Reasons to Switch off JavaScript

An Ajax based application could provide an almost incomparable interaction to users. Developers of Ajax are very confident of the potential of Ajax based applications since they are deemed as the next step in online and offline applications.

Developers are able to build applications without any requirement from their users and the bandwidth requirement might not even be extensive because it uses the power of local computer in loading the online application or website instead of the bandwidth.

However, not everyone is pleased with Ajax, particularly its core programming language JavaScript. The good thing about JavaScript is that it could be easily switched off by developers through progressive enhancement. Usually, JavaScript is permanently switched off by different companies for the following reasons:

1. Protection from XSS and CSRF – although there may have been thousands of articles and tips regarding CSS and CSRF attacks, developers can just wait and see if their applications could be easily attacked or not. There are precautions that could be done to prevent this type of attacks but the fact that JavaScript might be asking for additional sources other websites would mean potential hacking from outside sources.

2. Mobile Device Issues – there are billions of mobile phones worldwide and only a handful of them has the ability handle JavaScript and Ajax based applications. There are too many plug-ins to consider before mobile devices should be able to run a simple Ajax based applications. These plug-ins would usually eat a lot of memory of the mobile devices that accessibility will greatly jeopardize the functionality of the mobile device.

3. Problem with Screen Readers – this is a big blow for JavaScript developers. Ajax based applications still has a long way to go when it comes to screen readers. There are Ajax based websites that are screen reader friendly but they would only confuse the user because of the complicated functions that comes with most Ajax based websites.

4. Framework vs. Coding – developers who are never familiar with JavaScript would be forced to work on frameworks before they could build a simple Ajax based application. However, these frameworks provide really simple functions that variety is not really an option. Powerful frameworks will still require a lot of learning that it would take time before an application is built. Coding in JavaScript is limited to few developers who opted to learn JavaScript before anything else.

Challenge for Developers

The development of JavaScript and Ajax has come to its plateau. The advantages of the programming language and technique have been revealed. At the same time, the challenges for developers who want to have a highly effective Ajax based application is also posted. The challenges for Ajax today have taken its toll in some developers that suspending Ajax development maybe a good idea.

Ajax based applications should be developed further not only to address functionality but also accessibility in mobile devices as well security of the application. There’s still a long way to go for Ajax and the future of this development technique lies on the dedication of the industry and its developers.