Better Looking Scripts Tips

Developing an Ajax or JavaScript application requires developers to usually code with optimization in mind. Through optimized coding, developers will be able to develop applications that could work well in various browsers without providing any limiting functionality with the users. It could take time and resources to achieve this task but if the end result is a highly useful application, the effort is worth it.

On the other hand, there are practices recommended for developers that do not necessarily lead to optimization. While this could be considered as a waste of time because it doesn’t increase the efficiency of the application, they ease understanding of the application for developers.

Avoiding Shorthand

Using shorthand could somehow improve the application by providing complete information of the function to be executed. This is almost a must for every developer since aggressively using shorthand could even confuse browsers. While using shorthand will never slow down the application, there is a possibility that the application will not work as expected.

Of course, it could be annoying to add extra lines. But this is very important for the application since it will ensure compatibility with major browsers.

Adding Comments

Comments are definitely extra work for developers. But this is essential to maintain understanding of the application for troubleshooting purposes. A developer may forget about the application for a while so reading them in raw coding could be challenging. But with comments, developers will easily understand how the application works.

This is also important when the application is passed on to another developer. Without comments, the developer will literally have to start over just to have complete understanding of the application. It would even be better for the new developers to start a new application when upgrades are required if the application has no comments.

Commas Instead of Var

Var is a great way to tell the browser that you want something to be interpreted as a variable. But adding variables in every line may not necessarily be a requirement.

Use commas instead of Var with indention in every other variable in the next line. This practice actually limits the coding of the application but it will work without any trouble in any browser.

Using Semicolons

The best thing about semicolons is that it can be used in many ways aside from improving the readability of the application. Using semicolons in every end of the function will allow other functions for better interaction. Without semicolons, your application will be harder to maintain and even read because the coding can easily get confusing.

But be careful on where you place your semicolon. Too much of a good thing is already bad and that does not exclude semicolons. Choose well where you place your semicolons so that your application will work as expected.

Always aim for better looking scripts. While they may not provide any real improvements which will contribute to optimization, practicing better looking scripts will help in readability which could help developers improve and maintain the JavaScript or Ajax application.