Ryan Dahl, the creator of Deno, joins to discuss how he's leveling up the JavaScript landscape. He explains why he chose to build Deno from scratch instead of forking Node.js. Interesting topics include Deno 2's new features, its integration with npm, and how he's tackling challenges in the developer experience. Dahl also shares insights on the JSR project and his efforts to reclaim the JavaScript trademark from Oracle. It's a deep dive into the future of JavaScript, innovation, and the open-source community.
Deno 2.0 enhances developer experience by introducing NPM compatibility and improved module systems, addressing key community needs.
Ryan Dahl's journey reflects lessons learned from Node.js, steering Deno towards a pragmatic evolution of the JavaScript ecosystem.
The ongoing trademark issue highlights Brian Dahl's advocacy for greater community ownership and involvement in the development of JavaScript.
Deep dives
Overview of Jam for Streamlined Bug Reporting
Jam is a tool designed to simplify the bug reporting process for developers and product managers. It allows users to capture screenshots, console logs, and network requests in one click, eliminating miscommunication between those reporting bugs and engineers. By providing all necessary information within a single link, Jam saves engineers significant time previously spent on back-and-forth communication. This tool is especially beneficial for product managers, as it significantly reduces follow-up questions from engineers, allowing them to focus on other tasks.
Brian Dahl and the Evolution of Deno
Brian Dahl, the creator of Node.js, discusses the journey and development of Deno, which started in 2019. With the upcoming release of Deno 2.0, Brian reflects on the lessons learned from building Node and how this experience has influenced the features of Deno. The new version aims to incorporate better compatibility with NPM packages, enabling developers to transition more easily from Node to Deno. The focus on fixing previous mistakes and enhancing JavaScript capabilities demonstrates a commitment to evolving the JavaScript ecosystem.
Building Towards a Seamless Developer Experience
Deno 2 introduces several enhancements that aim to simplify the developer experience, including support for importing NPM packages and improved module systems. While emphasizing its roots in modern JavaScript standards, Deno 2 also addresses the practical need for compatibility with existing JavaScript libraries. Implementing both ESM and CommonJS support allows developers to integrate Deno into existing projects more effortlessly. This pragmatic approach reflects a readiness to adapt to the developer community's needs while still striving for innovation.
Positioning Deno in the Developer Community
Deno distinguishes itself from Node.js not only through technological improvements but also by positioning itself as a startup with its own identity. Brian emphasizes the importance of having a clear company direction to streamline development efforts and build a sustainable business model. As an open-source project, Deno maintains a focus on community needs while balancing commercial viability, with a strategic goal of fostering developer empowerment. The ongoing development is shaped by real-world requirements, ensuring that the platform remains relevant and user-friendly.
Challenging JavaScript Trademark Ownership
Brian discusses the ongoing issue of the JavaScript trademark, currently owned by Oracle, and the impact it has on the JavaScript community. He advocates for the idea that the trademark should be accessible to everyone, given JavaScript's status as a widely used programming language. He outlines plans to challenge the trademark's validity due to Oracle's lack of active participation in the development and stewardship of JavaScript. By gathering support for this cause, Brian aims to rectify a historical anomaly, enhancing the community's ownership and usage of the JavaScript name.
Jerod is joined by Ryan Dahl to discuss his second take on leveling up JavaScript developers all around the world. Jerod asks Ryan why not try to fix or fork Node instead of starting fresh, how Deno (the open source project) can avoid the all too common rug pull (not cool) scenario, what’s new in Deno 2 & their pragmatic decision to support npm, they talk JSR, they talk Deno KV & SQLite, they even talk about Ryan’s open letter to Oracle in an attempt to free the unused “JavaScript” trademark from the giant’s clutches.
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