JavaScript is a versatile programming language that brings websites to life. It's what allows for interactive elements, dynamic updates, and other features that make web pages engaging and user-friendly. Think of it as the language that adds movement and functionality to the otherwise static structure of a website built with [[HTML]] and [[CSS]]. JavaScript is used for everything from simple animations and form validations to complex web applications and games. It runs in web browsers, allowing it to directly interact with users and manipulate the content of a web page in real-time.