JavaScript in 10 Simple Steps or Less

If you are looking to add exciting interactivity to Web pages and need a quick and easy understanding of the technology in order to do so, then this book is for you-whether you're new to JavaScript or you need a refresher on every-thing from validating user input forms to creating menu trees. Open the book and you'll discover clear, easy-to-follow instructions for more than 250 key JavaScript tasks, each presented in ten quick steps-or less. Easy-to-navigate pages, lots of screen shots, and to-the-point directions guide you through every common (and not so common) JavaScript challenge-and help you get more done in less time. * Each solution is ten steps-or less-to help you get the job done fast * Self-contained two-page spreads deliver the answers you need-without flipping pages * A no-fluff approach focuses on helping you achieve results * A resource packed with useful and fun ways to get the most out of JavaScript * Make it simple and get productive fast!- download ready-to-use source code for each task from the book's companion Web site JavaScript in 10 Steps or Less......Page 1 Credits......Page 9 About the Author......Page 10 Acknowledgments......Page 12 Contents......Page 14 Introduction......Page 22 Part 1: JavaScript Basics......Page 26 Task 1: Creating a scriptBlock......Page 27 Task 2: Hiding Your JavaScript Code......Page 29 Task 3: Providing Alternatives to Your JavaScript Code......Page 31 Task 4: Including Outside Source Code......Page 33 Task 5: Commenting Your Scripts......Page 35 Task 6: Writing a JavaScript Command......Page 37 Task 7: Temporarily Removing a Command from a Script......Page 39 Task 8: Using Curly Brackets......Page 41 Task 9: Writing Output to the Browser......Page 43 Task 10: Creating a Variable......Page 45 Task 11: Outputting a Variable......Page 47 Task 12: Creating a String......Page 49 Task 13: Creating a Numeric Variable......Page 51 Task 14: Performing Math......Page 53 Task 15: Concatenating Strings......Page 55 Task 16: Searching for Text in Strings......Page 57 Task 17: Replacing Text in Strings......Page 59 Task 18: Formatting Strings......Page 61 Task 19: Applying Multiple Formatting Functions to a String......Page 63 Task 20: Creating Arrays......Page 65 Task 21: Populating an Array......Page 67 Task 22: Sorting an Array......Page 69 Task 23: Splitting a String at a Delimiter......Page 71 Task 24: Calling Functions......Page 73 Task 25: Alerting the User......Page 75 Task 26: Confirming with the User......Page 77 Task 27: Creating Your Own Functions......Page 79 Task 28: Passing an Argument to Your Functions......Page 81 Task 29: Returning Values from Your Functions......Page 83 Task 30: Passing Multiple Parameters to Your Functions......Page 85 Task 31: Calling Functions from Tags......Page 87 Task 32: Calling Your JavaScript Code after the Page Has Loaded......Page 89 Task 33: Using forLoops......Page 91 Task 34: Testing Conditions with if......Page 93 Task 35: Using Short-Form Condition Testing......Page 95 Task 36: Looping on a Condition......Page 97 Task 37: Looping through an Array......Page 99 Task 38: Scheduling a Function for Future Execution......Page 101 Task 39: Scheduling a Function for Recurring Execution......Page 103 Task 40: Canceling a Scheduled Function......Page 105 Task 41: Adding Multiple Scripts to a Page......Page 107 Task 42: Calling Your JavaScript Code after the Page Has Loaded......Page 109 Task 43: Check If Java Is Enabled with JavaScript......Page 111 Part 2: Outputting to the Browser......Page 114 Task 44: Accessing the documentObject......Page 115 Task 45: Outputting Dynamic HTML......Page 117 Task 46: Including New Lines in Output......Page 119 Task 47: Outputting the Date to the Browser......Page 121 Task 48: Outputting the Date and Time in a Selected Time Zone......Page 123 Task 49: Controlling the Format of Date Output......Page 