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Features of JavaScript Engines of Some Major Browsers

JavaScript engines are programmes that execute JavaScript code, converting it into machine code that the browser can understand. Different web browsers use different JavaScript engines, each optimized for performance, memory management, and execution speed. This article provides understanding of the JavaScript engines used by major browsers, as follows:

V8 (Google Chrome & Microsoft Edge)

The V8 Engine is used by Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge (since it switched to Chromium), Opera, and other Chromium-based browsers. It is developed by Google. The following are the features it offers:

  • Just-In-Time (JIT) compilation.
  • Uses two compilers: Full-codegen (for quick compilation) and TurboFan (for optimized execution).
  • Includes an interpreter called Ignition.
  • Supports WebAssembly.
  • Powers Node.js, allowing JavaScript to run outside browsers.

SpiderMonkey (Mozilla Firefox)

SpiderMonkey is used by Mozilla Firefox and developed by same. The features and facts about this engine include:

  • First JavaScript engine ever created.
  • Uses Just-In-Time (JIT) compilation.
  • Has an interpreter called Baseline, a JIT compiler called IonMonkey, and an optimization tool called Warp.
  • Supports WebAssembly.

JavaScriptCore (Safari - WebKit)

JavaScriptCore (also known as Nitro) is the engine used by Safari belonging to Apple who also developed it. The features it has are:

  • Just-In-Time (JIT) compilation.
  • Has different execution tiers: LLInt (Low-Level Interpreter), Baseline JIT, and DFG JIT (Data Flow Graph).
  • Supports WebAssembly.
  • Optimized for macOS and iOS devices.

Chakra (Internet Explorer)

The Chakra is used by Internet Explorer (IE 9-11) and developed by Microsoft with the following features:

  • JIT compilation for improved performance.
  • No longer actively developed, as IE has been replaced by Edge.

ChakraCore (Microsoft Edge - Legacy)

ChakraCore, the engine used by Microsoft Edge (before switching to Chromium) is expectedly developed by Microsoft with the following features:

  • A more advanced version of Chakra.
  • Supported Just-In-Time (JIT) compilation.
  • Open-source but now discontinued after Edge moved to Chromium.

Hermes (React Native)

Hermes (not a browser engine) is used by React Native apps and developed by Meta (Facebook). These are the features it provides:

  • Optimized for mobile performance.
  • Uses ahead-of-time (AOT) compilation instead of JIT.

Conclusion

The V8 is clearly the most widely used engine, powering Chrome, Edge, and Node.js. Others include SpiderMonkey; specialized for Firefox with JavaScriptCore (Nitro); optimized for Safari. Chakra is now said to be obsolete after Internet Explorer’s discontinuation and Hermes is specifically designed for React Native apps.

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Plang Gabriel Damwesh
Web 2.0 Development Student at Blockfuse Labs
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What I learned about JavaScript

IntroductionJavaScript is said to be, technically, the first programming language to be learnt on our journey to becoming tech experts at Blockfuse Labs. The language is used for creating dynamic and interactive web pages, hence its ability to manipulate the Document Object Model (DOM) is central to this functionality. DOM events and methods allow developers to respond to user interactions and programmatically modify web page content. This report details some DOM events and methods learnt in class, providing clear explanations and concise examples to illustrate their usage. These tools are essential for building responsive, user-friendly web applications.

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Building a Student Registration and Login Form

Report: Building a Student Registration and Login FormI developed a student registration and login form using HTML, Tailwind CSS, and JavaScript to create a user-friendly system for students to register and access a school portal. My goal was to design an intuitive interface, validate user inputs, and provide clear feedback for errors to ensure a smooth user experience.Frontend DevelopmentI used HTML to structure the registration and login forms, creating input fields for details like name, email, password, and student ID. Tailwind CSS helped me style the forms quickly, making them visually appealing and responsive across devices. The clean design ensured users could easily navigate and interact with the forms.Form Validation with JavaScriptJavaScript was key in validating user inputs. For the registration form, I implemented checks to ensure all required fields were filled, email formats were valid, and passwords met minimum strength criteria. For the login form, JavaScript verified that the entered credentials matched registered user data. If errors occurred, such as an incorrect password or missing fields, I programmed the system to display clear error messages, guiding users to correct their inputs.Error Handling and User FeedbackI focused on providing immediate feedback to enhance usability. For example, if a user entered an invalid email during registration, an error message appeared below the field, prompting them to fix it. Similarly, login attempts with incorrect credentials triggered a message advising the user to check their details or register if they didn’t have an account. This approach minimized frustration and helped users complete their tasks successfully.Challenges and LearningsOne challenge was ensuring the JavaScript validation worked seamlessly across different browsers. I tested the forms thoroughly to resolve compatibility issues. Additionally, balancing design simplicity with functionality taught me how to prioritize user needs. Using Tailwind CSS was a new experience, and I appreciated its efficiency in styling compared to traditional CSS.ConclusionBuilding the student registration and login forms was a rewarding experience. I successfully created a functional and user-friendly system that met the project’s goals. The combination of HTML, Tailwind CSS, and JavaScript allowed me to deliver a polished frontend and robust validation, while the error-handling system ensured a positive user experience. This project strengthened my skills in web development and deepened my understanding of creating practical, user-focused applications.

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A report on my interview with

A report on my interview with my senior colleague, Dyelshak Wetshakat, regarding his experience with JavaScript programming.How would you describe your journey in programming, particularly with JavaScript?My programming journey has been both challenging and exciting. Every day presents something new to learn, pushing me to improve constantly. It has become a way of life for me.As for JavaScript, it's a mix of fun and frustration. Some days, it feels rewarding; other days, it’s overwhelming. But regardless of its challenges, JavaScript is essential—you simply can’t do without it.What challenges have you encountered?JavaScript comes with many challenges. A piece of code may work in one instance but fail in another. It’s highly dynamic and not always straightforward. Additionally, it demands a significant amount of time and patience.How have you been able to cope?You can’t entirely overcome the challenges, but you can manage them through constant practice. JavaScript requires a lot of time—sometimes up to 85% of your day. Personally, I’ve lost entire days just trying to solve problems and improve my skills.What advice would you give to someone learning JavaScript?The truth is, JavaScript isn’t difficult, but it is hard. It’s not difficult in the sense that you can learn and understand it, but it’s hard because it is extremely time-consuming. If you’re used to coding for three hours a day, you’ll need at least six hours for JavaScript, aside from your regular classes.If you were to start learning JavaScript today, what would you do differently?Honestly, there’s not much I would change. However, I would pay more attention to syntax because everything in JavaScript is built around it. Mastering syntax, methods, arrays, objects, and operators is crucial. When you start working with the DOM, that’s when you truly begin to understand JavaScript, as it revolves around these core concepts.

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Using HTML and Tailwind CSS to replicate the HackMD Blog Page

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