What Is JavaScript and How Is AI Changing Coding?

JavaScript is the backbone of modern web development, powering dynamic and interactive features across millions of websites. It brings life to static pages created with HTML and CSS, enabling seamless interactivity for users. Recently, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has entered the coding space, changing how developers approach programming tasks. AI tools like ChatGPT and GitHub Copilot simplify coding, enhance productivity, and streamline debugging processes. Together, JavaScript and AI are reshaping the future of web development.

In this section, we’ll cover the following topics:

What Is JavaScript?

JavaScript is a versatile programming language used to create interactive elements on websites. It complements HTML and CSS by adding functionality, making web pages more dynamic and engaging.

How JavaScript Powers Dynamic Websites

Websites built with just HTML and CSS lack interactivity. JavaScript enhances user experiences by enabling features like dropdown menus, pop-up modals, and sliders. For example, clicking a search icon to reveal a search bar or a hamburger menu that slides out into a navigation panel are functionalities powered by JavaScript.

JavaScript as a Client-Side Language

JavaScript operates primarily in the browser, making it a client-side language. Unlike backend languages like Python or PHP, JavaScript enables real-time interactions directly on a user’s device. Recently, frameworks like Node.js and React Native have expanded its capabilities to server-side programming and mobile app development.

JavaScript and the ECMA Script Specification

JavaScript was first created by Netscape Communications in 1995. Today, it follows the ECMAScript (ES) specification, ensuring consistent behavior across major browsers like Chrome, Safari, and Firefox. Developers must stay updated with ECMAScript as it evolves yearly, introducing new features and deprecating outdated ones.

The Rise of AI-Assisted Coding

AI is transforming the coding landscape, offering developers tools that automate repetitive tasks, generate code snippets, and enhance debugging processes. These tools help developers focus on solving complex problems and improving user experiences.

Popular AI Tools for Coding

Several AI-powered tools have emerged to assist developers:

• ChatGPT: Provides coding advice, generates snippets, and explains complex concepts.
• GitHub Copilot: Suggests and auto-completes code in real-time based on project context.
• Tabnine: Predicts and completes code snippets tailored to the developer’s style.

How AI Tools Assist JavaScript Coding

AI tools offer numerous benefits for JavaScript development:

1. Code Efficiency: AI automates repetitive coding tasks, saving time.
2. Error Reduction: It identifies potential bugs early, minimizing debugging efforts.
3. Learning Support: AI provides beginners with explanations and suggestions.
4. Enhanced Collaboration: AI can standardize code styles across teams.
5. Optimization: It suggests efficient solutions and improves overall performance.

For example, ChatGPT can generate JavaScript code for specific tasks, while GitHub Copilot integrates directly into coding environments, offering contextual suggestions as developers type. These tools not only enhance productivity but also reduce the cognitive load on developers.

JavaScript AI-assisted Coding Case Studies

This section demonstrates how AI simplifies JavaScript development with practical examples.

Preparing for Practice Files
Before diving into the case studies, set up your project folder as follows:

/your-project-folder/  
  |─ 01-01-what-is-javascript/ (<- sub-folder)  
    |─ example-1.css
    |─ example-1.html
    |─ example-1.js
    |─ example-2.css
    |─ example-2.html 
    |─ example-2.js
    |─ example-2.mp4

Preparing an video file
For practice, you’ll need a video file. You can download one using free video platforms such as Pexels Videos, Pixabay Videos, or Coverr.

For your convenience, these files are also available on our GitHub repository.

AI Case 1: Creating a Four Choice Quiz

This case study explores how AI can generate code for a basic four-choice quiz. Using AI tools like ChatGPT, developers can quickly build interactive components.

Sample AI prompt:

Sample code output:

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
  <head>
    <meta charset="UTF-8" />
    <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0" />
    <title>4-Choice Quiz</title>
    <link rel="stylesheet" href="example-1.css" />
  </head>
  <body>
    <div class="quiz-container">
      <h1>4-Choice Quiz</h1>
      <div id="quiz">
        <p id="question">What is the capital of France?</p>
        <ul id="choices">
          <li><button class="choice" data-choice="1">Berlin</button></li>
          <li><button class="choice" data-choice="2">Madrid</button></li>
          <li><button class="choice" data-choice="3">Paris</button></li>
          <li><button class="choice" data-choice="4">Rome</button></li>
        </ul>
        <p id="feedback"></p>
      </div>
    </div>
    <script src="example-1.js"></script>
  </body>
</html>

body {
  font-family: Arial, sans-serif;
  text-align: center;
  background-color: #f4f4f4;
  margin: 0;
  padding: 20px;
}

.quiz-container {
  background: #fff;
  padding: 20px;
  border-radius: 8px;
  box-shadow: 0 4px 10px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2);
  width: 90%;
  max-width: 500px;
  margin: 50px auto;
}

h1 {
  color: #333;
}

#question {
  font-size: 1.2rem;
  margin-bottom: 20px;
}

#choices {
  list-style: none;
  padding: 0;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  align-items: center; /* Centers the buttons horizontally */
}

.choice {
  display: inline-block;
  background: #007bff;
  color: white;
  border: none;
  padding: 10px 20px;
  width: 200px; /* Makes all buttons the same width */
  margin: 10px 0;
  border-radius: 5px;
  font-size: 1rem;
  cursor: pointer;
  text-align: center; /* Centers the button text */
}