125 Task 50: Customizing Output by the Time of Day......Page 127 Task 51: Generating a Monthly Calendar......Page 129 Task 52: Customizing Output Using URL Variables......Page 131 Task 53: Dynamically Generating a Menu......Page 133 Task 54: Replacing the Browser Document with a New Document......Page 135 Task 55: Redirecting the User to a New Page......Page 137 Task 56: Creating a "Page Loading ..." Placeholder......Page 139 Part 3: Images and Rollovers......Page 142 Task 57: Accessing an HTML-Embedded Image in JavaScript......Page 143 Task 58: Loading an Image Using JavaScript......Page 145 Task 59: Detecting MouseOver Events on Images......Page 147 Task 60: Detecting Click Events on Images......Page 149 Task 61: Switching an Image Programatically......Page 151 Task 62: Using Multiple Rollovers in One Page......Page 153 Task 63: Displaying a Random Image......Page 155 Task 64: Displaying Multiple Random Images......Page 157 Task 65: Using a Function to Create a Rollover......Page 159 Task 66: Using a Function to Trigger a Rollover......Page 161 Task 67: Using Functions to Create Multiple Rollovers in One Page......Page 163 Task 68: Creating a Simple Rollover Menu System......Page 165 Task 69: Creating a Slide Show in JavaScript......Page 167 Task 70: Randomizing Your Slide Show......Page 169 Task 71: Triggering Slide Show Transitions from Links......Page 171 Task 72: Including Captions in a Slide Show......Page 173 Task 73: Testing If an Image Is Loaded......Page 175 Task 74: Triggering a Rollover in a Different Location with a Link......Page 177 Task 75: Using Image Maps and Rollovers Together......Page 179 Task 76: Generating Animated Banners in JavaScript......Page 181 Task 77: Displaying a Random Banner Ad......Page 183 Part 4: Working with Forms......Page 186 Task 78: Preparing Your Forms for JavaScript......Page 187 Task 79: Accessing Text Field Contents......Page 189 Task 80: Dynamically Updating Text Fields......Page 191 Task 81: Detecting Changes in Text Fields......Page 193 Task 82: Accessing Selection Lists......Page 195 Task 83: Programmatically Populating a Selection List......Page 197 Task 84: Dynamically Changing Selection List Content......Page 199 Task 85: Detecting Selections in Selection Lists......Page 201 Task 86: Updating One Selection List Based on Selection in Another......Page 203 Task 87: Using Radio Buttons instead of Selection Lists......Page 205 Task 88: Detecting the Selected Radio Button......Page 207 Task 89: Detecting Change of Radio Button Selection......Page 209 Task 90: Updating or Changing Radio Button Selection......Page 211 Task 91: Creating Check Boxes......Page 213 Task 92: Detecting Check Box Selections......Page 215 Task 93: Changing Check Box Selections......Page 217 Task 94: Detecting Changes in Check Box Selections......Page 219 Task 95: Verifying Form Fields in JavaScript......Page 221 Task 96: Using the onSubmit Attribute of the Form Tag to Verify Form Fields......Page 223 Task 97: Verifying Form Fields Using INPUT TYPE="button" Instead of TYPE="submit"......Page 225 Task 98: Validating E-mail Addresses......Page 227 Task 99: Validating Zip Codes......Page 229 Task 100: Validating Phone Numbers......Page 231 Task 101: Validating Credit Card Numbers......Page 233 Task 102: Validating Selection List Choices......Page 235 Task 103: Validating Radio Button Selections......Page 237 Task 104: Validating Check Box Selections......Page 239 Task 105: Validating Passwords......Page 241 Task 106: Validating Phone Numbers with Regular Expressions......Page 243 Task 107: Creating Multiple Form Submission Buttons Using INPUT TYPE="button"Buttons......Page 245 Task 108: Reacting to Mouse Clicks on Buttons......Page 247 Task 109: Using Graphical Buttons in JavaScript......Page 249 Task 110: Controlling the Form Submission URL......Page 251 Task 111: Validating a Numeric Text Field with Regular Expressions......Page 253 