Lex Fridman Podcast #160 – Brendan Eich: JavaScript, Firefox, Mozilla, and Brave
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Feb 12, 2021 Brendan Eich, the visionary behind JavaScript and co-founder of Mozilla and Brave, dives deep into the evolution of web technology. He shares fascinating insights about the origins of JavaScript, its impact during the browser wars, and the rise of user privacy through Brave. Eich discusses his journey from early programming experiences to tackling present challenges in tech monopolies and user tracking. He emphasizes the ethical responsibilities of innovators, reflecting on how technology shapes society and the future of online privacy.
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JavaScript as Data
- Injecting code directly into web pages was a key innovation of JavaScript, enabled by a clever 'two-way comment hiding hack'.
- This hack allowed JavaScript to be embedded within HTML, making it instantly accessible to users.
Early JavaScript Adoption
- Early adoption and feedback from lead users like Bill Dortch were crucial to JavaScript's development.
- Dortch's single-page application demonstrated the potential of JavaScript for building complex web applications.
ECMAScript Standardization
- The standardization of JavaScript under ECMA was a pivotal moment, marking a shift towards broader adoption and cross-browser compatibility.
- Initially named ECMAScript due to trademark issues with 'Java', the standardization helped solidify JavaScript's place in the web development world.