Links- Javascript
March 29 2009: added sections about Mozilla, server-side Javascript, AppJets, links, etc.
March 22 2009: added WYMeditor
The only ubiquitous thing in the web universe ... also see ECMAScript.
Also see Server Side Javascript.
A New Era for Javascript ?
The history of the next few years may may prove me wrong, but looks as if the technology associated with Javascipt is reaching a critical mass of some sort. I could name half a dozen examples and will do so in the coming months ... work in progress.
By the way, take a look at AppJet. It takes the pro out of programming and makes web development fun again.
Javascript Tools
From the JavaScript Development Toolkit (JSDT) wiki:
The JavaScript Development Toolkit (JSDT) is a JavaScript development framework for Eclipse based on the Java Development Toolkit (JDT). The JSDT differs from other JavaScript IDEs as it accurately models JavaScript in real-time. This allows smart error detection and correction, flow analysis and content completion that's actually relevant to the user ...
... An inference engine is used to infer type and class structure from the JavaScript code, so as much JDT functionality as possible is available ...
... Inferred Types
In order for some JDT functionality (such as code completion) to work correctly, class type information needs to be available. This information is not available in JavaScript, but it can be inferred in many cases. A type inferring framework will be put in place to support this functionality. The type inferring will examine the JavaScript abstract syntax tree (AST), and generate "virtual" class information.
The type inferring will run off of a configuration will provide many options for how to infer the types/classes. The type inferring will also be extensible, so the unique conventions among various JavaScript toolkits can be handled. The type inferring will be configurable on a project basis, and possible on a file by file basis.
The type inferring configuration will also be used by the refactoring function.
Hmmm ... powerful.
Another powerful little Javascript package is WYMeditor, a Javascript-based XHTML editor. Form the site:
WYMeditor is a web-based WYSIWYM (What You See Is What You Mean) XHTML editor. WYMeditor's main concept is to leave details of the document's visual layout, and to concentrate on its structure and meaning ... The end-user defines content meaning, which will determine its aspect by the use of style sheets. The result is easy and quick maintenance of information. As the code is compliant to W3C XHTML specifications, you can for example process it using a XSLT (at the client or the server side), giving you a wide range of applications.
In fact, WYMeditor is so powerful that it nearly qualifies as an editor generator. It is also built in to the Jelix PHP framework which in turn can generate Mozilla XUL overlays. Will explore further.