Setup & Editors
Before writing JavaScript code, it is important to prepare a proper working environment. A clean setup helps you focus on learning instead of struggling with tools.
Do You Need to Install JavaScript?
You do not need to install JavaScript separately. Every modern web browser already comes with JavaScript built in.
If you can open websites in a browser like Chrome, Edge, or Firefox, JavaScript is already available on your system.
Real-World Example
Think about a smartphone camera app. You don’t install the basic camera feature — it already exists. You only decide how to use it.
JavaScript works the same way. Browsers already know how to run JavaScript. We just need the right tools to write and test our code.
Tools Required
To start learning JavaScript properly, you need only:
- A modern web browser
- A code editor
- A place to save and practice your files
Recommended Web Browser
Google Chrome is recommended because it provides powerful developer tools that help you test, debug, and understand JavaScript behavior.
Choosing a Code Editor
A code editor is where you write JavaScript code. Basic editors like Notepad can open files, but they are not suitable for real development or learning.
Visual Studio Code is strongly recommended.
- Free and lightweight
- Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Excellent support for JavaScript
- Used by professional developers worldwide
Checking JavaScript in the Browser
Before writing code, confirm that JavaScript is working correctly.
- Open Google Chrome
- Right-click anywhere on a webpage
- Select Inspect
- Open the Console tab
If the console opens without errors, JavaScript is ready to use.
Thumb Rules
- Always use official websites for downloads
- Use a modern browser for JavaScript learning
- Get comfortable with the browser console early
- Use a proper code editor from day one
What Comes Next?
Now that your setup is ready, the next step is learning how JavaScript stores information using variables.