Thirty years ago today, Netscape and Sun Microsystems released JavaScript, an object scripting language designed for interactive web applications. Created by Brendan Eich in just 10 days in May 1995, JavaScript went on to become a dominant programming language, used on almost 100% of websites.
The language’s development was rushed, with numerous changes made over the next year. This led to quirks and inconsistencies that developers still complain about today. Despite its tumultuous birth, JavaScript has remained popular, powering not just browsers but also server backends, mobile apps, and more.
Originally designed to make webpages interactive, JavaScript drew inspiration from Java’s syntax and Scheme’s concepts. Its partnership secured endorsements from major tech companies, including Digital Equipment Corporation and Silicon Graphics. However, many of these companies have since disappeared or changed hands.
Despite its complex creation story, JavaScript has proven to be a lasting success. It continues to evolve, with developers still working to iron out its quirks. Today, JavaScript remains the most widely used programming language on the web, with nearly all websites utilizing client-side code that runs on this language.
Source: https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/12/in-1995-a-netscape-employee-wrote-a-hack-in-10-days-that-now-runs-the-internet