary implementation, it aimed to comply with the ECMAScript standard, which was established to ensure interoperability between different scripting languages used in web browsers.
- Versions: Over the years, JScript saw several updates:
Features and Differences
- ActiveX Support: JScript includes support for ActiveX objects, which was a unique feature compared to other JavaScript implementations at the time.
- Conditional Compilation: JScript introduced conditional compilation, allowing developers to include or exclude code based on browser conditions.
- JScript.NET: Microsoft also developed JScript.NET, which was designed to run on the .NET Framework, bringing JScript into the realm of compiled languages with access to .NET libraries.
- Compatibility: While JScript aims to be compatible with JavaScript, there are differences in behavior and syntax which can lead to issues when porting scripts between different browsers.
Current Status
- Legacy: With the rise of standards-compliant browsers and the increasing dominance of JavaScript, the usage of JScript has declined. Modern versions of Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge use Chakra, Microsoft's JavaScript engine, which supports full ECMAScript compliance.
- Support: Microsoft still supports JScript for legacy purposes, but it is no longer the primary scripting engine in Microsoft's browsers.
External Resources
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