Juicer Library for CSS and JavaScript

The popularity of JavaScript and Ajax to developers is largely based on its ability to handle client side functionality well. But more than that, data handling of JavaScript have been remarkable wherein users can easily interact with their data with less waiting time and more options.

One of those programming languages for data control that is well known in Ajax is CSS. This language could easily work with Ajax since it will enable the programming technique to stream data not only from its server but also from other sites.

But integrated CSS with JavaScript is a lot easier said than done. CSS cannot be easily combined with JavaScript when the developer wants to control or manipulate the data on their end. As data streamer, CSS will also use a lot of cached memory for the application. The former problem (data manipulation) could be handled by a simple tweak on how the data is handled. However, dealing with cached memory from CSS requires more time and expertise.

The problem with cached memory for CSS can now be handled with a library called Juicer. It is a simple library developed by Christian Johansen and its aim is to help developers work with CSS and JavaScript with little to no problems.

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Cache Buster – Probably the best feature in this library is the ability to deal with cached memory without any extra effort from the developer. The cache buster feature in Juicer will help developer control the expiration of the cached memory in the header. With this function, developers will be able to extend the cache function of the header so that the data will continue to be available even if the user leaves the page. This promotes faster website and ease of use of cache in headers.

Dealing with Dependencies – Developers will also have an easier time working with CSS and JavaScript together. Instead of working on both functions separately, JavaScript and CSS could easily work with each other. Data control from CSS to JavaScript will not be easier as CSS would actively work on the data at the same time JavaScript controls the function. As already indicated, there is a problem with data manipulation when the source of data in CSS is from another website. With Juicer, the process of integration will be faster with better data manipulation.

Cycling Assets – A relative feature to cache buster but with a simpler function. With Juicer, developers should have easier URL cycling. Since Juicer will easily deal with cached data from CSS, the URL will be handled even well by this feature. This will answer common problems of developers such as the back button or enabling the bookmark function in their application.

“Minification” – Although the minify functions of Juicer is only available in YUI (more will come), developers who are in YUI should be able to squeeze their application to lesser memory requirement.

Juicer may not have answered all concerns a developer would have in JavaScript, it has certainly assisted in covering one of the challenging areas in building an efficient Ajax based application.