Task 112: Encrypting Data before Submitting It......Page 255 Task 113: Using Forms for Automatic Navigation Jumping......Page 257 Part 5: Manipulating Browser Windows......Page 260 Task 114: Using the WindowObject......Page 261 Task 115: Popping Up an Alert Dialog Box......Page 263 Task 116: Popping Up Confirmation Dialog Boxes......Page 265 Task 117: Popping Up JavaScript Prompts......Page 267 Task 118: Creating New Browser Windows......Page 269 Task 119: Opening a New Browser Window from a Link......Page 271 Task 120: Setting the Size of New Browser Windows......Page 273 Task 121: Setting the Location of New Browser Windows......Page 275 Task 122: Controlling Toolbar Visibility for New Browser Windows......Page 277 Task 123: Determining the Availability of Scroll Bars for New Browser Windows......Page 279 Task 124: Restricting Resizing of New Browser Windows......Page 281 Task 125: Loading a New Document into a Browser Window......Page 283 Task 126: Controlling Window Scrolling from JavaScript......Page 285 Task 127: Opening a Full-Screen Window in Internet Explorer......Page 287 Task 128: Handling the Parent-Child Relationship of Windows......Page 289 Task 129: Updating One Window's Contents from Another......Page 291 Task 130: Accessing a Form in Another Browser Window......Page 293 Task 131: Closing a Window in JavaScript......Page 295 Task 132: Closing a Window from a Link......Page 297 Task 133: Creating Dependent Windows in Netscape......Page 299 Task 134: Sizing a Window to Its Contents in Netscape......Page 301 Task 135: Loading Pages into Frames......Page 303 Task 136: Updating One Frame from Another Frame......Page 305 Task 137: Sharing JavaScript Code between Frames......Page 307 Task 138: Using Frames to Store Pseudo-Persistent Data......Page 309 Task 139: Using One Frame for Your Main JavaScript Code......Page 311 Task 140: Using a Hidden Frame for Your JavaScript Code......Page 313 Task 141: Working with Nested Frames......Page 315 Task 142: Updating Multiple Frames from a Link......Page 317 Task 143: Dynamically Creating Frames in JavaScript......Page 319 Task 144: Dynamically Updating Frame Content......Page 321 Task 145: Referring to Unnamed Frames Numerically......Page 323 Part 6: Manipulating Cookies......Page 326 Task 146: Creating a Cookie in JavaScript......Page 327 Task 147: Accessing a Cookie in JavaScript......Page 329 Task 148: Displaying a Cookie......Page 331 Task 149: Controlling the Expiry of a Cookie......Page 333 Task 150: Using a Cookie to Track a User's Session......Page 335 Task 151: Using a Cookie to Count Page Access......Page 337 Task 152: Deleting a Cookie......Page 339 Task 153: Creating Multiple Cookies......Page 341 Task 154: Accessing Multiple Cookies......Page 343 Task 155: Using Cookies to Present a Different Home Page for New Visitors......Page 345 Task 156: Creating a Cookie Function Library......Page 347 Task 157: Allowing a Cookie to be Seen for all Pages in a Site......Page 349 Part 7: DHTML and Style Sheets......Page 352 Task 158: Controlling Line Spacing......Page 353 Task 159: Determining an Object's Location......Page 355 Task 160: Placing an Object......Page 357 Task 161: Moving an Object Horizontally......Page 359 Task 162: Moving an Object Vertically......Page 361 Task 163: Moving an Object Diagonally......Page 363 Task 164: Controlling Object Movement with Buttons......Page 365 Task 165: Creating the Appearance of Three-Dimensional Movement......Page 367 Task 166: Centering an Object Vertically......Page 369 Task 167: Centering an Object Horizontally......Page 371 Task 168: Controlling Line Height in CSS......Page 373 Task 169: Creating Drop Shadows with CSS......Page 375 Task 170: Modifying a Drop Shadow......Page 377 Task 171: Removing a Drop Shadow......Page 379 Task 172: Placing a Shadow on a Nonstandard Corner......Page 381 Task 173: Managing Z-Indexes in JavaScript......Page 383 Task 174: