Setting Up Your JavaScript Environment

You’re about to start your JavaScript adventure, and I’m so excited for you! Before we write any code, we need a place to type it and see it work. Don’t worry – it’s really simple, and you can start in just a few seconds!

We’ll go super slow, with easy steps. You don’t need to download anything at first – we can use what you already have! 🚀

The Easiest Way: Use Your Browser Console (No Download Needed!)

Your web browser has a hidden tool called the Console where you can type JavaScript and see it run instantly.

Here’s how to open it:

• Open any browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari).
• Press F12 on your keyboard (or Ctrl + Shift + I on Windows / Cmd + Option + I on Mac).
• Click the tab called “Console”.
• Type this line and press Enter:

You’ll see your message appear below! This is the fastest way to try JavaScript. Great job! 🌟

Even More Fun: Free Online Playgrounds

If you want a bigger space to write code (with colors and buttons), try these free websites:

• CodePen (codepen.io) – Super pretty and easy.
• JSFiddle (jsfiddle.net) – Simple and quick.
• Replit (replit.com) – You can save your projects too!

Just visit the site, type your code, and click “Run”. Perfect for trying things at home or school! 😄

When You’re Ready: Download Visual Studio Code (Free!)

For bigger projects, many programmers use Visual Studio Code (VS Code). It’s free and awesome!

• Go to code.visualstudio.com and click Download.
• Install it (just click Next a few times).
• Open VS Code, make a new file, and save it as hello.js

To see your code run in a browser, make a simple HTML file like this:

And in hello.js write:

Optional Later: Node.js (Run Code Without a Browser)

When you’re more confident, you can install Node.js to run code directly on your computer. For now, the browser or online tools are perfect! 😊

Try This Right Now – Your First Test!

Open your browser console (F12) and type:

You’ll see a pop-up and a message in the console. You’re all set and ready for the next lessons! 🎉

Quick Fun Quiz (Just One Question)