Will server-side JavaScript take off? Which implem

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Closed 7 years ago.

Does anyone see server-side JavaScript taking off? There are a couple of implementations out there, but it all seems to be a bit of a stretch (as in, "doing it BECAUSE WE CAN" type of attitude).

I'm curious to know if anyone actually writes JavaScript for the server-side and what their experiences with it have been to date.

Also, which implementation is generally seen as the most stable?

Answer 1

Support for JS on the server has been getting stronger and the number of frameworks is getting bigger even faster.

Just recently the serversideJS group was founded. They have a lot of smart people that have been working on serverside JS for years (some of them more then 10).

The goal for this project is to create a standard library that will ultimately allow web developers to choose among any number of web frameworks and tools and run that code on the platform that makes the most sense for their application.

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to the people who say "why would you choose JS over java or any other language?" - you should read this Re-Introduction by Crockford and forget about the DOM - the DOM is superugly, but that's not JS fault and JS is not the DOM.

Answer 2

I personally did a whole site in server side JavaScript using ASP. I found it quite enjoyable because I was able to have some good code reuse. This included:

• validation of parameters
• object modeling
• object transport

Coupled with a higher-level modeling tool and code gen, I had fun with that project.

I have no numbers on perf unfortunately, since it is used only on an intranet. However, I have to assume performance is on par with VBScript backed ASP sites.

Answer 3

Does anyone see Server-side Javascript taking off?

Try looking at http://www.appjet.com a startup doing hosted JavaScript applications to get a feel for what you can do. I especially like the learning process which gently nudges the user to build things with a minimal overhead ~ http://appjet.com/learn-to-program/lessons/intro

Now it might seem a weird idea at the moment to use JavaScript but think back when PC's started coming out. Every nerd I knew of was typing away at their new Trash-80's, Commodore64's, Apple ]['s typing in games or simple apps in BASIC.

Where is todays basic for the younger hacker?

It is just possible that JavaScript could do for Web based server side apps as BASIC did for the PC.

Answer 4

Well, plain ol' ASP supported JavaScript server-side years ago and everyone onad their dog used VBShiate instead. But I have to agree with the others: JS does not seem to be the right tool here - and I love to do client-side JS :)

Answer 5

Personaly i've been developing and using my own JavaScript framework for about 4 years now.

The good thing about JS on serverside is that implemented in ASP Classic you don't need any other plugin or software installed, besides i'm also using my javascript (client) framework on my server, that allows me to enjoy of the same functionality and proven performance of my functions at both environments client and serverside.

Not only for data validation, but also lets say HTML or CSS dynamic constructions can be done client or serverside, at least with my framework.

So far it works fast, i have nothing to complain or regret except its great usability and scalability that i have been enjoying during this past 4 years, until the point that i'm changing my ASP Classic code to javascript code.

You can see it in pratice at http://www.laferia.com.do

Answer 6

Node.js has taken off and proven that server-side JavaScript is here to stay =)