Using TraceVis for Better Ajax Application

TraceMonkey is probably one of the most important tools a developer would have to use to ensure that the application runs as expected or would be optimized. Developed by Mozilla, this small application will help developers determine which functions runs fast and which functions runs slow.

After determining those functions that need improvement, TraceMonkey will do what it was made for – compile the fastest functions and let it run on native code. Because the native code will be focused on the fastest, the users’ resources will be focused on slower functions which will eventually increase the processing speed of the application.

But increasing the speed of the application is not only based on what the TraceMonkey could do with the application. The most efficient functions are usually those that are easy to be coded while others are just too complicated to be optimized. That means upgrading the speed of the application could be done by revamping some functions. Since TraceMonkey has already improved the application by compiling the faster coding, the rest of the code could be optimized by the developers.

This is actually very easy but determining which functions should be optimized first is a little bit challenging. Although every function has to be optimized, there are functions that needs to be optimized first as other would just naturally react to the improved function.

Enter TraceVis

The challenge of selecting the right functions is answered through the related application called TraceVis. In gist, this type of application will evaluate the improved functions of TraceMonkey and inform the developer which functions have just been optimized. But this would almost mean that other functions that were not optimized. From this standpoint, developers will have a clue on which functions they need to focus on first so that they could further enhance their application.

Before and After

On the other hand, TraceVis will not be a remarkable application if this is the only function they could do. Aside from improving JavaScript functions, the tool could also be used to provide a data on how the application will look like after TraceMonkey compilation. This function is very handy for every developer since there are times wherein TraceMonkey is better of unused on certain occasions. Through TraceVis, the “before and after” scenario of the application will be indicated.

More than Just the Numbers

As the name suggests, TraceVis is a visualization of the functions of the application. Developers will actually see how much of the application has been transferred to native coding. But the numbers are still there. They would actually see how many times the application will improve.

Of course, TraceVis is not a just a walk in the park in terms of understanding how the application would behave. It takes a little bit more than just looking at the colors to understand what TraceVis is saying. But as soon as TraceVis is harnessed, the possibilities of optimization of the JavaScript application are almost endless. This application is a must have for every developer who only wanted only the best in their application.