Difficulty: Medium
Correct Answer: JavaScript is the standard scripting language based on ECMAScript, and JScript is Microsoft implementation of that standard for Internet Explorer with some proprietary extensions.
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
Historically, different browsers implemented their own versions of scripting languages, which led to compatibility issues. JavaScript emerged as the dominant language for client side scripting on the web and was standardized as ECMAScript. Microsoft created JScript as its own implementation for Internet Explorer, closely related to JavaScript but with vendor specific behavior. This question tests your understanding of how JavaScript and JScript are related.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- JavaScript is widely used in modern browsers and is standardized through ECMAScript.
- JScript was Microsoft implementation of the same core language for Internet Explorer.
- Both run inside the browser as client side scripts.
- Differences mainly involve vendor specific features and object models.
Concept / Approach:
The key idea is that JavaScript and JScript share the same core language specification but differ in details and proprietary extensions. JavaScript engines in modern browsers follow ECMAScript standards and aim for compatibility, while historic JScript implementations sometimes introduced browser specific behavior. The correct answer must identify JScript as a Microsoft implementation of ECMAScript compatible JavaScript, not as a completely separate or server side language.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that ECMAScript is the standardized specification for scripting languages like JavaScript.
Step 2: Recognize that Microsoft created JScript for Internet Explorer as an implementation of the same standard.
Step 3: Compare options and find the one that explicitly mentions standard JavaScript and Microsoft implementation.
Step 4: Choose the statement that emphasizes their shared roots and vendor specific differences.
Verification / Alternative check:
Historical documentation for Internet Explorer and Microsoft scripting technologies describes JScript as an implementation compatible with ECMAScript. Many code examples written for JavaScript also worked with JScript, except where they used browser specific features. This compatibility confirms that JavaScript and JScript belong to the same language family and that JScript is not a different or server only language.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B is wrong because the languages are not completely unrelated; they share syntax and standards. Option C is incorrect since JScript was mainly used on the client side in browsers and sometimes in Windows scripting environments, not just for database access. Option D is false because JavaScript is widely used on web pages and in other environments. Option E confuses JScript with Java tooling, which is a different technology stack altogether.
Common Pitfalls:
A common pitfall is assuming that any code labeled JScript is incompatible with JavaScript, when in fact the core language features are very similar. Another issue is forgetting that old vendor specific extensions may not work in other browsers, leading to portability problems. Modern practice is to write standards based JavaScript that runs consistently across browsers and to avoid vendor specific constructs.
Final Answer:
JavaScript is the standard ECMAScript based scripting language, and JScript is Microsoft implementation of that standard for Internet Explorer that adds some proprietary features.
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