Development of JavaScript and ECMAScript

JavaScript has gone on a long journey since its creation in 1995, becoming one of the market-leading programming languages in the world.

The dynamic, multi-paradigm language serves Web Developers by permitting them to do everything from automating simple programming tasks to producing complex web pages that have the ability to function like desktop software applications. Yet, its abilities lend itself to being used beyond web development and within servers, hardware controls and software development.

JavaScript has become a vital element of web page creation, and the programming language used for a number of servers. It almost seems that every time we blink, there is a new update; yet, with these updates, JavaScript becomes an even more powerful tool to utilise, and its future looks to include the progression of AI, with the programming giant also making a name for itself in Machine Learning.

Developers and programmers are moving from other AI languages, such as LISP or Forth, to utilise the effectiveness of JavaScript that allows them to simply make the AI function and benefit from the in-built security the language boasts. Additionally, a group of MIT students this year (2017) released a JavaScript library that allows users to employ JavaScript for Machine Learning, working by executing neural networks within the structure of a webpage, utilising hardware-accelerated graphics that are accessible in current web browsers.

Yet, under the JavaScript name, one that everyone both in and out of the industry knows, comes a closely-related language that perhaps may not be recognised by all, and this is ECMAScript; a vital part of JavaScript.

ECMAScript is the standard language of which JavaScript took its form from, and June 2017 saw some exciting developments take place for this programming language; consequently, resulting in changes in JavaScript because of their close links in form. Users can expect the programming language to be subject to one big update on an annual basis entitled under updated names, changing their usual numerical order in favour of naming it under their yearly releases, thus making it easier for potential new users to easily identify the new version to use.

The recent release in the summer of 2017 included some useful features that would be desirable to many in development and programming roles. The ECMAScript2017 incorporates a language mechanism that lets a programmer call a function, and organise when the function will complete – subsequently making it easier to program around time delays.

Rebecca Wirfs-Brock, a previous Project Editor of ECMAScript, commented on the regular updates: “We knew there’d be things we wanted to get into it that we simply didn’t have done in time, and so we made the commitment that for the foreseeable future we’d try to do yearly updates where we fix bugs and introduce a small number of features.”

These changes have allowed ECMAScript to become a more general-purpose programming language, on par with its cousin JavaScript, but has subsequently enlarged its specification document from the initial 250-pages it had previously to a whopping 600-pages.

Its history has been a long but interesting affair since its initial creation; something that JavaScript has also experienced. From the beginning, JavaScript exceeded its promise as a programming language designed specifically for web-based interfaces, and the marketplace took note of this then emerging language which seemed to answer all the prayers of Developers internationally. As JavaScript made its mark into more browsers, it was apparent that rival languages would have to step up their game when it came to designing new features into their own languages and their general standards.

When you compare JavaScript and ECMAScript, one apparent difference may steer Developers towards looking into the latter, and this is the shared memory feature. Whilst JavaScript programs break into separate processes (workers) that function alongside each other; the ES2017 instructs these workers to share such binary memory buffers through direct communication and allows multiple agents to perform within a single program, thus allowing the process to be a lot faster.

What can be derived from such developments in programming languages such as these is the potential to exceed the realms of possibility. As languages develop, so do the capabilities of organisations and individuals, therefore, making it an exciting time to be involved within the IT sector. Ireland has established itself as one of Europe’s leading technology leader, and jobs within this country provide professionals and recent graduates the opportunity to develop their skills and experience rapidly in one of the world’s leading tech hubs. So, whether you’re looking for Java Developer jobs in Ireland or within another area of the IT industry, get in touch with our specialist recruiters today. We work with many leading IT companies within Ireland and can match you with the perfect opportunity related to your skills, experiences and requirements.