JavaScript is a programming language used to make web pages interactive. It can be placed in the <body> and <head> sections of an HTML page. JavaScript code must be inserted between <script> and </script> tags. Functions and events allow JavaScript code to run when events occur, like when a user clicks a button. Scripts can also be placed in external .js files for reuse across pages. JavaScript can output data through alerts, writing to the HTML, or the browser console. Variables are used to store and work with data in JavaScript programs. Comments are used to explain code and prevent execution when needed.