WMLScript

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WML is a markup language, which is for text formatting and displaying. The functions of a markup language are limited if there is no support from other programming languages. Two kinds of programming languages can help to extend the functions of WML:

• a server-side script such as CGI Perl executing on the servers, and
• a client-side script such as WMLScript executing on the handhelds.

What Is WMLScript?

• WMLScript is the scripting language used in WML pages.


• WMLScript is a light version of the JavaScript language.


• It is based on ECMAScript but it has been modified to better support low bandwidth communication and thin clients.


• WMLScripts need to be compiled into byte code on a server before they can run on a handheld device.


• WML scripts are not embedded in the WML pages. WML pages only contains references to script URLs.


• WMLScript can be used together with WML to provide intelligence to the clients but it has also been designed so that it can be used as a standalone tool.


• WMLScript is a part of the WAP specification.

What Is WMLScript Used for?

• WMLScript is used to validate user input.


• WMLScript is used to generate message boxes and dialog boxes locally, to view error messages and confirmations faster.


• WMLScript is used to access facilities of the user agent.