JavaScript is called a scripting language because it is typically used to write scripts that are executed by another program, such as a web browser.
Scripting languages are programming languages that are used to write scripts, which are small programs that automate a specific task or set of tasks. Scripts are typically interpreted, rather than compiled, which means that they are executed by an interpreter, rather than being converted into machine code that can be run directly on a computer's hardware.
One of the key characteristics of scripting languages is that they are generally easier to learn and use than more powerful programming languages. They often have a shallower learning curve and require less setup and configuration than other languages, which makes them well-suited for tasks that do not require a lot of computational power or complex algorithms.
JavaScript is a popular scripting language that is primarily used to write scripts that run in web browsers. When a web page is loaded in a browser, the JavaScript code in the page is executed by the browser's JavaScript engine. This allows JavaScript to be used for a wide variety of tasks, such as adding interactivity to web pages, validating form input, and communicating with servers.
In addition to being used as a scripting language for web browsers, JavaScript is also used in other contexts, such as building server-side applications with Node.js and creating mobile applications with frameworks like React Native.
The use of JavaScript as a scripting language has played a significant role in its widespread adoption and popularity. Its versatility and ease of use have made it a popular choice for a wide variety of tasks, and it is now one of the most widely-used programming languages in the world.
Overall, the term "scripting language" refers to a type of programming language that is designed to be used for writing scripts to automate specific tasks. JavaScript is called a scripting language because it is a popular and widely-used language for writing scripts that are executed by another program, such as a web browser.