Explore the evolution of JavaScript on the backend, the concept of Backend for Front End (BFF), and the challenges of using JavaScript and Node.js as a backend system. Discuss the concerns surrounding JavaScript on the backend, including supply chain and security. Delve into the benefits and drawbacks of using JavaScript on the backend and the performance trade-offs. Engage in humorous conversations, recommendations of TV shows and books, and discussions about ongoing issues like the war in Ukraine. Shout outs to Sockit Security, Coffeezilla, and Jazz with Types.
JavaScript on the back end can be advantageous for certain use cases, especially those involving sophisticated JavaScript programming for front-end development.
While JavaScript can be suitable for many back-end scenarios, it may not be the ideal choice for every situation.
Go's simplicity and statically compiled binaries make it an attractive choice for many back-end developers.
Deep dives
The advantages of using JavaScript on the back end for certain use cases
JavaScript on the back end can be advantageous for certain use cases, especially those involving sophisticated JavaScript programming for front-end development. It allows for consistency in templating and reduces the need for maintaining multiple code bases. Furthermore, JavaScript's ability to handle multiple requests in a single thread makes it highly efficient for high-performance I/O tasks.
Considerations for using JavaScript on the back end
While JavaScript can be suitable for many back-end scenarios, it may not be the ideal choice for every situation. Back-end developers often prefer type-safe languages and superior support for complex data structures. JavaScript's dynamic nature and lack of built-in type safety can be a deterrent for those seeking a more robust type system. Additionally, concerns over stability, dependency management, and immaturity of the language may lead some developers to explore other alternatives.
The benefits of using Go as a back-end language
Go's simplicity and statically compiled binaries make it an attractive choice for many back-end developers. It provides a performant and efficient solution with a straightforward type system that simplifies development. Additionally, Go's single binary deployment facilitates ease of use and reduces the need for external dependencies. While it may lack some advanced language features, Go's focus on simplicity and performance can make it a strong contender for back-end development.
The future of JavaScript frameworks and the PHP landscape
As JavaScript frameworks continue to evolve and mature, they may gradually replace PHP in certain scenarios. However, PHP will likely remain prevalent in the web development landscape due to its wide adoption and existing infrastructure, especially with CMS platforms like WordPress. The increasing popularity of JavaScript on the back end, along with the emergence of no-code tools and advancements in other technologies, may continue to reshape the web development landscape in the coming years.
The Rise of JavaScript in Web Development and the Impact on Next.js
The podcast episode discusses the increasing popularity of JavaScript for web application development, particularly in relation to Next.js. The speaker mentions how JavaScript, specifically React and Next.js, has been inspired by PHP in terms of features and functionality. It is noted that platforms like Vercel, which supports Next.js, are focusing on features that cater to functionalities traditionally associated with WordPress and e-commerce, such as server-side rendering for faster page loads. The speaker suggests that Next.js is moving towards catering more to WordPress-like applications rather than B2B SaaS web applications. The importance of using JavaScript on the back end is also discussed, particularly when there are no constraints and when the development team already has expertise in JavaScript. On the other hand, for performance-heavy tasks, using a language like Go or Rust may be more efficient and cost-effective. The speaker highlights the importance of considering CPU utilization and bottlenecks when choosing a language for back end development. The speaker also touches on the advantages and trade-offs of single-threadedness in back end applications, mentioning that it can offer benefits for IO operations with proper use of async/await. The discussion further delves into the implications of JavaScript's dynamic typing and the use of a meta-framework like GraphQL for server-side rendering and SEO optimization. Finally, the speaker emphasizes the importance of building back end and front end services in the same language, particularly when operating within a small team, and highlights the current resurgence of RPC as an alternative to GraphQL in some cases.
Miscellaneous Picks and Recommendations
In addition to the main discussion, the podcast episode includes a series of entertaining recommendations from the speakers. These include the TV show 'Silicon Valley', which humorously depicts the tech startup culture and is praised for its accuracy. Another pick is the book series 'The Faithful and the Fallen' by John Gwynne, a fantasy series that offers engaging characters, action, and multiple perspectives. The speakers also briefly mention the ongoing situation in Ukraine, urging listeners to support those affected by the conflict. Lastly, the hosts share various entertaining dad jokes, adding a lighthearted touch to the episode. Additional recommendations include the YouTube channel 'Codesthetic', which offers informative and visually appealing videos explaining software engineering concepts, and the 'Coffeezilla' YouTube channel, which addresses internet scams and cryptocurrency-related topics in an investigative journalism style. The speakers also mention a package called 'JSWT' that simplifies the process of enabling TypeScript checking for JavaScript projects.
Lane Wagner is the Founder of Boot.Dev. They delve into the world of JavaScript and backend development. They also share their experiences with API gateways and provide insights into both positive and negative implementations. Additionally, they uncover the challenges and benefits of using JavaScript and Node.js as a backend system and explore the fascinating concept of Back End for Front End (BFF). Sponsors
