JavaScript is the language of the Internet.
It’s used to power dynamic interactions in front-end content. It’s used to power high-concurrency processing systems on the server-side.
But is JavaScript capable of powering more than just websites?
Data Processing
I’ve talked at length before about how JavaScript can be used to run high-performance (and even academic) programs. I was able to convert an old Fortran astrophysics simulation into a JavaScript application that runs in a fraction of the time, and with no exotic setup required.
Last fall I had the opportunity to speak in Russia about the power of asynchronous data processing – using new APIs to power systems from graphics processing to encryption.
Next weekend, I will be speaking in Brazil about using JavaScript to power asynchronous data processing tasks. My code demonstration will use multi-threaded client-side JavaScript to solve the million monkeys problem.[ref]I will write at length about the code and my approach after the conference.[/ref]
My point: not only is JavaScript everywhere, it can do nearly anything.
The Internet of Things
As more of our household devices become interconnected, there is an underlying drive to standardize the ways in which they’re connected. This standardization was part of the impetus for developing Node.JS for the server.
I recently read an article proposing the use of JavaScript as an embedded runtime for not-computing devices.
Imagine: a microwave with internals scripted in the same language that powers Facebook.
This is both a frightening and an exciting development with technology. On the one hand, standardization – anyone will be able to script their coffee-maker, their refrigerator, or air conditioner using readily-available and understandable code.
On the other hand, it means security issues that currently plague the Internet will also affect our non-computing devices as well.
I’ve termed my Brazil presentation on JavaScript Monkeys in the Machine due to the nature of the genetic simulation it performs. The prospect of JavaScript as an embedded runtime, however, suggests there will only be more monkeys in machines we never anticipated.