.choice:hover {
  background: #0056b3;
}

#feedback {
  margin-top: 20px;
  font-size: 1.5rem; /* Increased font size */
  font-weight: bold; /* Makes the text bold */
  color: #333;
}

const questionElement = document.getElementById("question");
const choicesElement = document.getElementById("choices");
const feedbackElement = document.getElementById("feedback");

// Quiz data
const quizData = {
  question: "What is the capital of France?",
  choices: ["Berlin", "Madrid", "Paris", "Rome"],
  correctChoice: 3, // Index of the correct choice (1-based)
};

// Load question and choices
function loadQuiz() {
  questionElement.textContent = quizData.question;

  const choiceButtons = document.querySelectorAll(".choice");
  choiceButtons.forEach((button, index) => {
    button.textContent = quizData.choices[index];
    button.onclick = () => handleAnswer(index + 1);
  });
}

// Handle user selection
function handleAnswer(choice) {
  if (choice === quizData.correctChoice) {
    feedbackElement.textContent = "Correct! 🎉";
    feedbackElement.style.color = "green";
  } else {
    feedbackElement.textContent = "Wrong answer. Try again!";
    feedbackElement.style.color = "red";
  }
}

// Initialize quiz
loadQuiz();

Instructions to see the results:
Save the code above in each file.
Open the HTML file in your browser to view the quiz.
To see how the code works, you can also check out the link below.

Demo Web Page 1

AI Case 2: Creating a Custom Video Player

This case study illustrates how AI can generate a custom video player with features like play, pause, and volume controls.

Sample AI prompt:

Sample code output:

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
  <head>
    <meta charset="UTF-8" />
    <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0" />
    <link rel="stylesheet" href="example-2.css" />
    <title>Custom Video Player</title>
  </head>
  <body>
    <div class="video-container">
      <video id="video" width="800" src="example-2.mp4"></video>
      <div class="controls">
        <button id="play-pause" class="control-button">Play</button>
        <input
          id="progress"
          type="range"
          min="0"
          max="100"
          value="0"
          class="progress-bar"
        />
        <span id="time-display" class="time-display">0:00 / 0:00</span>
        <input
          id="volume"
          type="range"
          min="0"
          max="1"
          step="0.1"
          value="1"
          class="volume-slider"
        />
        <button id="fullscreen" class="control-button">Fullscreen</button>
      </div>
    </div>
    <script src="example-2.js"></script>
  </body>
</html>

body {
  font-family: Arial, sans-serif;
  background-color: #f4f4f9;
  display: flex;
  justify-content: center;
  align-items: center;
  height: 100vh;
  margin: 0;
}

.video-container {
  position: relative;
  max-width: 800px;
  background-color: #000;
  border-radius: 8px;
  overflow: hidden;
}

video {
  width: 100%;
  border-bottom: 2px solid #333;
}

.controls {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: space-between;
  background: #222;
  padding: 10px;
  color: #fff;
}

.control-button {
  background: #444;
  border: none;
  padding: 8px 16px;
  color: white;
  font-size: 16px;
  cursor: pointer;
  border-radius: 4px;
}

.control-button:hover {
  background: #555;
}

.progress-bar {
  flex: 1;
  margin: 0 10px;
}

.volume-slider {
  width: 100px;
}

.time-display {
  font-size: 14px;
}

.control-button:last-child {
  margin-left: 10px;
}

const video = document.getElementById("video");
const playPauseButton = document.getElementById("play-pause");
const progress = document.getElementById("progress");
const timeDisplay = document.getElementById("time-display");
const volumeSlider = document.getElementById("volume");
const fullscreenButton = document.getElementById("fullscreen");

// Play/Pause functionality
playPauseButton.addEventListener("click", () => {
  if (video.paused) {
    video.play();
    playPauseButton.textContent = "Pause";
  } else {
    video.pause();
    playPauseButton.textContent = "Play";
  }
});

// Update progress bar and time display
video.addEventListener("timeupdate", () => {
  const progressValue = (video.currentTime / video.duration) * 100;
  progress.value = progressValue;

  const currentTime = formatTime(video.currentTime);
  const duration = formatTime(video.duration);
  timeDisplay.textContent = `${currentTime} / ${duration}`;
});

// Seek video when progress bar is adjusted
progress.addEventListener("input", () => {
  const seekTime = (progress.value / 100) * video.duration;
  video.currentTime = seekTime;
});

// Adjust volume
volumeSlider.addEventListener("input", () => {
  video.volume = volumeSlider.value;
});

// Fullscreen functionality
fullscreenButton.addEventListener("click", () => {
  if (!document.fullscreenElement) {
    video.parentElement.requestFullscreen();
  } else {
    document.exitFullscreen();
  }
});

// Utility to format time in MM:SS
function formatTime(time) {
  const minutes = Math.floor(time / 60);
  const seconds = Math.floor(time % 60)
    .toString()
    .padStart(2, "0");
  return `${minutes}:${seconds}`;
}

Instructions to see the results:
Save the code above in each file.
Open the HTML file in your browser to view the video player.
To see how the code works, you can also check out the link below.

Demo Web Page 2

By combining JavaScript with AI tools, developers can simplify complex tasks, improve efficiency, and create engaging user experiences. These case studies highlight the potential of AI-assisted coding in modern development practices.

Reference links:

ECMAScript Language Specification