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In e-commerce, it is necessary to have a strong online platform especially if you want to keep growing your business. JavaScript is one of the programming languages that can help with that. Read on to find out what it is and how it can be used to develop e-commerce websites. 

What Is Java?

JavaScript is a type of programming language developed in 1995 by Brandan Eich. It is one of the most widely used languages. It is also beginner-friendly; children could benefit from learning JavaScript at a young age. It is frequently implemented in web browsers. Chrome and Safari are just one of the few browsers powered by JavaScript. It is considered cross-platform software, which means it can run on different operating systems. 

Whether you are using a Windows, Linux, or even Mac operating system, you can still run JavaScript. It is also very dynamic, seeing as it is responsible for the interactive elements of a website. For instance, web browsers are equipped with an autocomplete function wherein suggested results will appear even before you finish typing the object you are searching for.  

For this reason, you can also use JavaScript on non-browser applications such as servers, mobile apps, and more. However, as it is a scripted language, it cannot run independently. That is why it is used in conjunction with HTML and CSS. Together these three comprise a fully functioning website. 

Look at it this way, HTML provides the structure of the website. It is the bare-bones foundation of the website and its contents. CSS, on the other hand, adds stylistic appeal to the website. For example, it is where the font style and background colors would come in. Finally, JavaScript makes the website more interactive to appeal to its viewers. Without it, websites would appear very dull. 

Benefits of JavaScript for E-Commerce Sites

JavaScript is highly interactive and versatile. It focuses primarily on front-end development or the client-side. It means users don’t have to be connected to the central server to access the web page freely. It makes reaction time faster and consumes less bandwidth. It makes it ideal for e-commerce sites. But it can also be used for back-end development, making it very flexible.  

Given how most businesses increasingly rely on digital platforms, therefore transitioning to e-commerce, companies need to shift their operations digitally. It includes creating an e-commerce site and one that is feature-rich. JavaScript may seem intimidating, but it is relatively straightforward to use. You can find lots of JavaScript tutorials online. However, it will also entail the usage of HTML and CSS, so be prepared for a bit of lengthy programming. But when done right, its variables allow you to tweak the website’s features to your liking in a way that will appeal to the customer.  

Table 1: Understanding variables in JavaScript

One definitive advantage JavaScript can bring to e-commerce sites is increased website interaction. It improves user experience and entices potential customers to buy from that brand. For example, it could be an autocomplete feature to help narrow down a user’s search. It could also allow the customer to zoom in and out on an item, rotate it 360 degrees, or even conduct a virtual try-on. You could also use JavaScript to slide through a carousel of images, which is a trend e-commerce websites often have. 

The point is that it makes websites come alive. If a customer can freely navigate an e-commerce site, they are more likely encouraged to purchase an item. It streamlines your e-commerce site and makes it more appealing to customers. Given how websites and applications have become sophisticated nowadays, integrating JavaScript is necessary if you want to achieve sustainability in your business.  

How JavaScript Is Used to Develop an E-Commerce Site

Integrating JavaScript into your website involves using all three programming languages – HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Assuming you already have a functioning website, the challenge now is to make that website more interactive – to develop a simple website into an e-commerce website.

There are two ways you could go about integrating JavaScript into an e-commerce site. One is by adding pre-made templates, and the other is by manually coding them. Using pre-existing templates is more accessible and advisable for those who aren’t comfortable manually coding it, particularly if you haven’t completely grasped the basics of JavaScript. However, manual coding allows you to customize the website to your preferences. That said, you could also use a combination of the two. 

Code 1: A basic example of integrating JavaScript into your E-Commerce website

Figure 1: JavaScript output of the previously written code

Here is what JavaScript can do for an e-commerce site: 

Autocomplete – Notice how e-commerce sites have a search bar for easy access. This feature gives suggestions for different products the customer is typing. It cuts downtime and helps the customer in the process.

Figure 1: Sample of a search bar with an autocomplete function 

Figure 2: Merely typing the letters of your location will trigger suggestions from JavaScript

Validating forms – When customers finally check out their cart, they have to fill out forms. It could be for their payment details or shipping address. JavaScript validates whether the information they entered is valid. It ensures customers appropriately fill out the forms before submitting them. 

Rollover – This can include a drop-down menu for clothing sizes or the number of items a customer will pick. If the cursor hovers over it, it can even zoom in on the image of a product. 

Load new content – Real-time reflection of product availability is vital in e-commerce sites because you can’t see whether an item is sold out or not. Adding this would make sure all data is up-to-date without reloading the page. 

These are just some of JavaScript’s basic features to add to your e-commerce website. Integrating JavaScript into your e-commerce website allows increased interaction on the customer’s side. They will appreciate greater flexibility and convenience in navigating the website, which will entice them to your business.