JavaScript in the Age of COVID

The OpenJS Foundation recently hosted a panel to discuss current JavaScript trends. The panel was moderated by Nick Nisi and featured Chris Aniszczyk, Alex Williams, and Liz Parody. 

This panel is a follow-up from one held at an OpenJS Foundation event held in Montreal in 2019. How has our view of the future of JavaScript changed? What can we expect in 2021? 

Topics ranged from positive changes to the JavaScript ecosystem in 2020 to the ways in which virtual learning allows for more diversity and inclusion at conferences. 

With moves such as the release of Node.js 14, a resurgence in web component development, and continued work on TypeScript, the JavaScript community clearly continued to iterate and develop during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

There are some notable bright spots due to the pandemic. Because of the shift to virtual conferencing, users from all over the globe are now able to take advantage of industry seminars and workshops in ways that previously were not financially or geographically appropriate. 

And, the panel also covered how the JavaScript community continues to make efforts to create a more inclusive environment for underrepresented members, as well. 

The full AMA is available here: JavaScript Trends Panel

Timestamps

0:00 Brief Introduction

1:45 Moderator Introduction

2:45 Positive JavaScript Changes In the Last Year

5:00 Microsoft’s Influence 

6:40 Other Positive 2020 Notes

9:38 Security in the JavaScript Community

12:30 Security in the World 

15:15 Supply Chain Attacks

15:42 Are Custom Elements the Future?

16:40 Diversity and Inclusion

24:00 Inclusion for Conferences

26:00 Low or No Code

32:20 JamStack

38:15 JamStack vs WordPress

40:45 JavaScript Remains a Leader

45:08 JavaScript Performance Issues As a Writing Tool

49:55 Deno as a Node Competitor 

52:38 Anticipating 2021

57:00 Wrap-Up

58:05 Wrap-Up