MapReduce Framework

It has been a while since a framework was again the focus of developers. When JavaScript and Ajax is in its early stage in terms of popularity and adoption, the easiest and fastest way for developers to build an Ajax based application is to frameworks.

These frameworks provide tools developers could use in building an interactive Ajax based application.  Some frameworks even have the ability to port or remotely control an Ajax based application from another programming language.

For example GWT (Google Web Toolkit) allow developers with Java knowledge to port their website into JavaScript and become an effective Ajax based application. But the popularity of frameworks waned as developers have become proficient JavaScript plus some frameworks failed to get updates from their creators.

But another framework is set to aid developers in building an effective, fast and interactive Ajax based application. Called MapReduce, it is currently one of Google’s ideas come to life.

Although it is still in its early implementation, the theory behind MapReduce is quite impressive and promises something new and powerful to developers who wanted to squeeze the best from JavaScript and Ajax.

JavaScript with HTTP

In essence, MapReduce uses a very simple concept that allows streaming of data to the browser. Ajax regularly uses events and DOM so that it could implement functions without refreshing the entire webpage.

With the help of JavaScript, developers would be able to provide interaction without any changes on other parts of the website. That process, although short, could be even shorter with a shortcut.

Instead of using events, point the browser directly to the server as JavaScript is used to control the contents of the webpage. With the help of HTTP, pointing to a particular server or servers would be faster.

Distributed Resource and Browsers

Directing to a server through HTTP could create significant problems. Among them is traffic to the said server. But the developers of MapReduce have already thought of that problem and have created a solution.

Instead of a single server as a source, developers and users would be able to avail of the power of different server farms so that it could properly implement function. By distributing the load, the application will still work as expected.

But aside from distributing the computing resources, developers will also tap the functionality of the browser with the help of JavaScript. With the help of MapReduce, JavaScript will tap the local processing power through the browser to effectively implement the function.

The good news is, since every major browser could interpret JavaScript even at an advanced level, tapping the local gadget should be no problem. It’s just a question on how powerful the gadget should be.

Wait and See

Since MapReduce is still on its early phase; much as to be considered yet. Among them is the security and reliability of the server farms. Although you can bet on Google’s server farms to be very stable, it might not be the same when most of the online application uses this technique. But when MapReduce is harnessed to the extent of security, a whole new online experience could be ushered.