Understanding Technical SEO Issues : Java Script

Handling Java Script for Technical SEO

There are more than 1.5 billion websites on the World Wide Web and the number is increasing rapidly. Over 97% of websites use JavaScript or JS as a programming language to accord functionality to web pages by managing attributes present on them in the DOM interface. Along with HTML, and CSS, JS is the core technology much in use in the present website development industry.  

Java Script Development - Netscape Story 

Note JavaScript has no relation to JAVA another programming language, the name is a pure marketing gimmick since the latter was highly popular whence the script was first embedded in Netscape Navigator by its inventor Brendan Eich.   

Most developers use button tags to trigger JS Scripts, but please take note not all button tags are made using JavaScript. The script powers a plethora of website elements including rendering large images, page navigation, and animations.

It is not always possible to detect JS-related issues as the programs are not embedded in the DOM (Document Object Model Interface). Most of the JavaScripts run on the client side and are not drawn from the source. But the programming language engine is also used in creating functions on the server side and is also used in various applications.

Detecting Missed Content using Site Audit 

Even to this date search engines are not able to decipher JS well, and most of the content can thus go uncrawled. The crawl deficiency can be noticed in the search console, but many webmasters may not have access to the console.  This can impact the performance of the website, and thus impede placement on SERPs. Besides using the search console you can view the source code to discover JS. A simple solution to this issue is to maximize the usage of HTML or PHP. 

Checking the source is the first step in discovering content that has not been indexed by Google or other search engines. Using the (site:) operator command is the next step to discovering content that has not been indexed. 

Use Mobile-Friendly Testing Tool for it warns of elements including the scripts that are not loading and cannot be crawled. Page loading issues can impact how Google understands the page and impact indexing and ranking. 

Use another operator (cache:) to see if pieces of content are missing. Simply match the page with contents visible in the browser and note the missing element. 

Rivalry with Microsoft

Netscape eventually lost ground to Microsoft Internet Explorer. The latter reversed engineered Java Script to develop and implement its own scripting engine called JScript.   Released in the year 1996 JScript could render support HTML and CSS. 

Since the different ways, scripts have been executed the functionality could not be cross-platform friendly hence visitors were informed as to which browser to use for the best interpretation of a web page. This put the web developers in a quagmire but nevertheless, Netscape was losing ground and by the year 2000 Microsoft web browser Internet Explorer had captured 95% of the browser market. 

Java Script Popularity 

JavaScript or JScript is ideal for client-side scripting the engine is embedded along with HTML or is embedded as a standalone. Web developers use the third-party Web Framework (WF) or libraries for client-side scripting in their websites. Over 80% of developers use the WF or libraries for the functional benefits they accord. 

Some of the popular libraries are:

• Angular
• React
• JQuery 

Of these JQuery is used for website development by more than 75% of developers. 

Though there are some drawbacks whence JScript is used on the client-side its proper implementation results in increased functionality.    

The script has to lead to a virtual revolution in the user experience (UX) with the induction of interactive graphics, and videos, and it powers animations and complex page navigations. The script virtually runs the whole platform for an amazing user experience on WWW.   

Despite the benefits, the implementation could be a nightmare for website developers and search engine specialists. The SE robots usually do not dig deeper in the case of web pages with complex layers. Thus, it is imperative to quickly detect the impediments caused and rectify the errors so that the page is rendered for complete indexing by search engines. In short keep the website development as simple as possible. 

Website Design & SEO

Does website design affect your Seo efforts? 

Well design and coding are dependant upon the programming language and the template. The program may comprise of many small attributes containing servlets/scripts and it may even be an amalgamation of related languages. Normally eCommerce websites which deliver extensive functions and displays are programmed in a complex manner and provide a cryptic interface to the webmasters who may not be technically adapt.  

Client Side Scripting

The scripts are activated on the web browser after the download of all file are complete. 

HTML/HTML 5

The language is the precursor of all others with came along as advancement including HTML 5.

The later is used for mobile web design in order to enhance downloading speed. Along with HTML CSS or cascading style sheet is extensively used. 

Java Scripts may be used to create drop down menus, validate forms and animate HTML etc. JQuery from JavaScript library is used to enhance website functions pertaining to user interface. There are number of such programs available for use in large number of libraries. 

Server Side Scripting 

The programs in this case are executed on the server itself. The source code on server side remains secure as it is not transferred to the browser. 

PHP

This most popular and the fastest programming or web scripting language used by the developers. It is constantly advancing in new versions. PHP 5 VERSION is the most popular with the coders and is being extensively used. There are other options also available for programmers interested in a different languages and tools. 

Database Systems

It is that which supports a collection of website features which are stored in the database in a structured manner.  The collection of data supports the middleware and other applications. 

MySQL 

Well known database systems include MySQL, Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle Sybase and others. MySQL is open source database system software which assists in creating a user friendly environment.   There are many other database systems available to the developers.  

Website or Content Management Systems 

Wordpress, Wix, Bootstrap for building UI,  Drupal, ASP.Net and many more. 

Development Process

The development process using simple HTML is most prevalent while other languages and tools would deliver dynamic and complex websites. The latter are mostly used in making eCommerce and highly networked portals for ease of use and adding many functionality and attributes. For an easy approach there are many predesigned and developed templates available in the market on the Net for free as well as priced for purchase.   

Search Engine Optimisation 

Search engine optimisation is not partial to any website development methodology. The guidelines that are suggested by search engine should be the characteristics present on the website. Some of these are good downloading speed, user friendly and well crafted site architecture, unique and useful contents, easy accessibility to all the features. 

Hence coding should not hamper movement of the user as well as the robot that is the algorithm used by the search engines to index and rank sites. The robot should move around the portal efficiently and should be able to cache all that can help in indexing and ranking.     

User friendly architecture should include friendly easy to remember URLs and should not end in #$`..RRR as most dynamically programmed website do. Sites should be frequently checked in search consoles to see find out the extent of indexing a search engine is doing. A robust website architecture would enable sound indexing of the site comprehensively.     

There are many visitor metrics that are taken into account for ranking by search engines and those features should shine in the system. Make your site appealing with unique contents, friendly architecture, proper coding and formatting. Add site maps and other features like optimised videos and images etc.     

In order to make timely changes the webmasters need to find an easy edit option. He should not be running to the programmer every now and then for assistance with coding.