Caravan VM

Browser incompatibility with JavaScript will always be there. From simple functions derived from JavaScript to complicated DOM functions with relation to nodes, browsers will always have different interpretation on how specific functions will be implemented.

Developers have no choice but to look for workarounds to ensure that their Ajax and JavaScript based application will be working as expected. If browser incompatibility is not considered, the application might not work at all.

With this in mind, we take a look at the new VM (Virtual Machine) developed by Opera to increase implementation of JavaScript. Dubbed as Caravan, the new VM comes with new features that move in closer to complete adoption of JavaScript.

Although there are still functions that might not be interpreted as expected, the new VM has impressive features that should be considered by any JavaScript and Ajax based developer.

The “Registers”

The new browser will be implementing “registers-based” interpretation of JavaScript coding. Before Caravan, developers have to deal with the “stack-based” interpretation of JavaScript. The stack in the Opera Browser is practically a set of rules from the browser which will tell the developer on what could and could not be admitted as part of the application.

But by using registers, developers do not have to deal with the restrictions but would only access the specific registers of the browser before they are implemented. Instead of making some changes in the application, the browser will adjust to the application.

Native Code and Object Classification

Two new things will be happening in Opera browser with regards to JavaScript implementation. The browser will increase its compatibility with the standard JavaScript functions or ECMAScript. This will increase the compatibility of the application to the browser.

Developers would just have to ensure that the application is according to standard specifications. Aside from going back to basic coding in JavaScript, functions will be easily compiled within the browser.

Opera will be launching classifiers so that it could easily classify certain functions and parameters. These classifiers will aid developers in properly launching the application by getting the objects in place faster. .

The Good and Bad in Caravan VM

Opera is certainly coming out with impressive upgrade in their browser through the new VM. This will greatly increase the acceptability of the browser to different application.

Certain concerns on how to launch the JavaScript application has been addressed. By launching the registry based interpretation of the application, developers don’t have to extensively figure out what functions might not be figured out in Opera.

But there is a downside in this update. Opera is getting more aggressive in its update so that it could increase its adaptability. Other browsers on the other hand, may be lagging behind. If the developer would just base their application in Opera, they might see certain improvement but other browsers may not have the same result.

The improvement in the browser is a good thing for developers. But this should be a clue for all browsers that instead of just focusing on increasing compatibility on their own, they should increase general compatibility by coming together and agreeing on standards.