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Joe On ASP.NET

JavaScript is Inevitable !

You've heard it. JavaScript is not a REAL programming language.

Well, it is NOW. Programming in JavaScript is inevitable.

And why not.

  • It is ubiquitous. (Supported by all major browsers.)
  • It supports good Object Oriented Development.
  • There is TONS of code out there.
  • There is a rapidly growing collection of rich, high quality JavaScript Frameworks and Libraries available.
  • It's been good enough to be implemented out of the browser in client technologies like Flash (ActionScript is for all intents and purposes ECMAScript, which is the new name for JavaScript)and SilverLight 1.0)
  • And, Server side technologies like Aptana's Jaxer

While I concede that "Web 2.0" technologies like SilverLight 2.0 (Programmed in C#, VB, or any .NET language), and Flash/Flex, and JavaFX have a strong place in the future of the web..... programming the DOM with JavaScript is here to stay.

I think we need to stop trying to avoid JavaScript and start embracing it, even if only for it's universal availability.

Microsoft is embracing JavaScript

  • We've added great development and debugging support fir JavaScript in Visual Studio (see links below.)
  • We've developed a GREAT set of JavaScript Extensions that are server independent, free, and open. [More Info Here]
  • Created a JavaScript friendly controls framework. [ See videos #62, #63, and #64 HERE. ]

So, if your ready to take JavaScript beyond the basics, here are some of my favorites to get you started.

Some Books on JavaScript beyond the syntax !

ProJSDP ProJSDP BeginJSandDOM

PracticalJSDOM AdvancedDOM JSObjects

Some JavaScript Tools

Aptana IDE (A GREAT, free AJAX IDE, great for JavaScript even if you're not doing AJAX)

Antechinus JavaScript Editor

SplineTech JavaScript Debugger

Internet Explorer 8 Beta (With great built in developer tools.)

Some Microsoft JavaScript Links

Microsoft JScript Blog

Microsoft JScript Reference

Video: JavaScript Debugging in Visual Studio 2008

Video: JavaScript Intellisense in Visual Studio 2008

A few better than average JavaScript Web Sites

JavaScript.com

W3 Schools JavaScript Tutorials

JavaScript Kit

Dynamic Drive

Published Mar 31 2008, 07:35 PM by JoeStagner
Filed under:

Comments

 

ryangaraygay said:

Javascript is something that not everyone loves but I guess having more development and debugging support for it will likely make them (including me at times) change their mind.

Couldn't agree any better, no way how we try to avoid javascript, it will be there for a long time.

Thanks for the resource. :) and support in VS2008

March 31, 2008 9:56 PM
 

Ryan Ternier said:

Joe,

JavaScript is an amazing scripting language. I still would never consider it actual "code" (semantics).

From what I have seen, web developers who came from a VB6 background really... despise.. JavaScript.. I think that would be the accurate statement.

Many don't understand the reason for it, many web developers do not know why we need it.

The ASP.NET team has done such a great job by encapsulating JavaScript in all the .NET controls out there, we sometimes forget about it.

Personally I LOVE JavaScript (as you can see in some of my blog posts).

You should add to your list FireFox Web Developer Toolbar and FireBug (an extension to firefox). I know they're now "MS" programs, however right now FireBug is the best thing to happen to JavaScript development since well.. since ever.

March 31, 2008 10:36 PM
 

Christopher Steen said:

Link Listing - March 31, 2008

April 1, 2008 2:33 AM
 

Ryan C. Smith said:

Ugh!

I guess I wasn't hoping hard enough.  I understand the necessity of it, I understand the reasons behind implementing 'scripting'....but to me 'scripting' is something that is best left to 'fire and forget' processes.

So it's here to stay huh?  Well I'll just have to deal I guess...

"Thank you sir may I have another!"

Ryan

April 1, 2008 12:32 PM
 

rascunho » Blog Archive » links for 2008-04-01 said:

Pingback from  rascunho  » Blog Archive   » links for 2008-04-01

April 1, 2008 4:33 PM
 

Joe Chung said:

JavaScript isn't just a scripting language.

April 1, 2008 5:19 PM
 

Yohan said:

JavaScript is Inevitable?! I remember times where Basic were inevitable. Any computer on market must have it. Where are this basic interpreters now ? in the garbage (and of course in Microsoft employes minds)

May 18, 2008 10:51 AM

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About JoeStagner

Joe Stagner is a Senior Program Manager in Microsoft Corporation’s Developer Tools and Platform Group and has been with Microsoft since 2001 focusing on highly scalable and performant web application architectures, multiplatform interoperability and software security. Joe brings 30 years technical and business strategy experience to Microsoft which affords him a unique experiential perspective. [ I am NOT able to respond to PMs - please contact me via www.MisfitGeek.com ]
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