JavaScript has been designed to enhance the browsing experience when using the Internet. It is a programming language and follows the syntax of C, although it isn’t to be confused with Java – a completely different language.

Most web browsers support JavaScript. If you have one which doesn’t, you should definitely consider an upgrade! Internet Explorer offers full support and other companies such as Mozilla implement it too.

Unfortunately, JavaScript can lead to a troublesome browsing experience and poor site usability if used in the wrong way. Many websites will have trouble functioning if the browser is unable to compile JavaScript. This should become less of a problem as developers pay closer attention to accessibility standards, but it’s still there.

So what are symptoms of JavaScript problems? The most obvious is, of course, applets and programs that fail to load. If you are receiving errors and parts of the site are refusing to function correctly, it’s probably down to the JavaScript or the permissions designated to it.

Go to your Internet Options (Usually under Tools from the top toolbar). Then go to Advanced Settings and ensure that the scripting boxes are checked. You should also see an option for Java applets. Make sure this is checked. If the option isn’t there, head on over to Sun’s website and download the latest JavaScript support bundle. Installing it will iron out many JavaScript problems including the biggest problem of sites refusing to operate altogether!

JavaScript can be switched off to prevent pop-ups and dynamically generated adverts. This is one of the biggest reasons why people run in to problems. Of course, it’s nice to block out the bad things. But JavaScript provides some important functionality which has nothing to do with pop-ups. If you are one who likes to get rid of the ads, consider a professional pop-up blocker. Disabling scripting isn’t the best way to go about the problem.

You might also notice that some pages load with errors. How can you tell? Well, usually you’ll see a little exclamation mark in the bottom left of the browser and an “Errors on Page” annotation.

Sometimes it’s quite possible to use the site for its purpose with these errors still on the page. They’re usually down to poor code or technical errors. It’s not the greatest display of web development, but you don’t need to worry unless it’s affecting your browsing experience.

You’ll also find that JavaScript entries can clog up a system’s registry with log files. While relatively harmless, this can contribute towards a reduced system performance and programs can take longer to start. Be sure to stay ahead of the game and clean your registry regularly. There are error blocking software packages on the Net, but even with these, the logs are still building up behind the scenes.

Many forms are coded with JavaScript to validate your inputted information and verify that it meets the requirements. For example, if a password has to be between 6 to 12 letters with numbers and letters – JavaScript will take care of this on the client side. Therefore, if you access a website and the forms are not working, it could be down to the validation stage that occurs after you’ve submitted it.

Even if the data you submit is correct, the form won’t process unless it can verify via the scripting. As you can imagine, this is capable of inflicting serious woes on your browsing experience. Forms and registrations play an important role on the web.