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INTERNET TUTORIAL
Getting started with JavaScript development in Domino
By Tony Patton
In many ways, JavaScript has evolved into the de facto standard for programming in Web clients. Microsoft has introduced VBScript and Jscript, but JavaScript is the only scripting language supported by the major browsers such as Internet Explorer, Navigator/Communicator, and even the lesser known, but quite impressive Opera. JavaScript can be used to accomplish tasks within the browser in the same way that LotusScript does in the Lotus Notes client.
"Domino 5.0 includes native support for JavaScript. Finally the same code you developed for your Web-based clients can be interpreted by the R5 client."
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What it is
Many tout JavaScript as a scripting language, but I just don't like the sound of that. It is a programming language and that's that. Now, many non-programmers do take advantage of the numerous Web sites that offer code snippets to achieve desired effects (see end of article for sites). But it has all the control constructs and elements of a "real" programming language, and so, therefore, it is.
JavaScript can be used to control both the browser and browser content appearance. In addition, it can be used to interact with the user, browser content, cookies, and Java applets.
What it isn't
JavaScript is not a derivative or variation of Java, they are completely unrelated. [When Netscape defined JavaScript, they just snarfed the "java" term because it seemed like good marketing. -- DG] Java and JavaScript do have some similarities in syntax, and they can be used to together to build powerful applications and Web sites. JavaScript is not for non-programmers, it requires programming skills to be used effectively. But JavaScript is more of a "scripting language" while Java is more of a traditional language. The boundaries of those are quite blurred since scripting languages on powerful processors can often do much of what you might have previously used a "hard core" language to accomplish previously.
JavaScript in Domino 4.6
Developing an application to be used by both Notes and Web clients in Release 4.6 was a nightmare that entailed double the amount of work. Features had to be built on the form for the Notes client as well as the Web client. The Notes client supported LotusScript, but the browser didn't -- it supported JavaScript only. Hide-When formulas are a developers best friend when working in this environment. Thankfully, Lotus finally shipped Domino R5 earlier this year.
JavaScript in Domino 5.0
Domino 5.0 includes native support for JavaScript. That's right, finally the same code you developed for your Web-based clients can be interpreted by the R5 client. JavaScript is a now a viable option (along with Java and LotusScript) when choosing your scripting language.
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