The "why" of debug.js

[jeromeetienne]

• from startwithwhy

  intro

• js is far from perfect as a language
  • http://wtfjs.com
• this is the best we have
• this is the best we ever had
• by far

  pro

• js is open standard
• js is stable
• js is fast, not as much as C, but faster than other script languages
• js is available everywhere
  • all plateforms, mobile, desktop
• js is on browsers and in server

which other language ever reached such a summit?

[jeromeetienne]

• there is a strong advantage in having a single language able to do so much
• developpers got less to learn, thus they produce better code faster
• "more wood behind less arrows"
• more focus on the apps itself, waste less energy in the means
• why js, and this other language
  • why spending time learning to do A in every language? ruby, python, php or perl
  • the difference between those language is minimal. They basically all do the same
  • their difference is mostly historical
  • im not saying js is better than ruby,python,etc... From a tech point of view.
  • im saying js is better thanks to its history
• we must work to keep this situation, to be sure we dont break it because of personal ego or companies marketing.
• we need to keep working together, to improve stuff together
• this is the why of debug.js. To improve js in js, in a compatible way

[jeromeetienne]

the "why"

• debug.js - for a better javascript in javascript

[jeromeetienne]

post intro

• what js is the best we have ???
• have you seen this wtf?
• or this one
• look at this one! I mean come on
• meta: indignated

[jeromeetienne]

post pro

• notice how i dont defend the language itself?
• this because it is widely admited that from a language pov, js is well known to be crappy
• well then why im in love ?

[jeromeetienne]

Status with other

• other persons try to use javascript in a better way
• some compiled other languages in javascript
• some got whole new language in new VM
• issues with any new languages
  • needs to find people who knows it
  • needs to be documented
  • needs to learn it
• many are "vendor tainted"
  • other vendors will prefere to avoid competitor solution if they can
  • lead to inter vendor war
  • reduce over all adoption
  • the one application developper care about
  • ability to converge... low :(
  • we are stuck to javascript

epic demo

• http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-57613881-93/chrome-opera-pass-epic-citadel-demos-web-graphics-test/
• chrome/opera/firefox
  • opera is on blink now link

coffeescript

• Effort by Jeremy Ashkenas
• Light - just a syntax change from javascript
• homepage

typescript

• effort from microsoft
• homepage

Dart

• effort from google
• homepage

asm.js

• effort from mozilla
• homepage
• compatible with javascript!
• subset of javascript
  • made to be easily optimizable
• available in chrome and opera "for free"
  • subset is optimized even without "use asm;" tag