JavaScript Compression Tools

One of the many challenges developers have to face when building an Ajax or JavaScript based application is the required processing power. These programming techniques are not like simple HTML wherein they can be refreshed and extracted from the server. Because of their asynchronous behavior, they will require massive processing power from the local gadget as well as decent (DSL) internet connection. Without these requirements, the Ajax based application may not work as expected.

To deal with that problem, developers are employing compression tools. In gist, these tools are aimed to reduce the size of the application without jeopardizing their functionality. There are many compression tools you can find online but the following compression tools are now the favored compression tools by many developers around the world.

• JSCompress

This form of compression tool is highly recommended for everyone who wanted to increase the processing speed of their application. This form of compression tool could reduce your footprint from 30% up to 90%. The tool is even considered one of the most trusted compression tools out there. This reduction could be done by removing white spaces and other components that may require unnecessary processing power. If everyone is able to deal with this inconvenience, then JSCompress could be the perfect tool for every developer to consider.

• Dojo Shrinksafe

If you’re very particular of your functions in a JavaScript application, Dojo Shrinksafe should be able to provide compression without intruding with the preferred application. Developed by Mozilla, the application is geared towards regular users of Mozilla as it comes in browser form. The real time updates and interaction with the user is made possible with the help of parsers. But the best feature of the application is that it uses Java for configuration.

• Scriptalizer

This application is very straightforward since it is only used for a single purpose. Instead of cramming your application with multiple JavaScript files, you can use the application to compress the said files fast. Its unique feature compared to other compressing tools is its ability to accept CSS files and compress them later. This might seem a little bit dangerous for developers since it might not work as expected. If you’re simply looking for an efficient tool that could compress certain functions in JavaScript, then this tool will work to your advantage.

Testing Required

While the said tools could help increase the efficiency of the application without increasing the processing requirements, their output is not always perfect. There will always be a time wherein the application may not work as expected because the compression tool have removed certain components that are important in the application.

After running the compression tool, check your application for any changes. Any changes on your old configuration should be investigated immediately since it could create a domino effect of inefficiency. By checking the effects of the compressed tools, you’ll be able to ensure that the application will not have any trouble once they are launched for regular use.