since firefox have no script plugin and you can disable javascript for security reason...is javascript needed at all?

This depends on what you mean by "needed".

If by "needed" you mean required to develop websites, then no but if you mean "needed" as in enabled within your browser then it would depend on the site you're visiting. If the site runs heavily on JavaScript then yes, you will need to have JavaScript enabled to view that website how it is supposed to be viewed.

More and more websites are using JavaScript, especially since the high coming of XML HTTP Request (AJAX). It's the future of the web and the virtual love of my live.

I quite agree, java script is becomming more popular. I code in PHP and i use the setcookie() function allot to store important/functional data on the client's machine to improve functionality of my script/site.

So, java script is important! (IMHO Anyway)

Don't see how setcookie() is related to javascript, but leaving that one alone for a moment...

Javascript still is very important, as it provides one of the most common means to provide immediate feedback to the user via the browser, and enjoys the widest support -- and, more importantly, a defined standard. It also provides for rich functionality using the "Ajax" programming method. To see examples of javascript and how it can be used efficiently, try browsing these examples (http://wiki.script.aculo.us/scriptaculous/show/Demos).

I really don't know what you mean when you say firefox has no script plugin -- what script are you talking about here?

by need i mean do you need to incorporate javascript into your website/web app at all since lot of people either have no script plugin or disable javascript for security purpose like blocking out pop up...etc.

You'd be surprised how many sites actually contain some form of JavaScript. As mentioned previously by fyrestrtr JavaScript is still important and will be in the website scene until something better comes along (I don't see this happening for a long time yet, if at all).

With the up rising of XML HTTP Request and AJAX JavaScript is more popular than ever before.

Well obviously you should stay away from stupid web tricks (http://builder.com.com/1200-31-5084862.html) as these are the main reasons that people block javascript - not to mention the every (un)popular pop-up, pop-under ads.

If you follow good UI and design principles, javascript can add a lot of value to your web visitors, providing them a rich and easy interface to your content.

If you follow good UI and design principles, javascript can add a lot of value to your web visitors, providing them a rich and easy interface to your content.
I very much agree.

Javascript is most useful for its ability to make seperate web applications communicate with one another. For instance, if you have a shockwave flash movie, you can make it interact with other static/dynamic elements within other frames, windows or html elements. You can also do the same vice-versa.

Often, Javascript is essential to making interactive web based applications and getting applications to communicate with one another and perform various actions without having to move to a different web page and interupt the users GUI.

Again, jt, what do you mean by 'no script plugin'? Firefox runs javascript perfectly well. Are you confusing Java with JavaScript?

Again, jt, what do you mean by 'no script plugin'? Firefox runs javascript perfectly well. Are you confusing Java with JavaScript?

there is a no script extension https://addons.mozilla.org/extensions/moreinfo.php?application=firefox&id=722 for firefox and i seem a lot of people including me running. it can block off any javascript even the google adsense.

so does it matter to use javascript when you have the option to use no script or turn off javascript entirely.

Ah, I misunderstood then. I thought you meant that it had no extension to run the script, not a NoScript extension that allows you to whitelist only trusted domains to run scripts et al.

But to the question at hand, I think any time you can assist the user in his/her experience without requiring the assistance, I think it is a good thing. Such as form validation. Even though forms should always be validated server-side, allowing instant feedback on the client side gives the user a better, lest frustrating experience.

JavaScript can add much to user experience. Immediate response to user actions is very important. Word of advice though, do not rely on JavaScript alone - make sure your website works just fine even when JavaScript is disabled. Sometimes you have to do some things twice (input validation) but with XMLHttpRequest object you can work around this too.

I use javascript to make sure the form is entirely filled out.

Javascript may not be "needed" in the strictest sense of the word, but I do think it's quite important. If used correctly it can really enhance the user experience.

it can block off any javascript even the google adsense.

You can turn off execution of scripts in any browser, not just firefox :) This is one of the main reasons why developers (including myself) always tell people not to rely only on javascript for critical things (such as input validation).

You can turn off execution of scripts in any browser, not just firefox :) This is one of the main reasons why developers (including myself) always tell people not to rely only on javascript for critical things (such as input validation).

excatly, that's my point. it seem like most people have javascript turn off on their browsers because all the crap sites that use javascript to do massive pop up or heck even ******. does javascript matter at all?