JavaScript vs. ECMAScript: What's the Difference?

If you’ve been learning JavaScript, you might have come across the term “ECMAScript” and wondered what it means and how it relates to JavaScript. Are they the same thing? Is one more important than the other? Don’t worry; you’re not alone! This topic can be confusing at first, but once you understand the relationship between JavaScript and ECMAScript, it all makes sense.

Understanding JavaScript

JavaScript is a programming language that allows you to create dynamic and interactive content on websites. It’s the language you use when you want to make things happen in the browser, like responding to user actions, updating content without reloading the page, or creating animations. JavaScript is one of the core technologies of the web, alongside HTML and CSS.

So, What is ECMAScript?

ECMAScript is the standard that defines what JavaScript is and how it should work. Think of ECMAScript as the blueprint or rulebook for JavaScript. It’s a specification created by an organization called ECMA (European Computer Manufacturers Association) to ensure that different implementations of JavaScript across various browsers and environments are consistent.

Every few years, ECMA releases a new version of the ECMAScript standard, which includes updates and new features for JavaScript. For example, ECMAScript 5 (ES5) introduced features like strict mode and JSON support, while ECMAScript 6 (ES6), also known as ECMAScript 2015, brought in major enhancements like arrow functions, classes, and thelet and const keywords.

JavaScript and ECMAScript: The Relationship

Here’s where it gets clearer: JavaScript is an implementation of the ECMAScript standard. In other words, JavaScript follows the rules and guidelines set out in ECMAScript. So, when a new version of ECMAScript is released, JavaScript engines (the programs that run JavaScript in your browser) are updated to support the new features and syntax defined by that version.

For instance, when ECMAScript 6 was released, it introduced new syntax and features like the class keyword and template literals. JavaScript engines in browsers were then updated to understand and execute this new code. That’s why you might hear developers refer to JavaScript versions as “ES6,” “ES2017,” and so on—they’re referencing the ECMAScript version that defines the features available in JavaScript.

Why Does This Matter?

Understanding the difference between JavaScript and ECMAScript is important for a few reasons:

• Compatibility: When you write JavaScript code, it’s helpful to know which ECMAScript version it follows. This is especially important when working on projects that need to run on older browsers, which might not support the latest ECMAScript features. You might need to use tools like Babel to convert modern JavaScript into a version that’s compatible with older browsers.
• Learning and Using New Features: As you continue learning JavaScript, you’ll come across new features introduced in recent ECMAScript versions. Knowing which features belong to which ECMAScript version helps you understand the history and evolution of the language, making it easier to learn and apply new concepts.
• Reading Documentation: When reading JavaScript documentation or tutorials, you might see references to ECMAScript versions like “ES6” or “ES2020.” Understanding what these terms mean will help you better grasp the material and know what features are being discussed.

In Summary

JavaScript and ECMAScript are closely related: JavaScript is the programming language we use to build web applications, and ECMAScript is the standard that defines the language. When you hear about new JavaScript features, those features are defined by the latest ECMAScript standard.

As you continue your journey in web development, keep in mind that learning JavaScript means learning the features and rules defined by ECMAScript. Understanding this relationship will help you stay up-to-date with the language and write better, more compatible code.