Setting Fonts for Text with CSS......Page 385 Task 175: Setting Font Style for Text with CSS......Page 387 Task 176: Controlling Text Alignment with CSS......Page 389 Task 177: Controlling Spacing with CSS......Page 391 Task 178: Controlling Absolute Placement with CSS......Page 393 Task 179: Controlling Relative Placement with CSS......Page 395 Task 180: Adjusting Margins with CSS......Page 397 Task 181: Applying Inline Styles......Page 399 Task 182: Using Document Style Sheets......Page 401 Task 183: Creating Global Style Sheet Files......Page 403 Task 184: Overriding Global Style Sheets for Local Instances......Page 405 Task 185: Creating a Drop Cap with Style Sheets......Page 407 Task 186: Customizing the Appearance of the First Line of Text......Page 409 Task 187: Applying a Special Style to the First Line of Every Element on the Page......Page 411 Task 188: Applying a Special Style to All Links......Page 413 Task 189: Accessing Style Sheet Settings......Page 415 Task 190: Manipulating Style Sheet Settings......Page 417 Task 191: Hiding an Object in JavaScript......Page 419 Task 192: Displaying an Object in JavaScript......Page 421 Task 193: Detecting the Window Size......Page 423 Task 194: Forcing Capitalization with Style Sheet Settings......Page 425 Task 195: Detecting the Number of Colors......Page 427 Task 196: Adjusting Padding with CSS......Page 429 Part 8: Dynamic User Interaction......Page 432 Task 197: Creating a Simple Pull-Down Menu......Page 433 Task 198: Creating Two Pull-Down Menus......Page 435 Task 199: Detecting and Reacting to Selections in a Pull-Down Menu......Page 437 Task 200: Generating a Drop-Down Menu with a Function......Page 439 Task 201: Placing Menu Code in an External File......Page 441 Task 202: Inserting a Prebuilt Drop-Down Menu......Page 443 Task 203: Creating a Floating Window......Page 445 Task 204: Closing a Floating Window......Page 447 Task 205: Resizing a Floating Window......Page 449 Task 206: Moving a Floating Window......Page 451 Task 207: Changing the Content of a Floating Window......Page 453 Task 208: Detecting Drag and Drop......Page 455 Task 209: Moving a Dragged Object in Drag and Drop......Page 457 Task 210: Changing Cursor Styles......Page 459 Task 211: Determining the Current Scroll Position......Page 461 Task 212: Creating an Expanding/Collapsing Menu......Page 463 Task 213: Creating a Highlighting Menu Using Just Text and CSS-No JavaScript......Page 465 Task 214: Creating a Highlighting Menu Using Text, CSS, and JavaScript......Page 467 Task 215: Placing Content Offscreen......Page 469 Task 216: Sliding Content into View......Page 471 Task 217: Creating a Sliding Menu......Page 473 Task 218: Auto-Scrolling a Page......Page 475 Part 9: Handling Events......Page 478 Task 219: Responding to the onMouseOverEvent......Page 479 Task 220: Taking Action When the User Clicks on an Object......Page 481 Task 221: Responding to Changes in a Form's Text Field......Page 483 Task 222: Responding to a Form Field Gaining Focus with onFocus......Page 485 Task 223: Taking Action When a Form Field Loses Focus with onBlur......Page 487 Task 224: Post-Processing Form Data with onSubmit......Page 489 Task 225: Creating Code to Load When a Page Loads with onLoad......Page 491 Task 226: Executing Code When a User Leaves a Page for Another......Page 493 Task 227: Taking Action When a User Makes a Selection in a Selection List......Page 495 Part 10: Bookmarklets......Page 498 Task 228: Downloading and Installing Bookmarklets......Page 499 Task 229: Checking Page Freshness with a Bookmarklet......Page 501 Task 230: Checking for E-mail Links with a Bookmarklet......Page 503 Task 231: E-mailing Selected Text with a Bookmarklet in Internet Explorer......Page 505 Task 232: E-mailing Selected Text with a Bookmarklet in Netscape......Page 507 Task 233: Displaying Images from a Page with a Bookmarklet......Page 509 Task 234: