Here's what people in tech had to say about JavaScript when it debuted in 1995
Time and time again JavaScript is crowned the most popular programming language in the World. Whether you agree with that or not, one thing's for sure: It's come a long way since its debut back in 1995.
To mark the release of JavaScript a joint press release was issued from Netscape and Sun Microsystems on December 4, 1995.
"Programmers have been overwhelmingly enthusiastic about Java because it was designed from the ground up for the Internet. JavaScript is a natural fit, since it's also designed for the Internet and Unicode-based worldwide use," said Bill Joy, co-founder and vice president of research at Sun. "JavaScript will be the most effective method to connect HTML-based content to Java applets."
[ . . . and some testimonials . . .]
"SCO looks forward to supporting the JavaScript language on both our OpenServer and UnixWare product lines. JavaScript will enable developers to create substantially more stimulating and interactive web-based applications than ever before, giving them the edge they need to compete for the attention of the increasingly sophisticated population of Internet users."
Richard Treadway
Vice President, Layered Products
SCO
It claimed that JavaScript would be an "easy-to-use" scripting language designed for "creating live online applications".
The press release then went on to share praise from then industry bigwigs.
Here's what members of the tech industry had to say about little old JavaScript back in 1995. Some of the companies here are still going, others....not so much.
"JavaScript brings the power of rapid multimedia application development with cross-platform mobility at both the operating system and architecture level. We are pleased to integrate this powerful language into our Developer's Program."
Mike Connors, President
America Online Technologies"JavaScript will allow us to easily create personalized applets for the Excite service. These applets, combined with the rich functionality of the Excite service, will integrate more fully into the users experience as they explore and navigate the Internet."
Graham Spencer, Chief Technology Officer
Architext Software
JavaScript is popular. Also, I would observe, based on the number of participants, that death and taxes are extremely popular!
(Score: 2) by JoeMerchant on Tuesday February 25 2020, @04:52PM (3 children)
All things have their place - I was quite happy with interpreted BASIC on 8 bit micros back in 1985, and when the interpreted BASIC was too slow, you could inline a little assembly code to get the data moving better.
The final nail for Java, for me, was when browsers started locking it out for "security reasons." Now, Javascript lives on in its sandboxes, but I've never been particularly interested in sandbox programming - it certainly has its place, but it always seems too limited to do what needs doing in my work.
🌻🌻 [google.com]
(Score: 2) by DannyB on Tuesday February 25 2020, @07:08PM (2 children)
Java should NEVER have been in web browsers. For exactly the same reasons that ActiveX, Flash and Silverlight should never have been in browsers.
It required browsers to interact with the ${Java | Flash | ActiveX | Silverlight} runtime in complex ways that defy the very idea of trying to have security.
To transfer files: right-click on file, pick Copy. Unplug mouse, plug mouse into other computer. Right-click, paste.
(Score: 2) by JoeMerchant on Tuesday February 25 2020, @08:12PM (1 child)
The illusion of security? Cambridge Analytica clearly demonstrated that wetware is hackable, no matter how secure the electronic channel is.
🌻🌻 [google.com]
(Score: 2) by DannyB on Tuesday February 25 2020, @08:39PM
When the electronic channel isn't secure, then no need to try to trick humans and risk getting a properly skeptical human.
To transfer files: right-click on file, pick Copy. Unplug mouse, plug mouse into other computer. Right-click, paste.