Ryan Dahl, the brilliant mind behind Node.js and Deno, shares his journey in shaping server-side JavaScript. He discusses the innovative features of Deno 2.0 and its impact on modern web development. The conversation touches on the shift from languages like C to Rust, examining the advantages of Rust and the evolution of ECMAScript Modules. Dahl humorously recounts legal hurdles faced by developers and dives into the future of Deno with TypeScript and WASM. His insights provide a fascinating look at the landscape of JavaScript and its enduring significance.
Ryan Dahl's journey from Node.js to Deno illustrates a shift in programming paradigms, emphasizing the advantages of Rust's features over C++.
The introduction of the JavaScript Registry (JSR) in Deno 2.0 tackles npm's limitations, allowing seamless publishing and better security for developers.
Deno's focus on a robust security model, inspired by browsers, mandates explicit permissions, enhancing safety for applications dealing with untrusted code.
Deep dives
Origins of Node.js and Deno
The creation of Node.js was motivated by the desire to solve server programming effectively, leading Ryan Dahl to initially explore Go before pivoting to Rust. Dahl emphasized that his experience with Go's garbage collection made him cautious about incorporating it with V8 in Node.js. Ultimately, he moved towards creating Deno after recognizing the potential of Rust's unified build system and package manager, which offered significant advantages over C++. The transition illustrated a journey of rethinking programming paradigms and aims to establish a more robust foundation for JavaScript runtimes.
Deno 2 and the JavaScript Registry (JSR)
Deno 2 was introduced alongside the JavaScript Registry (JSR), addressing frustrations with the stagnation of npm and its lack of innovative features. The JSR allows developers to publish JavaScript code seamlessly, providing a straightforward experience much like Dart's pub.dev. Dahl shared that JSR promotes better security and usability by allowing developers to publish TypeScript directly, integrating with Deno smoothly. The introduction of JSR reflects a growing desire within the JavaScript ecosystem to enhance how code is shared and managed.
Security Focus and Permissions in Deno
One of Deno's defining features is its security model, which is inspired by the browser’s approach to running untrusted code. Deno requires explicit permissions for accessing system resources, mirroring how browsers ask for permission to use functionalities like cameras or microphones. Although the current implementation restricts permissions at the isolate level instead of being per module, it still elevates security compared to traditional Node.js environments. This focus on security makes Deno appealing for applications needing strict access controls and safety against potentially harmful code.
Community and Future Trajectory of Deno
Dahl expressed confidence in Deno's potential to gain traction and possibly surpass Node.js in popularity, particularly as a user-friendly, all-in-one solution for JavaScript development. He highlighted the importance of enhancing developer experience by integrating functionalities like type checking, linting, and package management within a single executable file. Despite competition from projects like Bun, Deno's focus on simplicity and modern features may help establish it as a prominent player in the JavaScript ecosystem. The ongoing commitment to community feedback and iterative improvements could play a key role in its evolution.
Future Integration with WebAssembly
While WebAssembly (WASM) is seen as an emerging technology, Dahl noted that its adoption for server-side applications has faced challenges due to the dynamic nature of JavaScript development. In Deno, WASM execution is supported, allowing Rust-compiled modules to be integrated seamlessly. However, the practicality of such approaches is still under exploration as developers often prefer the agility of JavaScript for rapid development. Deno aims to enhance WASM support with features that simplify its use, positioning itself to adapt as the technology matures.
Today we had Ryan Dahl on the podcast and talk about the history of Node, Deno and so much more. Really hope you enjoy this talk with him! Thanks everyone.