Today we covered many topics, vast and deep. We started with a
brief discussion of client-side image maps, and we learned how to
add JavaScript just like you to links.
After that we learned how to preload images through a clever use of the
Image object. Creating a new Image object
and assigning an image to that object's src automatically loads the
image into cache.
Because Image and other objects are so great, we took a long
sally into the world of objects and object-oriented programming. This
journey ended in the creation of a virtual pet, complete with its own properties and methods.
Finally, we learned how to use eval() and associative
arrays to manipulate objects that might otherwise be hard to access.
Object-oriented programming is a relatively
new and funky idea. By understanding how it works, we take a huge step toward
becoming a programmer for the next millennium.
And as we come to the end of today's lesson, we are also done with JavaScript. We've covered the length and breadth of the language. Sure, a few scattered things remain — some basic debugging and optimization techniques, for instance, which will be very useful now that you're able to write big, complex programs. But, essentially speaking, you are now a JavaScript Master!
Before you tackle the final Lesson, go ahead and test your mastery on today's homework assignment.
