JSSpeccy for Retro Programming in JS

There are times wherein something comes out of the blue which will totally amaze you. In the interest of Ajax and JavaScript, this is probably one of those things that will truly grab any developer’s interest and maybe get them to think about the old ways for a while.

Remember Sinclair ZX Spectrum? This 80s computer may not be as popular compared to other computers during its time but it is definitely one of the most interesting.

Tons of games were made for this computer that still amazes gamers who wanted to be retro most of the time. More importantly, this computer has helped developers practice their programming skills and maybe build an application for Sinclair ZX Spectrum.

You can now revisit the experience of one of the well known computers of the 80s through JSSpeccy.

This application was developed by Matt Wescott and the work of this application is to emulate the applications that used to run in Sinclair ZX Spectrum.

The application could run in most browsers and his sample in his website provides actual games that were made during the 80s. It is a very impressive feat as it has actually recreated the experience using only the browser.

JSSpeccy is actually a JavaScript based application. Matt has achieved developing this type of application through JavaScript because the language is strikingly similar to C which is the main programming language in Sinclair ZX System.

Naturally, JavaScript could be used in coding the program that could be come the framework of C.

After integrating the functions with JavaScript, the <canvas> element has been used extensively. This function in JavaScript has enabled the developer to provide colors and additional functions for the application.

JavaScript also became suited in emulating the function of C and the entire Sinclair ZX Spectrum because it has the ability to work in the client side.

It could be coincidence but the features of JavaScript are perfect for emulating the legacy computer.

According to the developer the harder part is actually on debugging as it will require more time to concentrate on the application.

With today’s technology, it is already expected that computers would be able to emulate the computers decades ago. But what we have noticed is the behavior of browsers when dealing with JSSpeccy.

Browsers are not yet built when Sinclair ZX Spectrum was released for public use so there might be some problems. The release of this particular application has highlighted some browser concerns.

JSSpeccy is able to work with different browsers who can read <canvas>. Chrome apparently cannot easily work with this function which means the application has considerably slowed down.

IE cannot even interact with the application properly and has forced the developer to add ExplorerCanvas function just to enable the function for the said browser.

Firefox version 3.0.3 has also slowed down a little bit as it has required a lot of memory to run JSSpeccy.

Through JSSpeccy the browsers inability to deal with JavaScript <canvas> function has been apparent. It goes to show that developers sometimes have to reconsider the work-around for this function if they want to implement an application for popular browsers.