What type of programming language is JavaScript?

JavaScript is primarily recognized as an object-oriented programming language. This classification stems from its ability to use objects and prototypes to encapsulate data and behaviors, facilitating code reuse and modular design. In JavaScript, you can create objects that represent more complex entities, each containing properties and methods. The language supports first-class functions, allowing functions to be treated as objects, which enhances its object-oriented capabilities.

Though JavaScript incorporates aspects of functional programming and procedural programming, its core strengths and most common applications revolve around object-oriented constructs. Understanding these distinctions is vital, as they inform how JavaScript is used in web development, enabling developers to create dynamic and interactive applications by manipulating objects.