JavaScript: The Definitive Guide, 5th Edition

Chapter 24. Core JavaScript Reference

This part of the book is a reference that documents the classes, methods, and properties defined by the core JavaScript language. This introduction and the sample reference page that follows explain how to use and get the most out of this section. Take the time to read this material carefully, and you will find it easier to locate and use the information you need!

This reference is arranged alphabetically. The reference pages for the methods and properties of classes are alphabetized by their full names, which include the names of the classes that define them. For example, if you want to read about the replace( ) method of the String class, you would look under String.replace( ), not just replace.

Core JavaScript defines some global functions and properties, such as eval( ) and NaN. Technically, these are properties of the global object. Since the global object has no name, however, they are listed in this reference section under their own unqualified names. For convenience, the full set of global functions and properties in core JavaScript is summarized in a special reference page named “Global” (even though there is no object or class by that name).

Once you’ve found the page you’re looking for, you shouldn’t have much difficulty finding the information you need. Still, you’ll be able to make better use of this reference if you understand how the reference pages are written and organized. What follows is a sample reference page ...