The (unofficial) JScript FAQ!

Introduction

This is intended as a source of information for JScript programmers, both those who are new to the language, and those that aren't :-). This FAQ is meant mainly for JScript, but it also covers other script-related topics such as ASP (Active Server Pages), WSC (Windows Script Components), and WSH (Windows Scripting Host).

It tries not to focus too much on simple "how to" questions (such as "How do I do a rollover in IE3?"), but more complex (and sometimes technical) questions. Not that there isn't a place here for simple questions - I just need some people to contribute!

Please note that I am doing this in my spare time, as are (presumably) the other people who contribute. I have a full-time job and a full-time social life (who am I kidding? ;-) ), so I can't maintain this 24x7. Normal disclaimers about using this at your own risk, etc. apply.

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Origin

Some of the content for this FAQ has been graciously donated by the Script team at Microsoft, http://msdn.microsoft.com/scripting/, and you can find a limited JScript FAQ on the scripting site. Other content has come from news postings made by various people to various script newsgroups (see Other Resources, below).

Every entry has a list of authors next to it, like this: Authors: Peter Torr, Me again.
This lists, in chronological order, the people who have contributed to the entry.

If you wish to contribute to the FAQ, please contact me. Both new FAQ entries and corrections to existing entries are most welcome, and you will be fully credited for any contributions that appear here (unless, of course, you wish to remain anonymous!).

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Navigation

The FAQ is broken up into various sections - follow the links below to go to the desired location.

• What is JScript? This section deals with the basics - What scripting is, what it isn't, and other related information. If you think JScript is only for web browsers, you need to check this out!
• Where can I get... This section deals with where to get JScript, documentation, more help, and so on.
• Pure JScript Language. This section has questions that deal with the JScript / JavaScript / ECMAScript languages, not specific hosts such as web browsers.
• JScript Hosts. This section is more host-specific. Information about how to do things with Internet Explorer, Windows Script Components, Windows Scripting Host, and others.
• Internet Explorer. Just in case you didn't read the last entry, this is where you go for information on Internet Explorer. :-)
• ActiveX Components. Want to do something that can't be done in script alone? Then you need to use an ActiveX® component. This section covers how to build them, where to get them, and more!
• Opinions and discussions. This section contains longer articles dealing philosophical (rather than technical) issues about scripting. Interesting reading ;-)

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Other Resources

There is a lot on the net about scripting:

• Go to the Where can I get...? Part of this FAQ for the full list of things I've added.
• If you're in a hurry, Microsoft's scripting site lets you download JScript and related documentation.
• Also if you're in a hurry, http://msdn.microsoft.com/workshop/author/default.asp? documents Internet Explorer's object model.

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