|
| |
Spice Up Your Web Site with JavaScript
by Shelley Lowery
JavaScript is a scripting language designed
for use within a web page and/or on a web server. It is used to create special effects
within a web page. Elements such as links, images and forms can be manipulated using this
powerful technology. Unlike CGI scripts, JavaScript can be placed directly into your HTML
code. It can also reside on your server and be called from a small code within your web
page. This powerful scripting language can be used to create special effects on your web
page such as link effects, mouseovers, image roll overs, navigational systems and much
more. Here are a few great scripts to get you started: Navigation Bar This script is
actually a combination of JavaScript and HTML better known as DHTML. It will enable you to
have a mouseover navigational menu at the top of your web page. When you place your mouse
over the main menu, a drop down menu will appear. As you move your mouse over the drop
down menu, each selection is highlighted. This navigation menu is very similar to the menu
used at Microsoft.com. http://www.brainjar.com/dhtml/menubar/
(Editorial note: Use Internet Explorer to visit this site) Dynamic Splash Screen If you've
ever wanted to set up a splash screen for your web page, Dynamic Splash Screen will do
just that. Splash pages can be used to tell your visitors a little bit about your site or
whatever you'd like. The great thing about this script is that it is constructed using a
single page. Once the splash messages have been completed, the script will navigate to the
URL of your choice. It also includes a link on the splash page that says, "Skip
Intro." Nice effect. http://www.dynamicdrive.com/dynamicindex3/dynamicsplash.htm
Pausing Up and Down Menu Scroller This nice little script will enable you to have linked
text that scrolls upwards and will pause between each message. You can choose to include a
background image and customize the background color and box size. This script provides a
nice way to announce new additions to your site or whatever you'd like. http://www.dynamicdrive.com/dynamicindex2/crosstick.htm
overLIB Create mouseover popup boxes for your text links. This great script can be used to
include information about the links, tips or whatever you'd like. It can create simple
mouseover popup boxes or can even create a popup box that will stay open until the user
wants to close it. The boxes can also be displayed with or without a caption and colors
can be customized. This is a great little script. http://www.bosrup.com/web/overlib/
Source Protector Although this script won't completely protect your page content, it will
deter those wanting to steal your code. When you right click on your mouse, an alert box
will appear. You can include a message of your choice. http://www.javascript-page.com/noclk.html
Right Click Menu This nifty little script not only helps prevent your code from being
stolen, but it also creates a pop up navigation menu. When you right click on your mouse,
instead of the browser menu appearing, your menu will appear. This little menu can contain
live links to other pages on your web site. http://html_help4u.tripod.com/rc_menu.html
Banner Rotator This simple little script will enable you to rotate banners on your web
page. You simply add your banner information to the code and place this script within your
web page where you'd like your banners to display. Each time your page loads, a new banner
will be displayed. Great little script. http://www.javascript-page.com/banrot.html
Daily Tip This script will enable you to display a daily tip on your web site. You can
program it with tips for the entire month and they will automatically display each day. http://html_help4u.tripod.com/dailytip.html
FairWell Window Launcher Although popup windows can be irritating, this script is a little
different. It will launch a new window when your visitor leaves your site. What's great
about this script is that it will only appear the first time someone visits your web site.
If you offer your visitors a free publication, try placing your subscription information
within this new window. This provides a great way to increase subscriptions to your
publication. http://wsabstract.com/script/cut65.shtml
Locating JavaScripts: http://javascript.internet.com/
Locating DHTML Scripts: http://www.dynamicdrive.com/
Learn more about JavaScript: JavaScript Learning Center http://www.javascriptmall.com/learn/contents.htm
Although JavaScript can certainly help you spice up your web site, there are many scripts
that your visitors may find irritating. Try to avoid scripts such as mouse trailers,
mouseover sounds, mouseover pop up windows and mouseover redirects. Carefully select
scripts that will enhance your visitors experience and encourage them to return in the
future.
| |
|
