SEO Glossary: JavaScript

 

What is JavaScript?

JavaScript (abbreviation JS) is a programming language or scripting language. It is integrated into the source code of a website and generates dynamic content in which, for example, graphics move or rotate.

 

JavaScript used to be known as LiveScript and first appeared in the Netscape browser in 1995.

 

Client-side JavaScript is most frequently used and integrated directly into HTML documents. This makes it possible to use JavaScript to add dynamic elements to otherwise static HTML. The website visitor can interact here, for example.

 

Where is JavaScript used?

JavaScript is now used in many areas. Here are a few examples:

 

• A dynamic monthly calendar is displayed on a website in which, for example, company events are entered
• If a user fills out a form, JavaScript checks the entries in the background and, if necessary, displays information such as "Username already taken"
• JavaScript is used in online stores to dynamically design a virtual shopping cart
• In addition, webmasters can protect their images and text content from being copied or hide some or all of the source code
• JavaScript can also be provided with extensions. This creates an interface with other programming languages. The aim is to implement additional applications.

 

How is JavaScript integrated?

If website owners want to integrate a JavaScript code, there are several options to choose from:

 

• Bei der Inline-Variante wird der JavaScript-Code zwischen zwei-<script>Elementen positioniert
• If the JavaScript code is particularly large and complex, it can also be stored in an external file
• JavaScript can also be a parameter of HTML code

 

Tip: When integrating JavaScript code into a website, it is extremely important that it does not output any errors. This is because it is a bug that may have a negative effect on search engine optimization. This can result in a loss of ranking.

How does JavaScript relate to the search engine?

If a website visitor sees an interactive application generated by JavaScript, it is usually not recognized by a crawler. This is the reason why many search engines often ignore JavaScript.

 

The same applies to JavaScript applications that contain text. This is also ignored by crawlers, so there is no INDEXING. For this reason, it is advisable to place important and relevant content such as text or images directly in the HTML code and not in the JavaScript.

 

In addition, the following should also be redirects should preferably not be done with JavaScript, but directly on the server.