Changing Background Color with a Bookmarklet......Page 511 Task 235: Removing Background Images with a Bookmarklet......Page 513 Task 236: Hiding Images with a Bookmarklet......Page 515 Task 237: Hiding Banners with a Bookmarklet......Page 517 Task 238: Opening All Links in a New Window with a Bookmarklet......Page 519 Task 239: Changing Page Fonts with a Bookmarklet......Page 521 Task 240: Highlighting Page Links with a Bookmarklet......Page 523 Task 241: Checking the Current Date and Time with a Bookmarklet......Page 525 Task 242: Checking Your IP Address with a Bookmarklet......Page 527 Task 243: Searching Yahoo! with a Bookmarklet in Internet Explorer......Page 529 Task 244: Searching Yahoo! with a Bookmarklet in Netscape......Page 531 Part 11: Cross-Browser Compatibility and Issues......Page 534 Task 245: Detecting the Browser Type......Page 535 Task 246: Detecting the Browser Version......Page 537 Task 247: Browser Detection Using Object Testing......Page 539 Task 248: Creating Browser Detection Variables......Page 541 Task 249: Dealing with Differences in Object Placement in Newer Browsers......Page 543 Task 250: Creating Layers with the div Tag......Page 545 Task 251: Controlling Layer Placement in HTML......Page 547 Task 252: Controlling Layer Size in HTML......Page 549 Task 253: Controlling Layer Visibility in HTML......Page 551 Task 254: Controlling Layer Ordering in HTML......Page 553 Task 255: Changing Layer Placement and Size in JavaScript......Page 555 Task 256: Changing Layer Visibility in JavaScript......Page 557 Task 257: Changing Layer Ordering in JavaScript......Page 559 Task 258: Fading Objects......Page 561 Task 259: Creating a Page Transition in Internet Explorer......Page 563 Task 260: Installing the X Cross-Browser Compatibility Library......Page 565 Task 261: Showing and Hiding Elements with X......Page 567 Task 262: Controlling Stacking Order with X......Page 569 Task 263: Changing Text Color with X......Page 571 Task 264: Setting a Background Color with X......Page 573 Task 265: Setting a Background Image with X......Page 575 Task 266: Repositioning an Element with X......Page 577 Task 267: Sliding an Element with X......Page 579 Task 268: Changing Layer Sizes with X......Page 581 Appendix A: JavaScript Quick Reference......Page 584 Appendix B: CSS Quick Reference......Page 618 Index......Page 626 "If you are looking to add exciting interactivity to Web pages and need a quick and easy understanding of the technology in order to do so, then this book is for you-whether you're new to JavaScript or you need a refresher on every-thing from validating user input forms to creating menu trees. Open the book and you'll discover clear, easy-to-follow instructions for more than 250 key JavaScript tasks, each presented in ten quick steps-or less. Easy-to-navigate pages, lots of screen shots, and to-the-point directions guide you through every common (and not so common) JavaScript challenge-and help you get more done in less time. Each solution is ten steps-or less-to help you get the job done fast Self-contained two-page spreads deliver the answers you need-without flipping pages A no-fluff approach focuses on helping you achieve results A resource packed with useful and fun ways to get the most out of JavaScript Make it simple and get productive fast!- download ready-to-use source code for each task from the book's companion Web site"--BOOK JACKET Presenting more than 250 tasks for using JavaScript to enhance Web pages and add interactivity Each task requires no more than ten steps and is presented on a two-page spread, making it easy to read and finish a task while working at the computerReaders can accomplish more than with any other step-by-step book on the marketEnables readers to quickly begin adding menu trees and pop-up windows, validating user input on forms, and contributing many other interactive elements to their Web sites