We built tools that allow us to create and distribute applications and information at an incredible pace. The web, and the technologies surrounding it, emerged quickly, with bitter fights (Netscape v. Microsoft) and competing standards. Now we pay the price for that speed of innovation.
Fortunately, things are looking up: As the web stabilizes as a platform, and browser developers have time to pay back their code debt, applications will respond more quickly. Similarly, we're starting to see better toolkits like React and Om, which treat the browser more as an application platform and less like a document viewer.
I wholeheartedly agree with the sentiment behind this post. We developed the web quickly; as the web stabilizes, so can we step back and optimize the slow parts. And we are: HTTP 2.0, Servo, WebGL, asm.js, better JavaScript engines, better rendering engines, and better applications.
The browser isn't inherently a slow layer of abstraction; we just haven't refined the technology to a point where it's simple to create performant webpages. I think we're on the right track, but progress is slow when you're trying to upgrade everyone in the world.
Fortunately, things are looking up: As the web stabilizes as a platform, and browser developers have time to pay back their code debt, applications will respond more quickly. Similarly, we're starting to see better toolkits like React and Om, which treat the browser more as an application platform and less like a document viewer.
I wholeheartedly agree with the sentiment behind this post. We developed the web quickly; as the web stabilizes, so can we step back and optimize the slow parts. And we are: HTTP 2.0, Servo, WebGL, asm.js, better JavaScript engines, better rendering engines, and better applications.
The browser isn't inherently a slow layer of abstraction; we just haven't refined the technology to a point where it's simple to create performant webpages. I think we're on the right track, but progress is slow when you're trying to upgrade everyone in the world.