What is javascript

Here is how Douglas Crockford defined javascript

Javascript is a functional language with dynamic objects and familiar syntax.

In his definition, he stressed the most important feature of javascript is functional language(scheme), secondary important feature is dynamic objects(self), the last part is familiar syntax(java). The familiar syntax tend to new javascript developer think that javascript is easy language, but it is not. To really unleash the power of javascript, it is necessary to have deep understanding of functional feature and dynamic objects.