Syntax - Tasty Web Development Treats

800: Why the jQuery Creator Uses React and Typescript - John Resig

Jul 26, 2024

58:20

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John Resig, the creator of jQuery, discusses his journey through web development and his current role as chief software architect at Khan Academy. He shares insights on the evolution of frontend frameworks and the impact of jQuery on today’s JavaScript landscape. The conversation highlights the challenges of server-side rendering in React, the transition to TypeScript, and state management intricacies. Resig also touches on the importance of community-driven development and offers thoughts on performance issues in modern web technologies.

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Quick takeaways

John Resig discusses how jQuery simplified web development by addressing browser inconsistencies, shaping the JavaScript landscape since its launch in 2006.

He emphasizes the importance of community and documentation in jQuery's success, which fostered open-source contributions and future JavaScript frameworks.

As Chief Software Architect at Khan Academy, Resig navigates challenges of using modern frameworks like React and TypeScript for efficient code management.

Deep dives

Celebrating the 800th Episode

The episode marks the milestone of the 800th installment of the show, showcasing an appreciation for the long journey and the audience's support over the years. To commemorate this achievement, a special guest, John Resig, the creator of jQuery, is invited to discuss both jQuery and the current state of the JavaScript ecosystem. The hosts express excitement about having a prominent figure in web development on the podcast, underlining John’s influence on the field. They highlight the importance of recognizing contributors to tech who have significantly impacted modern web development.

Value in Software Choices

01:16

Transitioning to Modern Frameworks and Tools

01:25

Intro

2min

The Legacy of jQuery in Web Development

15min

Architecting the Future at Khan Academy

27min

The Minimal JavaScript Approach

4min

Navigating Web Development Challenges

6min

Discovering Essential Tools for Developers

2min

Navigating Internationalization Challenges in Web Development

3min

In episode 800 of Syntax, Scott and Wes sit down with John Resig, the creator of jQuery, to discuss the current state of React and TypeScript. They dive into the evolution of frontend frameworks, the challenges of server-side rendering, and the tech stack at Khan Academy.

Show Notes

00:00 Welcome to Syntax!
00:59 Brought to you by Sentry.io.
01:32 What is jQuery?
05:31 Did you anticipate the success jQuery had?
07:16 allow-discrete, @starting-style.
- Install Nothing: App UIs With Native Browser APIs - Scott Tolinski.
07:54 Building the community around jQuery.
11:16 jQuery plugins.
13:00 Did you ever make money from jQuery?
16:13 What is your role at Khan Academy.
17:58 What is the tech stack at Khan Academy?
21:56 Why do you want to change your CSS and JS framework?
24:03 TypeScript vs Flow.
25:25 GraphQL federation.
28:08 What was your frontend framework journey?
30:23 Is there any part of React you wish would improve?
32:37 Reservations using React Router.
33:14 Khan Academy web platform vs native platform.
35:21 What do you use for state management?
38:48 What’s harder than it should be on the web today?
- Kilian’s Question On X.
- Polypane.app.
42:46 Opinions on JavaScript Sprinkles.
44:04 What’s with the $ sign in jQuery?
45:29 The challenges of having your name in such a widely used software.
51:06 Challenges with server-side rendering in React.
52:42 Sick Picks & Shameless Plugs.
54:48 What are the performance issues associated with internationalization?
56:57 Back to Sick Picks & Shameless Plugs.