JavaScript is a programming language that enhances your website by enabling interactive features through scripts executed in the user’s web browser, a process referred to as ‘client-side scripting.’
It plays a crucial role in WordPress, along with its themes and plugins, to deliver faster, more engaging, and improved web applications. Additionally, it often works alongside other programming languages like jQuery, Ajax, and more.
Which WordPress Features Use JavaScript?
WordPress utilizes JavaScript for various user interface functionalities, such as the Gutenberg block editor, the Media Library, the Theme Customizer, and dashboard notifications.
Additionally, it can be integrated into themes and plugins by WordPress developers. For instance, theme developers can leverage JavaScript to incorporate dynamic features on their sites, including sliders, alert messages, buttons, pop-ups, and more.
So, how is JavaScript implemented in WordPress? A JavaScript file can be incorporated via a WordPress theme or plugin. Typically, this is accomplished using the functions wp_register_script() and wp_enqueue_script().
Although it is possible to hardcode JavaScript directly into a WordPress theme template, this method is not recommended for optimal usage of JavaScript in WordPress themes.
Many WordPress themes come with a separate JS directory inside them. This is where theme developers keep their JavaScript files and call them in their WordPress template files only when needed. This approach of queuing scripts makes pages load faster and avoids loading unnecessary scripts.
WordPress also includes several JavaScript libraries that theme and plugin developers can use in their own projects. This includes jQuery, many jQuery plugins, Underscores, JSON for JS, and Backbone JavaScript libraries.
We hope this article helped you learn more about JavaScript. You may also want to see our Additional Reading list below for related articles on useful WordPress tips, tricks, and ideas.
